The Monkees (1st LP): Deluxe Edition [Digipak] [Limited] by Monkees (The) (CD, Aug-2006, 2 Discs, Rhino Records USA)

As a kid, I watched the Monkees t.v. show not only because they were four of the craziest guys on air, but because they had a cool car. I also very much enjoyed the music on the show, which remains very popular to this day. I am so glad that Rhino Records decided to remaster all of the Monkees albums. They are great for fans, with better sound and TONS of unreleased music and it is nice to be able to play this music for a new generation. The album starts off with the Monkees theme song, which people have heard even if they don't have a clue what a Monkee is. Unfortunately, it is not the television version, which features a different ending. However, you get two versions of the theme on this album. The last track is an interesting early version of the memorable song. The first standout on this album, to me, is track number five, "Papa Gene's Blues", a Mike Nesmith original. It is a very catchy country/pop number with excellent lyrics. I wish more people knew about this one. Next is another one of my favorites, "Take A Giant Step." Mickey sounds great on it! "Last Train to Clarksville" is next, one of the Monkees most famous songs, a fun song that deserves it's status. "Sweet Young Thing" is the other standout to me, another excellent Mike Nesmith song that really proves that he is the most musically talented of the four (Peter Tork is decent with the playing aspect, but isn't a writer or singer). I hadn't heard this song for around seven or eight years, but I still remembered some of the lyrics word-for-word, which is unusual for me, as I can't remember lyrics to many of my current favorites! In addition to all of these fun songs are some very well thought out and inciteful liner notes on the history of the group and the ideas behind the songs. All in all, this is a great album that brings back memories of summer reruns for me and I hope you will share in the fun with me by picking up this album.