April 1987
CONTENTS
A Riot Of Our Own: a monkees overview
Iman Lababedi
It’s been noted that former Clash manager Bernie Rhodes’s favorite song during the advent of punk was “(Theme From) The Monkees.” “This is the part I like best,” he’d claim, singing along to “We’re the young generation, and we’ve got something to say.”
THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS THEN: THE MONKEES ON RECORD
Craig Zeller
In the preface to his assiduously researched Monkeemania (St. Martin’s Press), author Glenn A. Baker means it when he says, “The Monkees are destined to be regarded forever as rock’s first great embarrassment.” (That should come as a big relief to Pat Boone.)
ENTER & WIN! MONKEE TRIVIA CONTEST
The Monkees are back—and bigger than ever! Are your old Monkees’ records worn out and scratched? If so, here’s your chance to win a whole new collection! From The Monkees through Changes, Rhino Records has rereleased the entire collection of Monkees records—and they can be yours!
THE MONKEES
I LIKE THE MONKEES
Bill Holdship
One of the worst aspects of rock ’n’ roll is that it’s often centered on this debate as to whether something is “cool” or not. Taste, like beauty, is always in the eye of the beholder—but it sure makes for humorous observations today when someone uses musical phlegm like Depeche Mode as a “cool” status symbol.
THE MONKEES ’87: YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW PETER TORK
Bill Holdship
(It’s late afternoon, Sunday, November 16, 1986. It’s cold and raining in Pontiac, Michigan, where the Monkees are scheduled to play tonight. The last time they were in Michigan, they played an outdoor venue on a beautiful summer evening.
HEAD GAMES
John Kordosh
Eighteen year after its theater release, the enigmatic Head— the Monkees' only feature film—is available on video. That demand for the film was fueled by the Monkees’ bizarre 1986 success is unquestionable. What’s open for question (again) is the film’s worth and, in a way, the ultimate worth of the Monkees themselves.
THE MONKEES ’87: YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW MICKY DOLENZ
Bill Holdship
(I proceed to Micky’s room, which is a far cry from the quiet solitude of Peter's environment. The door is opened by Ellie, the nanny who cares for Micky's three preschool-aged daughters, Charlotte, Emily and Georgia. I meet Micky’s wife, Trina, as well as Trina’s sister, before Micky emerges from the bathroom.
THE MONKEES
MONKEE MAIL
WE LOSE! I’m hoping (no, praying!) that you’ll never, ever do a story on the Monkees (or print a picture of them for that matter). ’Cuz, if you do, not only will I cancel my subscription, I’ll scratch my nails on your blackboard. And if you still insist on reporting on them, I swear to God, I’m gonna sing to you guys— certainly cruel and inhuman punishment.
Monday Night Heroes: THE MONKEES ON TV
Jeff Tamarkin
When John Lennon praised the Monkees and compared their wacky antics to the Marx Brothers, his compliment was not only flattering but ironic. It was the Beatles’ film. A Hard Day's Night, after all, that provided the impetus for the television show, The Monkees.
THE MONKEES ’87: YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW DAVID JONES
Bill Holdship
One of the biggest questions we hear from Monkees’ fans at the CREEM office is when is your autobiography finally coming out? David Jones: It’ll actually be finished by mid-week of next week. We’ve formed a company, and we’re going to publish it ourselves.
MONKEES U.S. DISCOGRAPHY
Dennis Loren
MIKE NESMITH REMEMBER
Mike McDowell
Meeting Michael Nesmith for the first time was the realization of a 12-year-long dream. Nesmith’s work has demonstrated the highest caliber of aesthetic enrichment and emotional fulfillment. Be it his early singles for Omnibus, Edan and Colpix Records, his pioneering groundwork as lead guitarist with the Monkees, or his country-rock innovations with the First National Band, the name Michael Nesmith has always stood for first-rate musicianship.
DAVID JONES
PETER TORK