Still ripping the mountains of CD’s that I have amassed over the years, I’ve gotten myself in to a little bit of a Monkees kick, and I’ve been rockin’ out to the four mop-tops from Liverpoo…  Oh Wait a minute…

Wrong Band.

Actually I’m more than aware of the differences and manufactured similarities of these two iconic Sixtes pop acts than I care to mention.  All of which compounds my listening pleasure as I plough through their respective back catalogs.

As my listening habits of late have been documented over at Last fm, it seems that the Pre-Fab four have been a regular staple of my music listening of late.

However, listening to Monkee music is a bit of a mixed bag.  Some of their music is a toe tapping mix of audio goodness, while other tracks make you itch to hit the next button.

But overall their music is fun and highly listenable, and while it maybe true that most music fans should at least have the obligatory Greatest Hits CD in their collection, the real star turn in the band is the previously wool hat wearing Michael Nesmith.

While picking through this old music, I very quickly arrived at at the opinion that Mike Nesmith is one of the most under rated musicians of all time.  Moving on to some of Nesmith’s old solo work is like finding gold, I’m blown away but its quality and outstanding song writing!

Truly Staggering…

So for those of you willing to tip toe into Monkeedom, I’ll suggest these following albums for you to borrow, torrent or buy…

First up is he standard Greatest Hits Collection, which will be the beginning or end of your listening relationship with the band.

If that one gives you a taste for more may I recommend “Headquarters”, an excellent vintage circa 1966…

Finally I’d like to give you the heads up on two Nesmith albums that have burned into my brain over the last two weeks or so.

Enjoy!