Concert in Japan

AMG Review of Concert in Japan

Aaron Badgley
All Music Guide

Following the semi-Monkees reunion, a tour had to follow, especially as promoters were showing a great deal of interest prior to the release of their one and only studio album. This concert was recorded in Japan in 1976, and was supposed to be the follow-up to Dolenz, Jones, Boyce and Hart. However, due to the poor sales of that album, this album was shelved until 1981 when a mini-Monkees craze hit Japan following the release of "Daydream Believer," and Toshiba-EMI felt money could be made with this release. In actuality, this is not a bad album; it is exactly what it seems -- a nostalgic trip through the hits of the Monkees and Boyce & Hart (who also wrote many of the Monkees' hits). Augmented with a tight backup band, Dolenz, Jones, Boyce, and Hart re-create their famous songs almost note for note. The medleys are annoying and out of place, especially their tribute to classic pop/rock. But when they are on (for example, "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" and "I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight"), the music is a good rocking sound. The vocals are near perfect and the sounds of the excited crowd provide a combination that should be able to put a smile on anyone's face. Only one song from their debut album is present (the Dolenz and Jones composition "Savin' My Love for You"), which does not sound out of place but also does not add a great deal.