Yes. RIP Davy Jones. I enjoyed watching the TV prog, and also reall enjoyed (and still do) a few of their songs. On one visit to the US I actually took a train to Clarksville. One, because railways were a hobby and my job. Two, just because of the song, which was one of my favourites from The Monkees. "I'm a Believer", "Pleasant Valley Sunday" and "Daydream Believer" are the only other songs I like from them. According to Paul Gambaccini, they were the very first 'manufactured' boy band. Interestingly the lead singer (recording wise) was Micky Dolenz, (who could not play drums) but Davy Jones looked better for 'fronting' the band.Marketing eh.
Sad to learn of this. Seen him on TV about 2 months ago being interviewed on Granada Tonight with the other Monkees as they were touring..
Made up boy band or not, some of their tunes were ever so catchy, and made lots of people feel happier about themselves for different reasons...
The Monkees were basically just a TV show and not a real band at first. I think only Mickey Dolenz appeared on their early recordings as singer, but for the show he was made the drummer. Davy Jones was actually the best drummer in the band, but Dolenz was put there because Jones was too short and didn't look right on tv! They were all accomplished musicians and had a long battle before they were able to perform and write their own stuff. Definitely a manufactured band, but one that went on to prove themselves once the opportunity arose. I suppose a follow on from this is the Chinn/Chapman bands of the 70s like Sweet and Mud who found themselves in a similar position. It always amuses me that Mud had one of the world's most succesful songwriters in Rob Davis among their ranks but weren't able to do their own stuff.
