Monkees, The: Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones LTD. (Deluxe Edition) (Disc 2) CD Track Listing

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Monkees, The Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones LTD. (Deluxe Edition) (Disc 2) (2007)
Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn and Jones LTD. (Deluxe Edition) - Disc 2 of 2\n2007 Rhino Entertainment Company\n\nOriginally released as Colgems #104, November 14, 1967\nArista CD Edition Released July 7, 1987 or August 25, 1989\nRhino Remastered CD Edition Released January 24, 1995\nRhino Handmade Sessions 3CD Edition Released September 21, 2000\nDeluxe 2CD Edition Released July 10, 2007\n\nAMG EXPERT REVIEW: After wresting control of the Monkees from Don Kirschner and recording the very good Headquarters album as a mostly self-contained unit, the bandmembers returned to using studio musicians to augment their sound as well as looking outside the group for the majority of the songs on their fourth album, Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. Whatever the reason for the decision, the resulting album is one of their best. Filled with hooky pop like "She Hangs Out" and the Harry Nilsson-penned "Cuddly Toy," psychedelic ravers "Daily Nightly" and "Star Collector" (both of which feature the newly invented Moog synthesizer), Mike Nesmith-produced rockers ("Love Is Only Sleeping"), and ballads (the lovely "Don't Call on Me"), the album is filler-free and fun-filled. That it contains three of their finest songs ("Words," "Pleasant Valley Sunday," and the song that "invented" country-rock for better or for worse, "What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round?") means that not only is it one of the Monkees' best, it is one of 1967's best. To think that both this album and Headquarters came out the same year! Most bands would be lucky to have two albums this good come out their entire career. Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. is a must-have for any fan of smart, fun, and exciting '60s pop. It doesn't get much better than this. \n\n[Rhino's 1995 reissue of the album adds seven previously unreleased songs including alternate versions of "Daily Nightly" and "Star Collector."] \n\n[In 2007 Rhino gave the album a double-disc deluxe revamp with mono and stereo versions, the bonus tracks from the 1995 reissue, and a bunch of newly created stereo mixes that often utilize previously unheard vocals. The set is aimed at collectors looking to replace their copies of Rhino's 1995 reissue, and it succeeds. It also serves as a fascinating document of the group and, more importantly, some of the best pop music the 1960s have to offer.] -- Tim Sendra \n \n\n\nAmazon.com Product Description\nIn an effort to restore and remaster the music of The Monkees, Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones, LTD is back in a new and improved way! Featuring "Pleasant Valley Sunday," "Salesman," and "Cuddly Toy," this album is a great addition to any Monkees fan's collection. \n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nThe word 'underrated' comes to mind..., September 12, 2006 \nBy B. Lowe (Toronto, ON Canada)\n\nAfter the debacle of trying to record "Headquarters" by themselves, the Monkees got wise and brought back in the studio hands. The result is one of the better albums of the late 60s. There is some schmaltz here, but it's more than displaced by the excellent singing, songwriting, and musicianship displayed by all four Monkees. Michael Nesmith's lead line on "Pleasant Valley Sunday", although admittedly lifted from "Paperback Writer", is particularily well executed (never mind the fact Lennon borrowed it from Bobby Parker's "Watch Your Step"). Nesmith's reading of his early 60s Greenwich Village torch song "Don't Call On Me" is a wonderfully poignant counterpoint to some of the more overly pop elements on the disc, and "Love Is Only Sleeping" is easily the high point of his Monkees output. Here's hoping Rhino reissues the mono mix of this album as well, as "Sleeping" has some radical and ear-pleasing differences from its stereo counterpart. \n\nAs usual with a Rhino reissue, the liner notes don't disappoint. Another bonus is the original track-listing of the album, which you can recreate by programming your cd player. Both versions are contenders in my book! \n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nOne of the top ten albums of the 1960's. This is NO joke..., January 1, 2006 \nBy Robert Bykowski (Milwaukee, WI USA)\nNo, I'm not kidding. 'Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.' is not only the Monkees' best album ('Headquarters' ranks a close second), it's one of the ten best rock or pop albums of the '60's, and ranks right alongside 'Revolver', 'Pet Sounds', 'Forever Changes', 'Beggars Banquet', 'Highway 61 Revisited', 'Are You Experienced ?' and 'Rubber Soul'. A reevaluation of the Monkees' collective talents is WAY overdue; when you realize that these guys came together as two actors and two semi-pro musicians who auditioned for a TV series because they were in desperate need of work AND THEN forced themselves to become a REAL band, it's pretty amazing just how damn good (and often great) they became. The musical growth and diversity they display on this album is truly astounding --Mike Nesmith, the band's most talented member, shines on tracks like "The Door Into Summer", "Love Is Only Sleeping", and his yearning, soaring vocal on the magnificent country-like "What Am I Doin' Hanging Round ?" (possibly his all time greatest vocal performance). Micky shines on what still might rank as the finest three-minute exploration of suburban disenchantment ("Pleasant Valley Sunday"), as well as what may be the first usage of Moog synthesizer on a rock record ("Daily Nightly"). Even Davy - usually the weak link in the band - manages to charm and delivery solid performances on Harry Nilsson's "Cuddly Toy", "She Hangs Out" and the groupie tribute "Star Collector". Only Peter fails to make an impression here, although his solid musicianship can be heard on several tracks. The remastered sound on this disc really jumps out at you, and highlights what is already a superb album. \n\nIf you don't have this one in your collection of '60's rock CDs, you really are missing out on a vital link between the cheerier pop/rock of the early '60's and the darker, more forboding sounds of the late '60's. 'Pisces' will hopefully lead you to discover the Monkees' always good and frequently brilliant catalogue of music. \n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nThe Monkees Finest Hour!!!!, March 1, 2005 \nBy Patrick Zappi (New Jersey, USA)\n\nThe Monkees hit a creative peak with their November 1967 release Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Limited, the group's fourth straight #1 album. The title is a combination of the group's astrological signs; Micky, Peter, and Mike respectively,... Davy, who shares the same birthday as Mike Nesmith, is of course the Jones. After providing all the instruments on their third album "Headquarters", the Monkees who were on a North American tour at the time, defer to a more practical approach to record-making and share the instrumental duties with a variety of other musicians. What that basically means is that Micky Dolenz is no longer the drummer in the studio. The group was also more open to outside songwriters this time around utilizing pros like Carole King and Boyce and Hart while recording tracks by future stars like Nilsson and Michael Martin Murphy. Aided in no small part by the expert production of Chip Douglas (who also supplies bass guitar), the Monkees turn in their finest and most enjoyable collection of songs. Michael Nesmith continues to yield an increasing amount of control over the group's output, as he sings five of the twelve songs here and writes a sixth. For the first time Nesmith lends vocals to songs not of his own composition, Murphy's "What Am I Doin' Hangin' Round", Mann and Weill's "Love Is Only Sleeping" and the wistful "Door Into Summer" written by producer Douglas and Nesmith friend Bill Martin. All are album highlights as is Nesmith's dark and moody "Daily Nightly" sung ably by Micky Dolenz who keeps a remarkably low profile on this album, represented only by this song and two sides of a previously released single, Boyce and Hart's menacing "Words" and the greatest song the Monkees ever recorded, Goffin and King's anthemic "Pleasant Valley Sunday". Nesmith's final appearance is on the beautiful "Don't Call On Me", a gentle ballad co-written with his friend John London with a fragile vocal similar to his future hit "Joanne". Davy Jones shows a new confidence under Douglas' direction and shines on the rocking "She Hangs Out", Nilsson's infectious "Cuddly Toy", Goffin and King's catchy "Star Collector" and the pleasant "Hard to Believe", co-written by Jones with the Sundowners, the group's opening act on tour. Peter Tork contributes some of his best vocals to "Words", (a duet with Dolenz) and plays a skillfull electric piano solo on "PVS" while contributing keyboards and guitar on several tracks. He also gives us a silly tongue twister, "Peter Percival Patterson's Pet Pig Porky", shades of "Your Auntie Grizelda" and the only novelty piece on this album. The Monkees, who's confidence and egos were growing to epic proportions at this time, sadly dispensed with producer Chip Douglas after this album, a big mistake considering the highly inferior follow-up, "The Birds, the Bees and the Monkees". This album is full of excellent and eclectic songs, great performances and sterling production that make this the Monkees equilavent of "Revolver". The group's finest hour. \n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nAmazingly consistent triumph for the Pre-Fab Four, January 25, 2005 \nBy Danno (NY, NY)\n\n"Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn and Jones," without a doubt is the single Monkees album that truly stands the test of time. Their first three albums may have had most of their hit singles. But it's here that the Monkees truly delivered a set of songs that even skeptics will admit stand on their own without the help of a weekly TV show as an infomercial. \n\nNo longer chasing the mid-1960s Britpop or bubblegum sound, the Monkees (especially Mike Nesmith) were finally their own men, and turn in fine performances. For the first time we have a Monkees album cover that doesn't ape Robert Freeman's work for the Beatles. Also for the first time, we have a Monkees album unburdened with ridiculous "novelty" numbers like "Gonna Buy Me a Dog," or "Auntie Grizelda." Instead, we have "Salesman," "Door Into Summer," and "What Am I Doing Hanging Round," all sung by Mike Nesmith and all anticipating the country-rock of the Eagles. We're treated to a cover of Nilsson's "Cuddly Toy," and "She Hangs Out," some of the few times that Davy Jones' showbiz schtick isn't embarrassing, and the terrific "Words" goes places that Mickey Dolenz' voice seldom went before or since. And, of course, we have "Pleasant Valley Sunday," easily the greatest single the Monkees ever recorded, and one of the best rock songs of the era. The bonus tracks are the icing on the cake. \n\nWere "Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn and Jones" recorded by the Byrds or Blind Faith, it would be hailed as one of the unsung masterpieces of the 1960s. Don't be as closeminded as the average rock journalist, who still thinks Woodstock saved the world and tries to act hip by pretending he likes rap music. Think for yourself, and give this CD a listen. You may never trust the official version of rock history again. \n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nA delicious slice of late '60's pop-rock, December 27, 2003 \nBy John Skurat (Lakehurst, NJ United States)\n\nAs a kid who grew up grooving to "The Monkees" on Saturday morning, right before "American Bandstand", on WABC, Ch. 7 in NY, most of these songs are simply a part of my youth as much as pixie sticks and Honeycombs. Of course, when one grows up to become the discerning music fan we all think we are, bands like the Monkees are NOT supposed to be dealt with seriously. But, as many before me have done, it's time time to strip the veil from the prejudices forced down our throats by supposed hipper-than-thou rock critics. The Monkees were no more product than The Beach Boys or The Byrds. And all three bands provided superb helpings of great, inspirational pop. Which is what this album was. To me, this album has struck as the compromise between the production-line assembly of "More Of The Monkees" and the DIY ethos of "Headquarters". 'Love Is Only Sleeping', 'She Hangs Out', 'Words', What Am I Doin' Hangin' Round?' and, of course, Carole King's swipe at West Orange, NJ, 'Pleasant Valley Sunday' are sheer pop bliss. And, the territory this could have staked out would have been much bigger had the powers-that-be at Colgems decided not to withhold 'Daydream Believer/Goin' Down' in order to protect the single's success. And, to be honest, PAC&J is more likely to get frequent playings in my discman over both "Pet Sounds" and "Mr. Tambourine Man". \n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nYup... it's OK, September 21, 2003 \nBy booboo bear (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)\n\nThis album came out after I had sort of lost interest in the Monkees so I decided to give it another look some 35 years later. To me the Monkees were a strictly pop group and listening to this one again so many years later I can understand why it didn't strike me as anything to write home to mother about at the time. They were obviously pushing the envelope and trying to be recognized as more than just melodic fluff and catchy tunes. They did a decent job of incorporating some different styles and I enjoy Nesmith's slightly twangy vocals a lot more now than I did then. That being said the only tunes on the album that are really standout are the ones that are essentially pop fluff. Pleasant Valley Sunday was possibly the best thing they ever did and Cuddly Toy is typical of a Davy Jones number... both at least better than average tunes in their own right. \n\nI find the rest of this album to be a little flat but then when a donkey flies you don't complain that he didn't stay in the air long enough. There's nothing bad about this album as long as the listener isn't expecting to be treated to some of the real genius of that time. Compared to most of what comes out today it's a great album but in it's day it was a little lackluster and directionless. \n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nWonderful Memories..., November 27, 2001 \nBy trebe\nI love this album. So many wonderful songs. They evoke many warm memories of the TV program, and take me back to the days of my childhood. These songs can still bring a tear to my eye. And musically, this is without a doubt, the best album ever produced by the Monkees. \n\nFor creating imagery and evoking nostalgia, it's hard to beat "Pleasant Valley Sunday". The lyrics say it all so simply and so clearly. One listen, and I'm back to suburbia, sunshine and backyard barbecues.\n\nWhat makes this recording a turning point for me, was that for the first time most of my favorite songs were predominately those performed by Mike Nesmith. Usually I liked Micky's songs the best. To be sure, on previous albums, Mike's songs were always there. But never before had Mike dominated the music of a "Monkees" album as he does here, singing lead on five of the albums original twelve tracks.\n\n"Love Is Only Sleeping", "The Door Into Summer" and "What Am I Doing Hangin' Round" are among the best Monkee songs featuring Mike's singing. But he may have saved his best for last with his soft and touching vocal on "Don't Call On Me". On these songs, the Monkee's songwriting team really came up with some especially meaningful lyrics. \n\nAs Mike's presence increased, Micky's decreased, and he sings lead on just three songs. But all of them are winners. The near perfect "Pleasant Valley" has already been mentioned. "Words" is a dark and haunting little tune, featuring Peter's background vocals. Micky's rendition of Nesmith's "Daily Nightly", is just pure crazy psychedelia.\n\nOf course Davy has his tunes too. He's probably at his best when he is able to combine dancing with his singing, as was the case when songs were performed on the program. "Cuddly Toy" and "Star Collector" are examples of this.\n\nThis album features the Monkees at their creative peak. Unfortunately they were never able to approach this level again.\n\nThanks guys, for the wonderful memories. \n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nComplete Monkees, December 1, 2000 \nBy Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA)\nPisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones may well be the most complete album in the Monkees catalog. Fresh off the success of Headquarters in which they played all the instruments, they recorded this album in various studios around the country while they were on tour. While they retained the musical control they had on the previous album, they did not record this album as a complete band. They brought in studio musicians to play on the tracks, but the vision was that of the Monkees. Mike Nesmith really came into his own on the album as he sang or wrote the strongest cuts. The album opens with one of the most political songs the band recorded, the superb "Salesman". "She Hangs Out" was a re-recorded version of an earlier release, "The Door Into Summer" has very poignant lyrics and nice vocal interplay between Mike & Mickey and Nesmith's "Love Is Only Sleeping" has a stinging guitar riff. The band was early champion of a virtual unknown songwriter named Harry Nilsson and Davy actually does a great job on his "Cuddly Toy". "What Am I Doing Hangin' Around?" was the best country-rock song Mike had done to date and foreshadowed future, more-heralded work by Gram Parsons & the Byrds. "Pleasant Valley Sunday" is a brilliant single and contains a feedback drenched ending while Mickey plays probably the first synthesizer used on a rock record in the psychedelic "Daily Nightly" and also on the groupie tale "Star Collector". \n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nMy FAVORITE album of 1967!, December 25, 1999 \nBy Henry R. Kujawa ("The Forbidden Zone" (Camden, NJ))\n\nIf you need a quick comparison, this is like The Monkees' version of REVOLVER; every song has a different style, and it all fits together into a perfect whole. SO MANY GREAT SONGS! "Salesman" (consumer activism), "She Hangs Out" (Las-Vegas show-stopper, and a big improvement on the original version), "Love Is Only Sleeping" (perhaps the most powerful song Mike ever sung that was written by somebody else--its lyrics tear your heart open but leave you filled with hope). Then there's "Cuddly Toy" (perhaps Davy's best "music-hall" styler?), "Words" (great, though I prefer the original found on MISSING LINKS 2), "Hard To Believe" (bossa-nova!), "What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round" (country-western!) "Pleasant Valley Sunday" (possibly THE greatest Monkees song ever? ) "Daily Nightly" (deeply psychedelic, with Mike writing & Micky singing & playing) and the absolutely mind-blowing finale, "Star Collector". These were some of the greatest recordings done by these guys, and the amazing thing is this wasn't a "greatest hits" album!\n\nMy only beef over the years is the use of an alternate version of "Pleasant Valley Sunday", when the one on the 45 and the TV show was always, to me, the "definitive" one (see Rhino's GREATEST HITS to compare!). And HOW did "Goin' Down" (or, for that matter, "Daydream Believer") get left OFF originally? As for the bonus tracks, I'm afraid I feel about all these "alternate mixes" the way I do about 90% of the stuff on the 3 BEATLES ANTHOLOGY albums-- "interesting", but I'll keep the "originals". \n\n\nHalf.com Details \nProducer: Chip Douglas \n\nAlbum Notes\nThe Monkees: Michael Nesmith (vocals, guitar, shaker); Peter Tork (acoustic guitar); Chip Douglas (nylon-string guitar, bass guitar, background vocals); Eddie Hoh (drum); Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz (percussion, background vocals).\n\nBy 1967's PISCES, AQUARIUS, CAPRICORN & JONES LTD., the band had found a balance between writing and performing their own material, and utilizing the talents of their Los Angeles songwriting teams and studio musicians. The result is an artistically satisfying mix of progressive experimentalism and pop smarts; the Moog synthesizer on the tracks "Daily Nightly," "Love Is Only Sleeping," and the groupie anthem "Star Collector," was the first ever to appear on a pop album.\nBesides the enormous hit "Pleasant Valley Sunday," highlights include the simply beautiful jazz-pop of Michael Nesmith's "Don't Call On Me," and the atmospheric and lovely "Words," featuring Peter Tork's best-ever vocals. The entire album is superb, and the handful of alternate takes and outtakes are nearly its equal. A '60s pop classic.
This misc cd contains 20 tracks and runs 56min 53sec.
Freedb: 160d5314
Buy: from Amazon.com

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