In just one short year, it seemed that everything had changed for the Monkees.

Back in 1967, their TV show was immensely popular and their music even more so. Their third album, “Headquarters”, was a genuine team effort, with all the bandmembers participating in playing and arranging the songs together. Cut forward to 1968 and everything changes.

Now, the bandmembers are working as four solo acts in separate studios, each producing their work, while knowing that television will not be renewed for another season.

Their fifth album, “The Birds, the Bees and the Monkees” was a decent effort, and the division that defined its construction is not readily apparent, but the lack of spirit regarding unified experimentation and fun is. If the album is new to you, here are the songs for you to decide:

Seeger’s Theme (acoustic and electric version)

Tear the Top Right Off My Head

War Games

Don’t Call on Me (from Mike Nesmith’s “The Wichita Train Whistle Sings”)

Sweet Young Thing (same as above)

Dream World

Auntie’s Municipal Court

We Were Made for Each Other

I’ll Be Back Up on My Feet

The Poster

P.O. Box 9847

Magnolia Simms

Valleri

Zor and Zam