THE MONKEES @ 55

 

Celebrating its 55th anniversary today, The Monkees debut album was released on October 10th, 1966. While it may have been a "manufactured image" at this time; a construct built for a fictional TV world, that didn't mean there weren't true creative talents working to put it all together.

First and foremost, there was the powerhouse duo of Boyce & Hart, who wrote most of the songs and provided their house band to perform a good chunk of the music. They forged a distinct, slicked up, jangling garage rock style that would be the foundation of The Monkees success. Their contribution of Last Train to Clarksville proved to be chart topping gold, even though it stealthily smuggled in an anti war message.

The album also featured songs from the likes of David Gates, Gerry Goffin and Carole King. And even though the band themselves were only ever intended to contribute vocals to the songs, Michael Nesmith was allowed to contribute a couple of his own compositions, which he co-produced at his own recording session. When it wasn't the Boyce & Hart boys playing the music, the legendary Wrecking Crew musicians were there to round out the album.

As a result, regardless of any criticisms of them being the "pre-fab four", the combination of expert musicians, inspired songwriters and the lightning-in-a-bottle chemistry and personalities of the Monkees themselves added up to a sum which has proven itself against the unforgiving tides of time. This album still holds its charms and power and has rightfully earned its place in the pantheon of classic pop music.