The 5 Greatest Tracks From The Monkees’ “Headquarters”

Following two successful albums featuring songs written and mainly performed by other people, the Monkees fought for and were granted the freedom to create and perform all of the music on their third album, Headquarters, released in 1967. The tracks in the album reflected the era’s folk and psychedelic rock influences without straying too far from the catchy pop that made the Monkees so successful. Care to take a glimpse of the honest-to-goodness feeling brought to you by the Monkees? You could start by listening to these 5 greatest tracks courtesy of the album, Headquarters.

“You Just May Be the One”

One of Mike Nesmith’s best works, for sure. The lyrics convey a straightforward idea: relationships thrive when both partners are committed to one another and open to compromise.  Moreover, if this was the blueprint for the start of the Americana wave, we’re not surprised.

“Shades of Gray”

This mid-tempo ballad’s dreamy nature is soothing and slightly melancholy. Mike Nesmith’s steel guitar adds some subtle color, and the cello and French horn carry the countermelody– perfect harmony indeed.

“Randy Scouse Git”

This song has two distinct personalities: in the verses, the vocalist describes a lighthearted party scene, but in the choruses, the singer hurls bromides at a person who has offended him. As “Randy Scouse Git” is considered an insulting term of abuse in the United Kingdom, the song’s release as a single there was accompanied by an alternative title: “Alternative Title.”

“You Told Me”

The album opens with a Mike Nesmith composition and vocal performance that would easily pass for a Beatles song. “You Told Me” has a kaleidoscope, dreamlike quality that can captivate an audience and hint at the imminent arrival of something extraordinary.

“No Time”

“No Time” might’ve made no sense to those listening, but it works. It starts with Mickey Dolenz chanting gibberish followed by bits of non-concrete lines that makes one wonder what it is.