A Fascinating Documentary On The Monkees
Michael Daly | Wakefield, MA USA | 10/18/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Monkees Talk Downunder is an unusual CD, in that its featured group is caught in a series of press conferences and radio interviews. This "documentary" approach captures the group at a fascinating time of their career.The Monkees had embarked on a Far East tour in the latter portion of 1968. Their popularity in the US and Europe was waning with the end of the TV show, but in Australia there was still a fresh enthusiasm for them. The enthusiasm bursts forth during the press conference that serves as the CD's opening track. Several young ladies burst in to see the boys; at times they sound so turned on that they almost climax at the conference microphones. The Monkees accomodate them and even kiss them, to the approval of one of the intrviewing journalists. There is a humor tinged with cynicism in the boys, but also a genuine feeling of gratefulness in the support of the fans. One fan wrote a letter encompassing some 530 pages. When asked if this was some kind of record, Mike responds, with genuine amazement, that it's a record of self-discipline in any event. Micky likewise notes how he and the boys will do whatever is necessary for the fans, though he adds the caveat that he wishes the fans will accept them as they are.The boys' cynicism shows when Mike explains the origin of The Monkees and how "the powers-that-were" thought they had a pliable group on their hands. The funniest moments come when Mike and Micky do a quick satirical riff of Doublemint gum commercials - in the course of explaining the fan paraphenelia they regularly receive - and Mike imitates a radio DJ. In all this CD offers a fascinating look at The Monkees entering the autumn of their initial run."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
