The Monkees may be winding down with their anticipated 2021/2022 farewell tour, but if this amazing album is any indication, remaining members Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith still have a bright future ahead of them as singer and songwriter, respectively.
A rousing and invigorating mix of pop, rock, folk, country and western, Americana, ragtime, and even Indian music complete with tablas and sitars, this is indeed an awesome album, one of the best of all time and certainly far better than most new recordings from veteran artists of the 1960s.
At 76 years old, Dolenz still sounds as vibrant and energetic as he ever has, perhaps even more so on this album, which highlights his youthful and elastic vocals more effectively than the Monkees albums of the last decade.
This is probably the strongest selection of songs Dolenz has sung on any album, most likely because Nesmith is the songwriter.
Even though these are covers of Nesmith originals, the songs are both fresh and familiar, thanks to the crisp production of Nesmith’s musician son, Christian.
If you’re already acquainted with these classic Nesmith tunes, you will dig Christian’s thoughtful, sensitive, and rocking new arrangements.
If they’re new to you, you’re still in for a musical treat for your ears.
Based on the high quality and enjoyment factor of this album, I want to hear Dolenz sing more Nesmith songs, both old and new.
