It's 1968. The kids are outside protesting on the streets, The Beatles are recording The White Album and what are the Monkees doing? They're making a psychedelic/avant-garde film with Bob Rafelson and Jack Nicholson. Sadly, this film ended up ruining the Monkees entire career. It was not a commericial success and became a box office bomb. Because of the film, they began to lose fans and record sales. In December, the release of the soundtrack only made it to #45 on the Billboard charts. From then on, it was all downhill for the Monkees.
Now, the soundtrack for "Head" is considered their most adventurous recording. It only contains 6 proper songs with bits of diologue from the film and sound effects . The first track "Purpoise Song" is just one of those songs you never want it to end. It is written by Carole King who also wrote the song "Pleasant Valley Sunday" that was a huge hit. Micky Dolenz's voice sends shivers up your spine when he sings the first line "My, my the clock in the sky is pounding away/Theres so much to say". The song flows so well within the first scene of the film when Micky jumps off the Gerald Desmond Bridge and into the water where he swims with mermaids.
The second proper song of the album is Michael Nesmith's "Circle Sky". Mike was always known in the Monkees for being the most talented musician. Rumor has it that he invented country rock. Pretty cool eh? Anyways, this song is probably one of the best song he has ever written. Nesmith made a damn good guitar riff for the song too. In the movie, they play it live in front of thousands of screaming girls. Its so raw and intense.
The third proper song "Can You Dig It?" is sung by Micky Dolenz. Peter Tork was orginally going to sing on this track since he wrote it but his voice didn't work out too well. Lets just say Peter isn't the greatest singer in the world. Personally, I don't really like this song. Its like they were trying too hard to make it sound psychedelic. It has a weird indian vibe to it. If you want to make a indian song for a 60s rock band, let George Harrison do it.
"As We Go Along" is the fourth proper song. I can't even describe how amazing this song is. It is written by the genius Carole King with Micky on vocals and Neil Young on guitar. Its one of those songs you never it to end. I remember when I was working on a project and this song came on my iTunes at random and I had to just stop what I was doing. The acoustics make you feel like you're in heaven. Hearing Micky singing the line, "We'll make up our story as we go along" is just an incredible feeling. In the film, the song is played in the background as the guys are shown walking around the beach and just letting their mind be free and that's exactly how feel each time I listen to it.
The fifth proper song "Daddy's Song" is just trash to me. I am really not a fan of Davy Jones voice on this track. The movie just makes it worse when you see him dance and sing like a total retard. You just want to punch Davy in the balls. On the bonus track of the album, Michael Nesmith sings it and its actually decent.
The last proper song "Long Title: Do I Have to do This All Over Again" is sung and written by Peter Tork. Its Peter's masterpiece. Its has a great blues rock n'roll vibe with a psychedelic guitar solo going on throughout the song. The song is hilarious in the film when they throw Mike a huge surprise birthday party and everyone is just dancing and having a shit load of fun while Mike is ready to explode on everyone.
Overall, this album is pretty neat. If you never listened to the Monkees, I'd definitely recommend getting this one. Its far from what they have made in the past. If you ever get the chance, watch the movie. Its so bizzare but awesome. Also, you might need to smoke a lot of pot in order to understand it.
[Trailer for the movie Head]
[Buy Head from Rhino Records]
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