(Theme From) The Monkees
"(Theme from) The Monkees" is a 1966 popular song, written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart as the theme song for the TV series The Monkees.[2] Two versions were recorded - one for their first album The Monkees[2] and a second shorter version designed to open the television show. Both versions feature vocals by Micky Dolenz. The full length version was released as a single in several countries including Australia, where it became a hit, reaching #8.[3] It also made Billboard Magazine's "Hits of the World" chart in both Mexico and Japan, reaching the Top 20 in Japan and the Top 10 in Mexico (#2 Jun.17, 1967).[4] It is still played on many oldies radio stations. An Italian version of the song was featured on a Monkees compilation album.[2] Ray Stevens did a version of the Monkees Theme song on his 1985 album He Thinks He's Ray Stevens featuring a male German group of singers, Wolfgang and Fritzy, that are arguing during the refrain of the song. ("Hey Hey Bist Du Monkees".)
"(Theme from) The Monkees" | |
---|---|
Single by The Monkees | |
from the album The Monkees | |
B-side | "Mary, Mary" |
Released | February 1967 |
Recorded | July 5 and 19, 1966, RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood [1] |
Genre | Pop rock |
Length | 2:21 |
Label | Colgems |
Songwriter(s) | Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart |
Producer(s) | Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart and Jack Keller |
It is based loosely on the Dave Clark Five song (including finger snap intro) "Catch Us If You Can".
A slower version of the theme song - sung by Boyce and Hart - was recorded for an early production of the pilot episode (16mm black and white). This can be found on the Special Features section of the Monkees Season 1 Box DVD set.[5]
The song is featured in the trailer for the 1994 film Monkey Trouble, and is used on the Minions film soundtrack.
References
- "The Monkees". Monkeessessionography.tripod.com. Retrieved 2016-10-01.
- Planer, L. "(Theme From) The Monkees". Allmusic. Retrieved 2012-08-02.
- "Go-Set National Top 40". Go-Set. September 27, 1967. Archived from the original on July 8, 2012. Retrieved 2012-08-27.
- "Hits of the World". Billboard Magazine. December 16, 1967. p. 52.
- "The Monkees: Season 1 : DVD Talk Review of the DVD Video". DVD Talk. September 27, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2017.