“The Monkees” television program represented something different , geared to fill a spot aimed squarely at ‘60s youth. As such, episodes were written with zany humor, emphasizing camaraderie and sprinkled with songs.

The show was the main attraction, but songs were an essential ingredient. In all honesty, nobody except music producer Don Kirshner expected much success from the music by itself, but the idea of a companion album made sense, if only as a promotion tool. Kirshner’s instincts were right, but the success he envisioned was based solely on the songs he provided, not necessarily the participation of the show’s actors.

Even this early in their existence, though, it quickly became obvious that most of the boys were more interested in the music than the show itself, so their personalities (and some of their musical abilities), by necessity, are sprinkled throughout their debut album, and it became a million seller. Everybody got more than they bargained for, including Don Kirshner.

Featured tracks include:

Kellogg’s Jingle

“The Monkees” Them (second version)

I’ll Be True to You

Take a Giant Step

Saturday’s Child

The Kind of Girl I Could Love (alternate)

You Just May Be the One (early version)

I Won’t Be the Same Without Her

Sweet Young Thing

Greensleeves

I Wanna Be Free (first version)

I Wanna Be Free

I Can’t Get Her Off My Mind

I Prithee Do Not Ask for Love

Tomorrow’s Gonna Be Another Day

Gonna Buy Me a Dog

So How’s By You?

Last Train to Clarksville