Randy Scouse Git - The Monkees

Randy Scouse Git - The Monkees

2:33

Headquarters, 1967

Written by Micky Dolenz

This song has the distinction of being banned by the BBC under its title, released instead as "Alternate Title," due to Dolenz not realizing that "randy" and "git" were Britishisms not quite ready for prime time.  The song was inspired by Dolenz hanging out with the Beatles ("the four kings of EMI. are sitting stately on the floor") and Cass Elliott, as well as his own future wife ("She's a wonderful lady / And she's mine all mine").  What's fascinating is how this song is split in two: the verses and chorus are counterpoints to one another.  The verses are whimsical party reportage, while the chorus is a series of condescending lines typically aimed at the younger generation of the time ("why don't you cut your hair?" and "why don't you be like me?").  Musically, it's all manic drumming, booming timpani, and melodic chaos.  It's one of the Monkees' best moments, brimming with intelligence and frustration under the pop gloss.

She Hangs Out - the Monkees

She Hangs Out - the Monkees

2:56

Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.

Written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller

Written by a murder's row of top songwriting talent, and with a nod to the Crystals' "Da Do Ron Ron" (itself co-written by Greenwich), this is a peppy pop song very much in the vein of the 1950s and early 1960s vocal groups.  Lyrically, it's a warning about a nice young girl, someone's sister, who, rumor has it, "hangs out" (read: may be getting around).  "I know you taught your sister the boogaloo / I heard you taught your sister the shigaling too / Well she can teach you a thing or two."  On this song, the Monkees were finally playing the instruments, though of course they were joined by a cast of literally dozens of other musicians to fill out their sound.

Good Times - The Monkees

Good Times - The Monkees

2:46

Good Times!, 2016

Written by Harry Nilsson

A throwback, in a way.  You can hear echoes of "Last Train to Clarksville."  It's got some 1960s go-go mod guitar, but if it sounds derivative it's because it actually was written in 1968.  This reworking of the song features vocals by Mickey Dolenz interspersed with a guide vocal recorded in 1968 by Nilsson.  Thus there's a sort of ghost duet, à la Natalie Cole's famous one with her late father.  It's an exercise in rock nostalgia, and a fun ride.