This song was allegedly written specifically for Micky Dolenz to reflect his years as the pre-pubescent TV character Circus Boy, Corky. The "Porpoise Song" could arguably be the best Carole King & Gerry Goffin composition ever given away for a group to record. This undated demo has an intro and outro that sounds nothing like the Monkees recorded version. King was present at the recording session for tune that opened the Monkees movie "Head." This demo was likely recorded in the fall of 1967 as the Monkees studio sessions for the Porpoise Song commenced in February of 1968. While The Monkees take has a much more dreamy, pop feel, the demo is a bit more haunting, sounding almost like a Gregorian chant. Thanks Carole! Oh, and Gerry, too!
Monkees Davy Jones 1980's Keychain Australian Tour Item ~ $35
Metal keychain. The front has a likeness of Davy holding a bouquet of flowers (This Bouquet?). The flip says "Souvenir of Davy Jones Tour" embossed into the metal. I've owned this since 1988. It's perfect, unused and stored in a plastic bag for 23 years. You too can love him forever. Mullet not included. Super duper rare! EDIT: It has been pointed out to me that this item was produced as part of the 1988 merchandise line for the Australian Davy tour that Peter and Micky eventually joined. Making this oddity a bit more interesting.
Micky Dolenz MGM/Romar 45 Ooh She's Young / Love War ~ $35
Easily one of the most unusual solo 45's & the two creepiest Micky tunes, both written by him- Ooh She's Young b/w Love War. Released in England in 1974. This record was WAS NOT originally issued with a picture sleeve.VG++ for some light scuffs. It's rare folks! WOW! Micky was spelled correctly!
Monkees TV Week April 1969 - 33 1/3 TV Special photo ~ $15
Baltimore newspaper TV supplement & schedule from the week of April 13, 1969.
Inside a 1/2 page pic from the Monkees 1969 TV special 33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee.
Lesley Ann Warren on the cover. Also articles and pics of the Oscars, Dick Van Dyke, Petula Clark, Marlo Thomas, Jim Stacy, Diahann Carroll & Leslie Uggams, Dinah Shore, Carol Channing, Lloyd Bridges, Bob Denver. Overall the mag is in good shape. It's getting pretty brittle as it's dried out over the years. Cover has some pieces broken off around the edges.
Ian Matthews "Valley Hi" Michael Nesmith Produced LP 1973 ~ $10
This Ian Matthews venture is a very Eagles sounding country rock abum, partly due to the fact that the album was produced by Monkee Michael Nesmith who produced a few other records in this time frame. There is a Michael Nesmith cover- Propinquity as well as covers by Jackson Browne, Randy Newman. Michael Nesmith also plays guitar on the album. Cover face, reverse, & gatefold interior are in beautiful condition. Any wear on the cover is on the corners and edge due to the paper stock that it was printed on- near mint other than the edge wear which brings it down to VG++. The vinyl has some light scratches and a few larger that don't affect play, some surface noise, but no skipping. Looks VG++ vinyl, but plays NM. There is a small sticker stain in the upper left corner of the cover, about 1"x1". Doesn't take away from the rest of the cover. Nice copy! Never been released on CD.
In 1966, Mike was the first Monkee to produced Monkees recording sessions. With his own stash of songs being committed to tape as well as some by Carole King. He also dipped into the song well recording one from his Texan pal, Bill Chadwick. Bill was a member of several Randy Sparks outfits with Michael including The New Society. They were primarily a folk outfit, but post Chadwick, they released a full length LP as a baroque ensemble. This incarnation of The New Society recorded a string version of Bill Chadwick's "Of You." Into the summer 1966. Michael lays down a countrified version of "Of You." Bill's recollections say that Mike tinkered with this song a few times. This version is evidence of that. Still unreleased to this day, it did see light of day in the trading circles as well as on the 1985 Davy & His Band bootleg LP, "Ninth Album." The title the "Ninth Album" comes from a story that Colgems records was going to release another album from the 'trio' just prior to Changes, making it the 'ninth album' to be released. Had that been the case, Changes would have been #10.
It was reported that the released 'ninth album' would have been more like Instant Replay featuring a lot of material that was still in the can, including "Rosemarie," "Hollywood," and among others this version of "Of You." This version features an alternate vocal from Michael as well as completely different backing vocals than the released take on Rhino's "Missing Links 1" CD/LP/cassette. Also noticeable is the panned guitar solo and other rhythm instruments that are faded across the stereo spectrum during the instrumental break. This mix was originally slowed down about 7%. Probably to give it more of a late 60's country-rock feel. It's been pitched back up to match the key of A, which is how it was recorded in 1966. For years this version has been refered to as the 1969 version. It's unclear if the vocals were recorded in 1966 or 1969 as revisited for the proposed 'ninth album.' Enjoy!
