Wednesday, June 15, 2011

1995 Monkees Reissue Promotional Posters *set of 3*

1995 Monkees Reissue Promotional Posters ~ $45

Here we have a set of 3 Monkees posters. These were sent to music stores to promote the 3 waves of 3 releases of the Monkees CD reissues in 1995. When I say 'waves of 3' they were reissued in groups of 3 as each poster shows. The backs of all 3 posters have a gigantic 2 foot Monkees logo on them. Each poster measures 12" x 24" and are on a rigid, heavy stock paper about the thickness of an 80's album cover. The color looks slightly off on these because I didn't use a flash. Paper is a crisp white. Posters are perfect condition.



Listen To The Band * A Monkee Music Break!

Micky, Davy & Peter ~ Reunion Blues

Summer 1987 and Pool It! has been recorded. Now it's time for a photo session. The photo session, as directed by Henry Diltz commenced in Cherokee Recording Studio. Whomever was working in the recording booth rolled tape for 20 minutes of chatter, a few songs and hi-jinks. One musical highlight, Peter sits down and plunks out a blues riff on the piano and Micky does some vocal improvisation along to Pete's plunkin'. A photo from this session can be seen ... right below actually! The sound bite can be heard right here as well. Sadly this clip has a higher entertainment value than most of Pool It! And it's slightly more nutritious as well. Serves 3.



1987 - the year of the mullet. Don't eff with the Jones, man.

Monday, June 13, 2011

*Monkee Photo Op!*

Keep off the grass, yeah right! Something The Monkees were clearly NOT doing when their TV show was being filmed. Check out The Frodis Caper, A Coffin Too Frequent, Monkees In Texas, Hillbilly Honeymoon, Monstrous Monkee Mash. It's clear these guys were on something! Pictured outside of their 'pad' is the foursome. Pictured below them are their stand-ins for the TV show- L to R: David Pearl, Rick Klein, David Price & John London.

Mike Nesmith 8 track *lot of 3* One Sealed ~ $25

Monkees Mike Nesmith 8 track lot of 3 one sealed ~ $25

* Nevada Fighter (with dust jacket)
* And The Hits Just Keep on Coming (no dust jacket)
* From A Radio Engine To The Photon Wing (Sealed).

Both Nevada Fighter and Hits Keep Coming are both in playable condition (I have not tried, but the wheels are in nice shape, not gummed or rotted out). Photon Wing is a cut out with a small drill hole on the title end.Start your Michael Nesmith 8 track tape collection today. Get a jump start on your neighbors with this lot of 3. Be the envy of your entire neighborhood. OK, maybe not. Just the envy of your household, then.

Monkees Vari-Vue Flicker Rings *Lot of 8* Assorted

 Monkees Vari-Vue Flicker Rings *Lot of 8* Assorted ~ $150

Yet another way to attract the pre-teens- pop a few hundred of these in gum ball machines and let the kids beg their parents for 10 cents for a cheap toy! These were also packaged in cellophane bags with hanger tags to be hung on shelves. I've worked hard to photograph these rings so they'd look good for the would-be buyer. The chrome varies from ring to ring, and those that are missing some of the chrome you'll note are molded in a fun colored 'tarnished' plastic.

Ring #1- Mike & Davy/Peter & Micky (There are 2 of this ring)

Ring #2- Peter face/playing guitar (There are 2 of this ring)

Ring #3- Peter pogo stick & Mike skateboard/Davy & Micky on the unicycles

Ring #4- I Love the Monkees/ guys on surfboards
* Nicest ring of the lot.

Ring #5- Davy face/Davy playing guitar

Ring #6- Davy & Mike guitar/Peter guitar & Micky drums
* 2nd best ring of the lot.

(click images for some close ups)




Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Listen To The Band * A Monkee Music Break!

The Monkees ~ That's What It's Like Loving You 
(backing track) Prod. Davy Jones

Heading into 1968, David Jones took the cue from Mike, Micky & Peter and began cutting & producing his own recording sessions. In this time he produced some fluff. He produced some very good tunes as well, plus a handful of tunes that were never finished, like this one. "That's What It's Like Loving You" was recorded at the very same sessions as Instant Replay's "You & I" as well the 'unreleased until 1995' Jones tune, Smile. Davy had written & recorded several tunes with a Nesmith camp comrade, Steve Pitts. The only two that would be released in the day wound up on The Birds The Bees & The Monkees LP- "Dream World" & "The Poster." For some strange reason this one was abandoned and a vocal was never cut for it. Had it been finished, it could have wound up being one of Davy's very best efforts. The musicians were all session whizzes- Hal Blaine, Larry Knechtel, Gerry McGee, Joe Osborne & playing lead... Neil Young. While there is no real guitar solo in this song like there is in "You & I," There's still some nice guitar work by McGee and Young. Here's the still unreleased backing track for "That's What It's Like Loving You." I can't even hear Davy singing this one. Thanks for nothing Edith Sidebottom. You don't get a copy of this one. Pfft.



1988 Monkees Scrapbook Cover Flat/Unused *signed!*

1988 Monkees Scrapbook Cover Flat/Unused *signed!* ~ $15

A valuable resource in the late 80's was the Monkees Scrapbook. It had some great photos as well as the first comprehensive listing for the Monkees sessions! A bit of a bible for its time. What you see here is a cover proof that was never made into a book cover. It's flat, unfolded and unused. It's got a few scratches on it, but nothing major. There is also a slight bend to the lower right cover by the word San Francisco. Other than that, nice piece! Like the back of the book says, "No fan can be without this book." Oh, it's also autographed on the reverse by one of the authors! And you know who you are.


Saturday, June 4, 2011

Listen To The Band * A Monkee Broadcast Moment!

Peter Tork on the Steve Dahl & Garry Meier Show 
WLS-FM Chicago October, 28th 1983

While Pete swapped out bands in the late 70's and early 80's- Cottonmouth, The Monkees Show, The New Monks and finally winding up with The Peter Tork Project in 1983, he played the nightclubs to no end. In October 1983, Peter found himself in Chicago heading a concert with Butch Patrick and his group to promote the show at Tuts in Chicago that same evening. This is an excerpt from that broadcast. Very funny! Note: Peter's tone when Garry mentions Mike being a video pioneer.



Monkees Monthly's UK Fan Club Magazines 1967 *Lot of 8*

Monkees Monthly's UK Fan Club Magazines *Lot of 8* ~ $50

It must first be noted that these are exact reproductions of the 1967 UK fan magazines. In the mid 1980's an entrepreneurial individual reproduced these is stunning quality. Held side by side it's difficult to tell the real issue from the fake. They are that good. Anyway, these 32 page fanzines each feature loads of fantastic & unusual photos, stories, breaking news, fan contact info and more. Issues 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 & 12 are present. Perfect condition and well worth my asking price.
(see the last photo for a collage of some of the unusual images in the magazines)






*Monkee Photo Op!*

From December of 1967 to the summer of 1968, The Monkees filmed their only motion picture, Head.
There were at least 3 script revisions. The first draft featured several scenes that were never shot, and many scenes that were filmed but cut from the final print. The photo below is just one example. There was a sequence just after the kissing scene where Mike walks Lady Pleasure to the door, closes it, then looks into the mirror and says, "Hey, now wait a minute. Wait just a Minute." The sequence continued on with all four guys looking into the mirror- Davy was dressed in a Sheik's outfit, Micky in a satyr costume playing a pan flute, Mike in a cowboy hat and jean jacket, and Peter in a clown outfit. (Side note: A few of the Davy, Micky & Mike pics from this sequence are seen in "The Monkees Go Ape" book, also for sale on this blog.) This entire mirror sequence was filmed but cut from the final print. Here's photo proof of Peter's scene.

Fun note: It was rumored back in the 1980's that these photos were from an unreleased Head sequence where Peter sang his song "The Merry Go Round Song."





Monkees Tru-Vue 3-D Stereo Slides View-Master

Monkees Tru-Vue 3-D Stereo Slides View-Master ~ $60

As well as View-Master reels, GAF produced these rare Monkees Tru-Vue slides. This Monkees set is called "The Last Wheelbarrow to Pokeyville," and is cataloged as items T-73/74/75. They feature scenes from the Monkees TV episode, "Hillbilly Honeymoon." Images have turned a bit pink, not unusual for these types of images. General wear from handling, and paper on these metal based slides is bubbling in spots (evident in the 3rd image, below). Still they look great. These are much less common than the View-Master reels. Rare enough that the 'Monkees Collectibles Price Guide' by Marty Eck doesn't even list them as Monkee merchandise! Get 'em while I've got 'em - then you'll have them!



Monkees Dell Comic Books *Lot of 8*

Dell Comic Books *Lot of 8* ~ $70

Wow. I remember a ay in the late 1980's when these sought after comic books would sell for $15 or $20 each. Currently it seems a few are still going for that (issues #1 & 10), but overall they've taken a dip in value. Both issues 1 & 10 are present here. Issues present are: 1, 2, 5, 6, 10, 14 & 16. I'm even gonna toss in a duplicate of issue #1 for good measure. All vary in condition from G to VG++. None of these are perfect. These were purchased by kids fercryinoutloud! Most of the general wear is around the edges and on the spine which have some bending stress points. Issue #16 has some paper from the cover removed by what was probably tape. Best comic book of the bunch is #14 and it's a good one!

With issues #1 & #10 going at $20 & $15 + $5 each for shipping, that's $50.
If your were to purchase the separately the others would cost about $10 each including shipping- that would be about $10 total for these 8! Get them all now for much less! Collect them all! Trade with your friends!




Rhino Test Pressings *5 LP lot* Unplayed!

Rhino Test Pressings *5 LP lot* Beautiful! ~ $175

Wham! A lot of test pressings of the Monkees first 5 albums on Rhino Records. In 1985 into 1986 Rhino beat MTV to the Monkee punch by reissuing all 9 of the original albums on LP. This lot includes- Meet The Monkees, More Of..., Headquarters, Pisces Aquarius Capricorn & Jones, Ltd. AND The Birds The Bees & The Monkees. The blank label on each of these has a notatation of either "A" and "B" for the respective album sides, or gives the Rhino catalog number "70143" for Headquarters. These black vinyl test pressings come in a generic album sleeve. Because I'm a nice guy, I've included a proper Rhino album flat with each LP. As display pieces, these 'album flats' were used to promote the albums in a retail store. All LP's are mint condition. Perfect!

NOTE: I should add that test pressings are typically made in quantities of less that 10 copies as they are meant for the artist, producer, engineers to review prior to mass production. So while the original albums may be common (on Colgems OR Rhino), in this test pressing form they are an absolute rarity!
 

(click images for a closer look)






Friday, June 3, 2011

Listen To The Band * A Monkee Music Break!

Davy Jones - I Can Make You Happy

Like every other early 1970's celebrity- Don Adams, Jerry Reed, Jonathan Winters, Sonny & Cher, the Harlem Globetrotters, the Three Stooges, and Don Knotts, et al, ad nauseum. Between recording contracts, Davy Jones took time off from his busy touring schedule to appear as his animated self with those 'meddling kids' on the Scooby Doo Movies. The episode entitled "The Haunted Horseman of Hagglethorn Hall" originally aired on December 2nd, 1972. Like any recording artist that appeared on Scooby Doo, Davy was probably required to sing a song! "I've never sung for frogs before, just Monkees"



Japanese "Pisces Aquarius" EP on RCA with Sleeve

Japanese "Pisces Aquarius" 33 1/3 RPM EP on RCA with Sleeve ~ $20

As above. This EP features 4 tunes: Daydream Believer, Star Collector, No Time and Goin' Down.
Oddly enough No Time seems out of place, but was the flip side of the Japanese Star Collector 45.
NOTE to collectors: This is the only worldwide release where Goin' Down was issued in STEREO! It was believed that it was never mixed for stereo, but here it is! Sleeve shows wear and some discoloration- I'd grade it a solid VG. The record is VG+. No scratches deep enough to affect play, but there is surface noise when playing. Cool EP with a psychedelic picture sleeve that is exclusive to Japan.

1988 Davy Jones T-Shirt

1988 Davy Jones T-Shirt* ~ $20

Made specifically for a week long stage run of Oliver, at the Kansas City Starlight Theatre in 1988.
I've owned this since then. Never worn. Looks absolutely brand spanking new. On the T-shirt Davy as The Artful Dodger in 1964 and him Fagin it up in 1988!

* Nez hanger not included.

Pictured- Front / Back / front close-up






* Monkee Photo Op!*

Here's Pete in the fall of 1968, during the rehearsals for the TV Special, 33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee. Let's see ... Sweatshirt- CHECK! Mike's Gibson SG Custom- CHECK! Walrus moustache- CHECK! White socks and Birkenstock sandals- CHECK! Attitude enough as so to Release himself from the Monkees in a few weeks- CHECK!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Listen To The Band * A Monkee Music Break!

Michael Nesmith ~ Long Black Veil
Live at the Bluebird Cafe 1/25/92, Nashville, TN

In 1992, Nez skipped across the country on his 'Multi-Purpose Tour' Hitting major cities to promote the then released Rhino Records "Older Stuff" CD. This was Michael's first real tour since the early 1970's. Performing to enthusiastic crowds that wanted to witness the reclusive Monkee first-hand and he DID NOT disappoint! Backed by long-time musician friends John Hobbs, Joe Chemay, Billy Ray Walker Jr. & percussionist, Luis Conte. Nez worked out many of his solo hits, a single, solitary Monkees song, a new tune, as well as several covers including this folk classic, Long Black Veil. Many fans had their handy recording devices ready. Here's a nice audience recording from Nashville, TN.



Monkees 1967 Flip Book Movies *15 books of 16* Plus: BONUS!

Monkees Flip Books ~ $180

15 Flip Books of 16 (I never owned book #16)
Nice shape! General light wear on all except book #5, which is missing a piece of the top of the front cover. These things are tough to grade because they are printed on a weird grade of newsprint. Thusly, they look like they are aged and slightly discolored, but are really not. Get this now and receive a free Flip Book wrapper! (click on images for closer look)





Dolenz Jones Boyce & Hart 1976 LP

Monkees Dolenz Jones Boyce & Hart LP 1976 ~ $8


Aside from Michael Nesmith's post Monkee albums, this DJB&H album remains one of the best documents of the post Monkee output! Why these guys really didn't have a hit or make a larger impact on the mid 70's musical landscape, is far beyond me. Catchy hooks, great pop, nice performances... this is a really fun LP! The vinyl looks to be NM condition, while it probably plays a high VG++ (I played it a lot!). The Cover is VG++ with some minor edge wear. This album is still in the shrink wrap, which has protected it some over the years. A small cut-out drill hole on the "D" in Dolenz on the cover. Sticker on cellophane. Great record! Do you remember the feeling?