Album Information Section

Album Title: Then & Now…The Best of the Monkees

Artist: The Monkees

Original Release Date: 1986

Label: Unknown Label

Genres: Pop, Rock

Track Listing:

• 1. (Theme From) The Monkees (2:21)
• 2. Last Train to Clarksville (2:44)
• 3. Take a Giant Step (2:36)
• 4. (I’m Not Your) Stepping Stone (2:25)
• 5. She (2:39)
• 6. A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You (2:52)
• 7. I’m a Believer (2:46)
• 8. Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow) (2:15)
• 9. Sometime in the Morning (2:30)
• 10. The Girl I Knew Somewhere (2:37)
• 11. Randy Scouse Git (2:35)
• 12. You Just May Be the One (2:03)
• 13. For Pete’s Sake (2:12)
• 14. Pleasant Valley Sunday (3:15)
• 15. What Am I Doing Hangin’ Round (3:07)
• 16. Words (2:55)
• 17. Goin’ Down (4:25)
• 18. Daydream Believer (3:08)
• 19. Valleri (2:20)
• 20. D. W. Washburn (2:50)
• 21. Porpoise Song (Theme From “Head”) (4:13)
• 22. Listen to the Band (2:45)
• 23. That Was Then, This Is Now (4:02)
• 24. Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere (3:53)
• 25. Kicks (3:03)

Recording Information

“Then & Now…The Best of the Monkees” serves as a retrospective compilation of The Monkees’ music, encapsulating their career from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s. The album was primarily recorded in various studios across the United States, with notable sessions taking place at RCA Victor Studios in Hollywood. Although specific recording dates for this compilation are not documented, the original tracks were recorded during a prolific period for the band, starting from 1966 to 1970.

The album featured production by accomplished industry figures such as Don Kirshner and Chip Douglas, with engineering contributions from the likes of Victor P. and others who were pivotal in crafting the Monkees’ sound. The use of innovative recording techniques during this era, including multi-track recording, allowed for the lush arrangements that characterized their music. Notably, Kirshner’s vision for The Monkees often included intricate vocal harmonies and pop-oriented melodies, which became a trademark of the band’s appeal.

Band Context

At the time of the album’s release in 1986, The Monkees had experienced a significant revival, largely due to reruns of their television show and a growing appreciation for their music among new generations. Formed in 1965, the band originally comprised four members: Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork. By the mid-1980s, the members had begun to reconnect and perform together again, rekindling their musical camaraderie.

Prior to this compilation, the band had navigated various challenges, including a decline in popularity in the early 1970s and internal conflicts regarding creative control. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw the group briefly reunite for tours and new recordings, as well as a successful television special. “Then & Now” not only celebrated their rich legacy but also introduced new material, including the title track “That Was Then, This Is Now,” which became a hit single, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Track Commentary

The track listing of “Then & Now…The Best of the Monkees” serves as a comprehensive overview of the band’s most notable hits and deeper cuts. Starting with “(Theme From) The Monkees,” the album immediately evokes nostalgia, capturing the essence of the band’s fun and youthful spirit. Tracks like “Last Train to Clarksville” and “I’m a Believer” showcase their blend of catchy pop melodies with a rock edge, which contributed to their initial success and enduring popularity.

Several tracks stand out for their lyrical content and musical innovation. “Pleasant Valley Sunday” reflects a subtle social commentary, while “Daydream Believer” captures a sense of longing and nostalgia. The inclusion of “Porpoise Song (Theme From “Head”)” highlights the band’s more experimental side, as it was part of their 1968 film “Head,” which showcased their artistic aspirations beyond the traditional pop format.

The newer tracks like “That Was Then, This Is Now” and “Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere” effectively bridge the gap between the band’s classic sound and the contemporary pop of the 1980s, demonstrating their adaptability over time. Overall, the album not only serves as a splendid introduction for new listeners but also as a cherished collection for long-time fans, affirming The Monkees’ legacy in the annals of pop history.