The Monkees

Headquarters

It has become clear to me that all my musical roads lead back to “Headquarters” The more I listen to it the more convinced I am that it is the one album I would take with me if one was all I was allowed. It'sperfect pop, rock ‘n’ roll, heart breaking, evocative, just plain crazy and unique. The absolute reason why The Monkees are so much better than many would think. It’s the album where they begin to take control, Nesmith’s contribution to the song writing in You Told Me and You Just May Be The One show a rare talent blooming. Look at them…

You Just may Be The One

The maniacal genius of Dolenz of Randy Scouse Git” and his truly unique singing style evidenced on the full on No Time again show a man of rare talent who is up there with the great vocalists. Let’s have some kettle drums.

Randy Scouse Git

Davy Jones breaks some hearts with delightful breathy vocals on Forget That Girl Then there’s Peters piano and keyboards that lift songs like I Can’t Get Her Off My Mind.

Forget That Girl

Ok you say, it’s just another pop album but then I say what about Zilch, where did that come from? Mr Webster tells the tale of a Nick Leeson character taking the companies money while they prepare his leaving do, it’s the sequel to The Jams Smithers-Jones.

It ticks every single box and hasn’t dated one bit. I can tend towards hyperbole but it is not misplaced when I say if you only own one “Pop” album it must be Headquarters you won’t be disappointed.

Hearing my sisters play this album 50 odd years ago set the stall for me musically. Melodic, pop filled, songs about life and love that set my musical senses to “Monkee”. I’ve flirted with other genres but I always go back to those Early Morning Blues and Greens that can be heard in everything from Haircut 100 to Del Amitri and everything in between

A smile, a cry and a sing a long. Try not yelling “Why don’t you cut your hair” or whispering “Zilch, zilch, zilch” or shedding a tear to “All men must have someone, have someone, who will stand beside them”.

This is pop music, plain and simple this album does everything that was possible in 1967. Take The Beatles away and all you have left is The Monkees and this is their finest moment.

To finish here’s a fascinating clip of You Told Me deconstructed. The banjo is spectacular and played by Peter Tork. Nesmith’s vocal is perfect.

Now the finished song

You Told Me

https://youtu.be/7zv8RNzczzQ?si=F1gc_J5VtGtWod29