Definitive Monkees

Very nice collection of songs by the Monkees. I like that they seem to have added some rarer tracks on here too.

[Note: This review is for the single-CD release The Definitive Monkees, not the 2-CD set that includes that compilation as well as a disc of rarities.]Something that I've come to realize about Monkees collections (or the ones I know of, anyway) is that import-only ones tend to be better than, or at least to strongly rival, domestic ones of corresponding numbers of CDs --- especially when it comes to single-CD ones, as most of the American ones of those have been pretty shortsighted, containing well under 20 tracks. The BEST American one of those is STILL Arista's 25-track, 72-minute Then & Now... The Best Of The Monkees, from way back in '86!This CD, The Definitive Monkees, which is a U.K. import, is (in my opinion) the single-CD compilation that gives Then & Now the strongest run for its money--- in America, the U.K., or anywhere! (And THAT'S saying something!) It packs in a remarkable 29 tracks (though unfortunately, one of the ways that it does this is by including an edited version of "That Was Then, This Is Now") and plays for close to a full 80 minutes (coming only a few seconds short)! It doesn't include quite all of the songs that appear on Then & Now, but it has a few of my favorite Monkees songs that are missing from that comp, like "I Wanna Be Free," "Mary, Mary," and "Shades Of Gray." (As much as I love Then & Now, I can't understand how it could leave off those tracks!)While Then & Now is the collection that this comp is closest to, there is a number of differences between the two besides the exact song selections:-- "Last Train To Clarksville" and "Take A Giant Step" in mono on T&N; in stereo here-- "Steppin' Stone," "Pleasant Valley Sunday," and "Listen To The Band" in their album versions (first two in stereo) on T&N; all three in their mono single versions here-- "A Little Bit Me" in stereo mix from '69 on T&N; in mono single mix here-- "Words" in stereo mix w/o echo on backing vocals on T&N; in mono w/echo here-- "Girl I Knew Somewhere" missing backing vocals during instrumental break on T&N-- "That Was Then" edited here; unedited on T&N-- Sound quality better here than on T&NI love both this comp and T&N; none of the differences between them bother me THAT much. In fact, I actually kind of like most (not ALL) of the differences, and think they make for some interesting (mostly not in negative ways) contrasts! They're both very strong collections, and I can't really say that either of them is the "better one" to get (though you'd probably have to get T&N "used" in order to get it for a good price). I might say that about this one were it not for the facts that "That Was Then" is edited (not that I really think the edit is "bad"), and that it doesn't include "Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere," which is a great, much-too-neglected track. (I was glad to see that song finally make another appearance after about 25[!] years [it was included on the Listen To The Band box set in '91] on the 3-CD 50th Anniversary collection.) I would rather that this collection had left off a couple of songs (like "Goin' Down" and "Cuddly Toy") and included the "full" version of "That Was Then" and (especially) "Anytime." But as they are, it and T&N are both excellent comps; if you're a big Monkees fan like me, you'll probably want to have them both! (As mentioned above, this comp was also released in a set with a "rarities" disc; that set is probably pricy now, at least "new"). However, I WILL say that this is the best single-CD IMPORT Monkees comp out there (again, that I know of, anyway).

Great CD.

I love the songs, and the CD case was broken and cracked, but that's all right. I got it for the songs, not the case condition.

Monkee mania was just a wee bit before my time, so I never watched their TV show or paid much attention to their music until fairly recently. I eventually heard their string of hits on oldies radio--"I'm a Believer", "Last Train to Clarksville", "Daydream Believer", etc--and consider them quite catchy, but I've never taken the band itself very seriously. But thanks to vintage rerun TV stations, I've managed to catch some episodes of the old 1960s show and have found them very entertaining, even with some of the dated gags. It was a fun show and the guys had some great comic timing.Then there's the music.....Anyone who thinks the Monkees were merely a Beatles knockoff needs to dig into some of their minor hits, B-sides, and deeper cuts. There is some serious musical talent there, from the skilled songwriting team to the instrumental production and great vocals by the band (the story of how the guys eventually lobbied to be allowed to play their own instruments is well documented. They also became excellent composers in their own right).If you're not interested in being a completist and purchasing their entire album catalog, THIS is the CD to seek out. I have found it to have the best song lineup out of the many available Best-Of's. There are no duds here; maybe a few tracks that don't hit the highs of the many great songs, but with 29 tracks, you can afford a few lesser songs. The sound is very good also--a little boosted in the bass, which works well with much of this bass driven rock. Earlier masterings sound a bit thin on the bottom end to me.Cue this CD up while you're driving, working in the garage, or surprise your guests (and neighbors) at your next backyard barbeque!

Love this CD. I grew up watching and listening to the Monkees! The CD has many of my favorite songs on it. It is fun to listen to and sing along with!

Great CD, love how many tracks you get for the price, very happy that I purchased it. RIP Peter Halsten Thorkelson 💞

I think it’s very cool! I didn’t realize how many songs they played, it was awesome to hear!

great value for a great price

Everything went well.

Un inno degli anni '60!

The Monkees were great - lots of fun. This album (among many, many compilations) gathers all their hits and many choice album cuts, and is probably enough for everyone but the most dedicated fan (who will want the original albums)

Ich suchte eine Zusammenstellung der besten und erfolgreichsten Titel der Gruppe. Das enthält die CD und deshalb halte ich diese für empfehlenswert.