"More of the Monkees" captures the group at the height of their popularity. It had been just four months since their TV show premiered, and this would be the second of four consecutive #1 albums. It features "I'm a Believer," which would become the band's biggest hit, selling more copies than any other song released in 1967. The same year the Monkees' even won an Emmy for best television comedy.

"More of the Monkees" is band's second record, and it showcases all their glorious contradictions. On their next album, the cover would feature a note from the Monkees, but here the message is written by producer Don Kirshner. He cynically urges their teenaged fans to watch their show every week and to attend their live concerts (before thanking his music industry partners, RCA records and Screen Gems television). The four Monkees appear on the cover, dressed in mod 60s polyester from J.C. Penney. But on the album, Kirshner insisted that their only contribution be vocals.

Michael Nesmith pushed back, insisting that the band have more input on their music. He wrote and produced an excellent song called "Mary, Mary," and brought in Peter Tork to play guitar. He also produced and co-authored a rowdy song called "The Kind of Girl I Could Love," a perfect fit for his twangy Texas vocals. When the album was released without more input from the group, Nesmith complained to the show's producers. This would turn out to be the last Monkees album which Don Kirshner produced.

But in creating the album, Kirshner brought in a top line-up of talent songwriters. Carole King joined with Gerry Goffin to write a love song "Sometime in the Morning", which they produced together (along with Jeff Barry). And besides the famous song "I'm a Believer," Neil Diamond also wrote an unusual song called "Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)." (It includes a spoken-word bridge in which Davy declares his love for two different women.) The album boasts one of the best songs by the team of Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart: "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone." But after the band's problems with Don Kirshner, the song's title could almost be seen as a warning.

The album bounces cheerfully from one style to the next, including vocals from each of the band's members. It opens with "She," a perfect bleat of raw pop energy with a wild vocal by Micky Dolenz. Davy Jones was just 21, and his songs on the album showcase all his youthful earnestness. Even Peter sings his first vocal - a novelty number called "Your Auntie Grizelda" which has always been one of my favorites. It may not include the band's best instrumental performances, but it's ultimately a chance to hear all of the Monkees singing some terrific songs.

Learn more about this author, Moe Zilla.
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