Album Mini-review: The Monkees — Good Times!
Call them a guilty pleasure if you must: at their core The Monkees were as “real” a group as many others of their era. And there’s no denying that they made a lot of music that has worn well this last half-century. Various reunions have yielded enjoyable tours, but little in the way of memorable music. That’s changed with Good Times! The secret is the embracing of their original approach: songs from outside writers who understand the pop aesthetic. Unlike their previous reunion projects, here the group eschews clumsy attempts to “update” for present-day, instead aiming for a timeless feel. The Monkees (Micky, Mike, Peter a vintage vocal from departed Davy) make the tunes (from Andy Partridge, producer Adam Schlesinger, Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller and more) their own. For those who don’t mind a whiff on nostalgia now and then, Good Times! delivers on its title.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.