Makeover Monday - the Monkees Edition

For some unknown reason, I've been on a real Monkees kick of late. So, it seemed fitting to dedicate this edition of Makeover Monday to the band often called the "prefab four".

"Daydream Believer" was written by John Stewart shortly before he exited the Kingston Trio. Davy Jones was the lead vocalist on the signle, which reached a top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was the Monkees last number one hit in the U.S. Anne Murray's 1979 remake only hit #3.



Neil Diamond composed "I'm A Believer", fronted by drummer Micky Dolenz. The song spent seven weeks in the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the biggest seller of 1967.



"Porpoise Song (Theme From Head)" was written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and the Monkees released it as a single in 1968. It reached a #62 rank on the Billboard Hot 100.



"Pleasant Valley Sunday" was also written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. According to Wikipedia.org, the song 'was a social commentary on status symbols, creature comforts, life in suburbia, and "keeping up with the Joneses"'. Maybe even the Davy Joneses...okay, sorry, I couldn't resist.

The single peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.



Hope you've enjoyed this walk down memory lane. Have a fantastic Makeover Monday.

Makeover Monday - Daydream Believer

Lately I've been on a kick listening to music from my past. I loved the Monkees, the slapstick silly show...as well as the music. Yes, I realize that the Monkees were a made up band, meant only to further the television show. But, I think that many people are unaware that the band actually boasted some musical talent, and some catchy singles.

That being said, this is Makeover Monday...so this is a cover of a Monkees gem...



Enjoy!

Listen, Despite the Reviews...

I admit it, I often check out album reviews to see what the "experts" think about a release before I make a purchase. But, I've learned that no matter what the expert says, a listen is the only way to know for sure whether or not I personally like an album.

For example, Pitchfork.com regularly reviews the kinds of albums I'm most likely to add to my collection. Their reviews are always well-written and worth reading, in my humble opinion. That being said, I don't always agree with their analysis.

For example, they recently gave rather poor review marks to Kele's (the lead singer of Bloc Party) solo effort. While I agree that it doesn't stand up to his work with Bloc Party, it's got a few gems, like the following single:



So, what's my point? You've often "heard me say" that if we all liked the same things the world would be a pretty boring place. That definitely applies to music. To know what you like, what sounds good, you have to listen. You can't really know the sound of a song or album without listening, no matter how descriptive the text describing it.

Most record labels offer up at least a couple singles for early listens, so you can visit their web sites to see what you think. You can also go to iTunes and listen to excerpts of most albums. Finally, sites like last.fm and grooveshark.com provide plenty of listening opportunities before you buy.

Holy Ghost Tent Revival at Mellow Macon Tonight

According to their web site, "melding brass with banjo, guitar, bass, drums, and keys this six-piece ensemble boasts an eclectic mash of instruments and styles -- a musical alchemy all their own.

Image courtesy, Last.fm

Holy Ghost Tent Revival hit the stage at Macon's Mellow Mushroom tonight at 10:30.




Catch up on their sound before you check out the show, full album listen links below.

Listen to Family: CLICK HERE

Listen to So Long I Screamed: CLICK HERE