Search - Peter Tork :: Stranger Things Have Happened

THE OFFBEAT MONKEE IS STILL OFFBEAT

jimi hendrix | ca | 10/27/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been following the Monkees since I was 10 and in the 4th grade. The Monkees was my first record album, bought at the local grocery store in the record aisle for 99c. I bought it because the cover was so damn appealing. There was Peter Tork right up front with Davey Jones. I went home and played that record on my parent's Fisher console stereo. It was not my introduction to rock 'n roll because I had already enjoyed the Beatle's songs on my transister radio. So, I had experienced ears by the time I listened to the Monkee's debut album. I thought it was wonderful and my favorite song on it was Gonna Buy Me A Dog by Peter. It was musical,comical, and just plain entertaining. Then the follow-up effort, More Of The Monkees, really hit the spot. My favorite song on it was My Auntie Grizelda done by Peter again. I noticed even at a young age that he was not as on key as the other three Monkees as a singer but he was different and funny.



Anyways, I've been following the group for quite awhile now and this first solo release of Peter Tork has been overdue. The other better vocalists from the Monkees have all put out some decent solo stuff. I bought this CD knowing it would be offbeat and it was. But, its still fairly good and Peter Tork sounds very similiar to Ringo Starr's vocals, which is a compliment.



A must-have for any die-hard Monkee fan from the past but probably easily passed on by others.

"

Leave yesterday behind

Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 02/14/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This was Peter Tork's belated first solo album, released 26 years after he quit the Monkees. To be honest, it was somewhat of a disappointment to me as a Monkees fan. I was expecting Peter to really shine now that he had the spotlight all to himself and instead he released a perfectly average, mediocre album. It's not terrible, but it's not particularly great either. The reason Peter only sang lead on a handful of Monkees songs is because "certain people" didn't think he was a very good singer. Frankly, he doesn't do much to prove them wrong here. His singing on "Take a Giant Step" isn't as good as Micky Dolenz, and his singing on "Higher and Higher" doesn't come anywhere near matching Jackie Wilson. Which is not to say that the album doesn't have it's good moments. I particularly enjoyed "Milkshake". But this is really an album that will only be of interest to Monkees fans who are curious to see what Peter Tork can do on his own."

True Review

Ronald Cohen | NJ | 10/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here's a review I read and agree with: REVIEW



STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED



STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED, the first solo effort from

Peter Tork, is a triumph. Wonderful production from Peter and

co-producer James Lee Stanley along with excellent material

beautifully performed by a group of exceptional musicians and

singers, make this a work of talent, taste, and style; one that

makes use of a variety of musical influences, both past and

present. STRANGER THINGS is like nothing else, being very much a

reflection of the artist. Certainly no one but Peter could have

put it all together.



Each song is unique unto itself, offering much to the

listener. And yet, different as they are, the songs fit together

like tiles in a mosaic to to create a complete musical whole.



The title track, by Levine and Rudetsky, is exceptional. With

its reggae/New Age overtones, it catches you and "sticks". The

lyrics call up images that are at once familiar and fantastic,

and will, if you allow it, carry you away to places rich and

strange indeed. The perfect opening for this album, it sets the

stage for what is to come.



"You Get What You Pay For" is, for many, THE song of the

collection, and it's certainly deserving of "favorite" status.

It's rock overtones and the excellent instrumental work by Marc

McClure especially, give it a great musical "hook" and make it

memorable.



"Sea Change" is lovely, my candidate for the prettiest (in the

BEST sense of that overused word) song here. With it's soothing

ocean effects and that wondrous guitar work of Peter's, it has a

smooth, liquid feel that makes it close to perfect. The longest

song on the album, it creates and holds a mood that is relaxing

and dreamlike. The lyric draws you in, sustaining that mood until

the last note. This one is a personal favorite.



"Take A Giant Step"---This version may be better than the

original. The Goffin-King standard is one song that really

benefits from an acoustic treatment. Peter sounds great, and his

playing---especially the guitar solo---is excellent, as always.

Fine back-up by Mackenzie Phillips and Owen Elliot give it a nice

'60's feel, without lessening its contemporary sound. An

excellent job all around.



Martin Briley's "Milkshake" is a classic of it's kind, and

certainly one of the most fun songs to come along in a LONG time.

It's such a visual tune---whenever I hear it, I "see" it---and

enjoy it more and more. Laurence Juber's solo is perfect--just

the right touch. Micky and Mike do a terrific job, making this a

special track, and lending just the right sense of humor. And how

nice to hear the three of them together again.



There's nothing like a good car song, and "MGB-GT" certainly

qualifies. Another fun tune, it flys along like that little red

car once did---smooth and fast, taking you along for quite a

ride. Mike again provides background, and that piano solo---WOW!!

Crank this one up when you hit the road; it's "driving music" at

it's best.



"Miracle" is the one for hard rock lovers. Driving beat,

terrific guitar work, interesting lyrics---an excellent example

of this particular rock form. This is the one that may surprise a

lot of people out of their preconceived notions---and isn't that

the point of the song? Terrific work here by Peter, Tommy Mars,

Pat Holloway and Darren Elpant. A real winner.



"Pirates". written by Peter's brother Nick, is excellent. A

great dance tune---upbeat with a fun sound and a great "hook",

it's another one that "sticks". The horns keep it lively, and the

lyrics offer a somewhat bemused look at the trials and

tribulations of "true love". This is one that you'll find

yourself singing at unexpected moments.



"Gettin' In" is the other track that should appeal to those

who like that harder sound. It is deceptively simple in it's

construction. It builds on a strong bass line, adding keyboards

and guitars to a solid drum presence, making this version so

well-built that the seams are invisible. Top-notch instrumental

work, again by Tommy, Pat and Darren, pulls it together into a

very enjoyable whole.



"Tender Is" is a lovely introspective song whose simple

presentation here enhances its poetic quality. The piano line is

especially well-done, serving to illuminate the lyric while

lending a certain lightness that balances the darker tones of its

theme. A small, perfect gem.



"Higher & Higher", a great "feel good" song is the perfect way

to close STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED. After the "heavier" songs

that preceed it, it does indeed come like the dawn to lighten the

mood. With it's simple melodic line and upbeat, happy lyric, it

leaves you feeling content and positive. Excellent banjo work by

Peter, as always, and an absolutely bang-up job on background

vocals by James Lee Stanley and Anita Sherman.



Throughout the album, the vocals are uniformly

superior--excellent work from everyone at all times. Peter

himself has never sounded better. His voice, with its warm, easy,

friendly quality has acquired a richer tone---full and smooth and

strong---that is beautifully served by (and serves) his choice of

material.



The production is masterful---neither too much nor too little.

Only what is needed for each song to be heard at its best. An

excellent job by Peter and James Lee Stanley.



The cover art by Peter's brother Nick suits STRANGER THINGS to

a T. Its bright colors and interesting graphics are real

eye-catchers. And, like both the album, and Peter himself, there

is more to it than meets the eye (or ear) at first. As for the

liner notes....Smart and witty, they assume an intelligence on

the part of the reader/listener that is very welcome. Again,

there is more here than meets the eye....(for example, how many

oblique references can you find to the name "Peter"?)



The whole package, from the cover to the picture disc itself

has obviously been put together with great thought and care. This

is a work that Peter can, and should be proud of. Indeed,

everyone connected with STRANGER THINGS deserves a big

"Congratulations and thanks". We waited a long time for this, and

they made sure it was well worth the wait.



-----Eva Frizzi-----



"