Did I mention that back even before the Scratchy 45 Days that I was a fan of The Monkees? I wasn’t quite interested in their music at that time but I was an avid viewer of their quirky TV show. I had just turned 3 years old when the show was cancelled but even at that young age, I was interested in The Monkees. What could possibly be the reason for that. I don’t remember anything specific about the show at that age, just that it was quirky and frenetic. I’ll toss this out there too, I also liked The Banana Splits at this time as well. What is it about comedic music groups? Is this foreshadowing? Was I destined to love Spinal Tap?
When I saw The Monkees Greatest Hits in my Columbia House catalog, I had to pick it up. I knew the Monkees Theme and had a vague familiarity with some of the other songs thanks to radio. I ended up really liking the album. It may not have gotten the serious play time as some of the other cassettes of the era but enough to become intimate with each of the songs.
I remember the sterro effect on one of the track had some of the vocals coming from the left speaker and some coming from the right. At some point along the way, my headphones began to fail and I listened to the song with only one side working and thus only half the lyrics. Important? I don’t think so but enough to remember 32 years later. I though it would be a cool way to send coded messages. In order to decipher you would have to turn down the left channel.
Five or six years later, MTV would ressurect the Monkees and I would have the opportunity to watch all those quirky TV episodes again. Maybe I should wait and discuss that later.
The Monkees Theme
Last Train To Clarksville
She This was the one that split the lyrics between left and right I think
Daydream Believer
I’m A Believer
Pleasant Valley Sunday