The Monkees
Missing Links Vol Two (66-70) - Rhino 1992
Tracks: 1. All the King's Horses / 2. Valleri / 3. St. Matthew / 4. Words / 5. Some of Shelly's Blues / 6. I Wanna Be Free / 7. If I Ever Get to Saginaw Again / 8. Come on In / 9. I'll Be Back up on My Feet / 10. Michigan Blackhawk / 11. Hold on Girl / 12. Crippled Lion / 13. Changes / 14. Mr. Webster / 15. You Just May Be the One / 16. Do Not Ask for Love / 17. Circle Sky / 18. Seeger's Theme / 19. Riu Chiu
Comments:
This was the second collection of unreleased Monkees recordings found in the archives. Like “Missing Links Vol. One” it’s a mix of demos, outtakes, a single live recording and alternative versions of well-known previously released songs. In the latter category, I really don’t find any that surpasses the known versions, which however does not mean that they are all indifferent / uninteresting. The early 1967 version of "Valeri" is fine and basic. Mike Nesmith's "You Just May Be the One" is just a really good song, and thus also this early version, which was intended for an unreleased second album.
Perhaps there is a single track I may agree to rate higher than the known version; namely the early rawer and slightly bluesy version of "I Wanna Be Free". This song, however, it is also one of the most syrupy recordings that group added name to, and this really says a lot.
There are a number of "new / unknown" Mike Nesmith songs, which for the most part are quite good country-pop songs; however, only a couple I would have found worthy for inclusion on the original albums; first the very early opening track "All the Kings' Horses" and "St Matthew", which originates from the same sessions as "Listen to the Band"
Finally, I also think that "Do Not Ask for Love", sung by Micky Dolenz, could have deserved inclusion on one of the early albums.
A quite enjoyable collection of "new" Monkees songs may very well inspire to bring forward again some of the original albums; not least the quite excellent "Headquarters"
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