Get ready for a musical journey with The Monkees' legendary album, Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones, Ltd.! This Super Deluxe Edition is a treasure trove for fans and collectors alike, marking the 60th anniversary of The Monkees' formation.
A Musical Odyssey Unveiled
The album, released in 1967, showcases the creative freedom enjoyed by Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork. It's a musical smorgasbord, featuring songs from established writers, rising stars, and the group's own prolific songwriter, Michael Nesmith.
But here's where it gets controversial... The album's production involved not just the Monkees, but also producer/bassist Chip Douglas, drummer Eddie Hoh, and a host of string, wind, and horn players. Yet, the four Monkees took center stage, playing on the record and choosing its songs.
A Pop Bliss with a Bite
One of the album's highlights is the pulsating rocker, "Pleasant Valley Sunday." Sung by Micky Dolenz with a killer guitar riff, it offers a biting commentary on suburban life. This track, released as a single, reached the top 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting the stage for the album's release.
And this is the part most people miss... The album's name is a nod to the group members' astrological signs, with Dolenz as Pisces, Tork as Aquarius, and Jones and Nesmith as Capricorn.
Nesmith's Musical Imprint
Michael Nesmith left an indelible mark on the album, taking the lead on five songs. From the psychedelic opener "Salesman" to the dreamy "Love Is Only Sleeping," his contributions are diverse and memorable. He also penned "Daily Nightly," a meditation on the Sunset Strip riots, featuring Micky Dolenz on vocals.
Davy Jones shines on "Cuddly Toy" and "Star Collector," showcasing his theatrical pop sensibilities. Meanwhile, stalwarts Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart offer the garage-style gem "Words," with another powerful lead from Dolenz.
Innovative Sounds and Moog Magic
Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones, Ltd. is a trailblazer, featuring one of pop's earliest appearances of the Moog synthesizer on "Daily Nightly" and "Star Collector." The album also showcases a unique fusion of country and rock on "What Am I Doing Hangin' Round," with electric banjo by Doug Dillard.
The Super Deluxe Edition: A Comprehensive Journey
The new box set is an exhaustive exploration of the album's story, its songs, and the band's surrounding productions. Disc 1 presents the original stereo album with bonus tracks and Sandoval's new remixes, offering fresh perspectives on the songs.
Davy Jones' "Hard to Believe" sparkles in the remix, and Sandoval quotes Jones' prescient prediction about Broadway rock. With groundbreaking musicals on the horizon, Jones' vision was ahead of its time.
The box set includes rare gems like the extended mix of "Goin' Down" and the beautiful rendition of "Riu Chiu," featuring Nesmith and Douglas' vocals.
Disc 2 continues the mono journey, with mono bonuses and alternate mixes. It features the unedited TV mix of "Goin' Down," only partially heard in the episode "A Coffin Too Frequent."
Discs 3 and 4 offer a potpourri of sessions and alternate mixes, including backing tracks that showcase The Monkees' musical growth. There are mystery tracks, too, like the country-rock groove of "I Don't Know Yet" and a groovy "Jam #1" featuring Peter Tork.
A Lavish Collection, Meticulously Designed
The box set is a work of art, designed by Steve Stanley with meticulous attention to detail. It includes a 32-page booklet with Andrew Sandoval's liner notes, rare photos, and memorabilia images. The CDs are housed in protective sleeves, and the set is mastered with care by Dan Hersch.
While this may be the final box in the album series, fans can hope for more, perhaps a similar collection for the band's remaining albums through 2018.
This definitive collection is a must-have for Monkees enthusiasts. Get your hands on it now at The Monkees' official store!
What's your take on this musical journey? Share your thoughts in the comments!
