Sings the Monkees and More

AMG Review of Sings the Monkees and More

Aaron Badgley
All Music Guide

Davy Jones has never been shy to use his Monkees fame to maintain a career. On several occassions Jones has toured performing Monkeeshits as well as a few of his solo songs. This recording is a document from one such tour, although due to lack of information available with this release, it is not known which tour. In fact, the backing musicians do not receive any credit. However, the music has survived and fans will no doubt enjoy hearing his take on famous hits, such as "I'm A Believer," "Last Train To Clarksville" and "Steppin' Stone," songs which featured Mickey Dolenz on lead vocals in their original Monkees formation. He does them well but does not alter the original arrangements. In fact there is nothing wrong with the music, and he seems to be having a good time reliving past glories. The problem is that these versions do not differ from The Monkees' own versions so there is no reason for one to listen to this instead of the original versions.But it does serve its purpose of being a souvenir of a tour. The "More" section(as noted in the title) amounts to two solo songs, "It's Now" and "How Do You Know." Both songs are average and pleasant but are not outstanding and very little to the original versions. It is odd and disappointing that he did not choose any solo hits such as "Rainy Jane."