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Definitive Monkees
Monkees
Definitive Monkees
Genre: Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (29) - Disc #1

UK compilation features 29 hits on one CD along with a 31 track bonus CD that includes their best most bizarre off-cutsand out takes, ranging from an Italian-language take of their theme song along with alternate versions ...  more »

     

CD Details

All Artists: Monkees
Title: Definitive Monkees
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Phantom Sound & Visi
Release Date: 2/26/2001
Genre: Pop
Style: Oldies
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 766486903227

Synopsis

Album Description
UK compilation features 29 hits on one CD along with a 31 track bonus CD that includes their best most bizarre off-cutsand out takes, ranging from an Italian-language take of their theme song along with alternate versions of classic tracks from their classic 60's albums. Highlights include the finest-ever rendition of 'Circle Sky', 'Steam Engine' and 'Apples, Peaches & Pears'. This is a limited edition release - initial orders only. 2001 release. Standard jewel case and paper sleeve housed together in a slipcase.

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CD Reviews

Almost
Annie Van Auken | Planet Earth | 03/12/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)

"This fine MONKEES compilation has few flaws.



Disc One is a solid set of the MONKEES best tracks. Almost all the singles are here, with the exception of "D.W. Washburn" and "Tapioca Tundra." "Washburn" generally fares better on retrospectives than "Tundra" however, perhaps due to it's higher peak chart position (#19). As for the Mike Nesmith single, it's puzzling how BEST OF, GREATEST HITS and even "DEFINITIVE" collections sleight it consistently, despite the record having reached #34 on BILLBOARD, in 1968.



Disc Two draws from the three MISSING LINKS albums, and uses some of those CDs' best songs. Overall these two discs present a fine (if not "definitive") set of MONKEES music."
Nice Repackaging of Missing Links + Booklet
Marnie_ATL | Atlanta, GA USA | 05/30/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)

"This nicely designed German-produced compilation has 2 discs. The first disc is compromised of the major songs, it is very similar to the Arista Greatest Hits from 1986. Also, with this set is a nice 20 page booklet with a few rare color photos and interesting text.



The first disc is compromised of the major songs, it is very similar to the out-of-print Arista's Greatest Hits from 1986, however there are few different selections of songs here and there.

The magnificient "Porpoise Song" version on this compilation includes the musical ending after the last lyric "goodbye, goodbye." One seldom finds this longer version of the Porpoise Song on various Monkees compilations, instead this part is often sadly truncated, even on the Rhino Head (1994) rerelease contains the shorter version without this nice long ending. To my ears, this particular version of Porpoise Song seems to have the bells playing very clearly at the end of the song as it is fading. The bells sound louder here more so than the long cut found on Arista's compiliation.



This compiliation was released for the UK, however, I noticed that they used the American title: "Randy Scouse Git" rather than the British title: "Alternative Title." The title, Randy Scouse Git, was considered offensive to the British, but that may have been limited to the 60s era.



The Bonus CD mostly has various songs plucked from the 3 Missing Links volumes as mentioned in the other reviews. If you do not have any of the missing links volumes, this collection will suffice. The Bonus CD selection seems to be heavy on Nesmith and Jones sung/written material. The sound quality of the recordings is superb.



I wanted to make some comments about the booklet. I really enjoyed most of the commentary by the author, Peter Doggett.

The only complaint I have is how he has the wrong birth years for Tork (1944) and Jones (1946). It is well known that Tork's birthday was incorrectly stated many times in the early days. Other than that error, and a few small typos, the commentary goes into particular detail about the quick sudden unexpectant rise to big fame of the Monkees.



I recommend this issue mostly for completists or for someone who does not have any of the missing links volumes."
Gives a good Overview on the Monkees Recording Career!
Morten Vindberg | Denmark | 07/13/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)

"This compilation has one CD including 29 of Monkees hits and best recordings. CD 2 is interesting for people who have not bought any of the Missing Links albums.



All tracks on the second CD have been released on one of the 3 Missing Links albums. Among these outtakes and rarities are some really fine tracks, many of which are much superior to what was actually released on the original albums. Most Michael Nesmith songs are fine; some even great, like "Circle Sky", Propinquity" and "Hollywood". Moreover there is strong material like "So Goes Love" from the earliest 1966 sessions; "Steam Engine" and "Look Down" from their final years. My personal favourite on the rarities CD though, is the version of Neil Diamond's "Love to Love" - that could have been a big hit.



CD 1 is fine, but I would have preferred some of the great album tracks on "Headquarters" or "Pisces . . " to the two reunion tracks.



All in all I would say this compilation gives a good overview on the Monkees recording career!"