See You On The Road in November!

RIP Davy Jones

It's with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the passing of a true icon. Having worked in "the organization" it touches me greatly and I am in an extremely sad mood today. My thoughts are with my good friends and Davy's family.

A Head Full of Monkees

Friday night I was able to take in The Monkees 45th Anniversary Tour (or the 25th anniversary of the 20th anniversary tour) and loved seeing my buddy, Micky, having a ball with his old cohorts. I had thought that maybe it was going to be the same old same old that they have always done when they reunite but this show was truly great. It was a lot different watching a Monkees concert being a member of the "inner circle" and it was a great feeling to know I was watching friends up on stage. Anyway, I thought I would throw you a generous helping of Monkees stuff so here goes:
RHINO Handmade put out an amazing box set for HEAD last year that featured not only the original soundtrack in both MONO and STEREO but also had a bunch of great alternate mixes and unreleased items. It was great to get the "official" version of a lot of these items but there were still a lot that they left off. Two bootlegs that were released long before RHINO's box set contained not only the items released in the set but also a lot of others that didn't make the cut. Here are those tracks that didn't make the RHINO version from those two bootlegs. Here are "Head Shots" and "HEAD Deluxe". Enjoy!

The Monkees-HEAD Shots

The Monkees-HEAD Deluxe (part 1)
The Monkees-HEAD Deluxe (part 2)

The Best of The World of Wonder: The Monkees Come Alive

A few years back, Rhino Handmade released a box set of all of the Monkees concerts that were recorded during their 1967 tour. Sadly, I missed out on the collection but I was able to gain a copy of a bootleg of their 8/12/67 concert in Mobile, Alabama as a birthday gift from my brother-in-law! I have no idea if there is a difference between the bootleg recording and the one featured in the box set. I do know that this boot rocks! Although the balance between the lead vocal and the back up band is at times almost non-existent (with the vocals being up front while the band sounds like they're in another auditorium) it still provides a look at what my cousin has referred to as "the first punk band" playing their hearts out to screaming kids and their parents at a Monkees concert in 1967. Enjoy!

The Monkees - Mobile, Alabama - 8/12/67 (part 1)
The Monkees - Mobile, Alabama - 8/12/67 (part 2)

A Month of Monkees: An Alternate Reality Part 8

Today we finish up the "Alternate Reality" of Monkees' records with a Greatest Hits collection. According to a March 21, 2009 Wikipedia entry, Colgems was slated to release a second Monkees greatest hits LP, but the plans were scuttled when the label folded. Apparently, in 1971, a test-pressing of another Monkees hits LP was planned. Like its predecessor, it contained 14 songs: four of these songs were key album tracks; five songs were issued on both singles and albums; the remaining five selections were previously released only as singles and would have made their album debut on this collection. While no official catalog number was ever assigned, the track listing was in place right from the start. Further documentation reveals that all 14 songs were in true stereo. Since we have been exploring this "Alternate Reality" of the Monkees, I decided that in that "alternate reality" Colgems did release this hits collection. As with the Alternate Reality HEAD Soundtrack, this is one that was put together from concept to cover art by myself. While I wasn't too keen on my cover art for the a.r. HEAD soundtrack, I absolutely love the cover art for this album. Since there was no official catalog number assigned, I just gave it the next number after Changes to "follow" the history.

(Theme From) The Monkees
Porpoise Song (Theme from Head)
Someday Man
Good Clean Fun
Oh My My
What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round?
D.W. Washburn
For Pete's Sake
Listen To The Band
It's Nice To Be With You
The Girl I Knew Somewhere
Tear Drop City
Long Title: Do I Have To Do This All Over Again
Goin' Down

All songs are in stereo. Also, as a special bonus, in this "alternate reality", Colgems released the album with this exculsive pull out poster!



Please enjoy this last album in the "Alternate Reality" series!

The Monkees Greatest Hits No. 2 (Alternate Reality LP)

A Month of Monkees: Monkees Past Posts

As we near the end of "A Month of Monkees" here at the World of Wonder, I can't help but feel a sense of great accomplishment that I was able to do an entire month of posts featuring the Monkees without having to resort to re-posting any of the Monkees items that I have posted in the past. Every single day during this month, I featured (and will until the 12th) a brand new never before posted item. However, I could not let this month go by without giving the past posts a nod as well. Here are some Monkees items that I have posted in the past for you to enjoy just in case you missed them or have misplaced them! Enjoy!

33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee Soundtrack

The Monkees Live In L.A. 9/7/86

Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart LP

The Monkees - Mobile, Alabama - 8/12/67 (part 1)
The Monkees - Mobile, Alabama - 8/12/67 (part 2)

The Living Strings Play "I'm A Believer" and other Monkees Hits

Monkees Christmas Album

A Month of Monkees: A Deck of Monkees Part 6

Even though we finished the complete set of 90 cards put out by RHINO/Carleton in the 90s a few posts back, we still have the super cool FOIL cards also known as CHASE cards. These are the high quality collectible cards that are randomly put into the packs and are considered the most valuable of the set. This particular set has 4 FOIL/CHASE cards. All 4 of them are presented here so that you can complete the set for yourself.

The Monkees Trading Cards Chase Set

A Month of Monkees: 33 1/3 Revolutions Per Comic

Here we have the last of the Monkees comic books that I am posting during this "Month of Monkees". The last two issues we posted were issues 7 and 8. I would love to end this series of posts with the next two consecutive issues but unfortunately I don't have the next two issues. So, we have to jump a few issues. Here are issues 13 and 14 in the Dell Comic Book Series of The Monkees. Enjoy!

The Monkees Dell Comic Book Issue 13

The Monkees Dell Comic Book Issue 14

BONUS:
Here is a super cool magazine from the 60s that is pretty much totally devoted to The Monkees. It's an issue from Fall of 1967 that features articles like "The Monkees Talk About LSD (that one's pretty funny!), "The Kind of Mail The Monkees Would Answer" and then some. There's also a few articles about The Mothers of Invention, The Mamas and The Papas and a few more groups but most of the magazine is dedicated to The Monkees! Enjoy!

Freak Out Magazine Fall 1967

A Month of Monkees: Papa Nez's Super Secret All Purpose Songs

After posting two live albums from the 80s Monkees (Peter, Micky & Davy), I felt that it would only be fair to post something from the other Monkee; Michael Nesmith. Nesmith has become the "legitimate" Monkee over the years and has gained a fair amount of respect for his decisions in both the entertainment and business world. Anything Nesmith does becomes an instant collector's item whether it be a new album or a book. Back in the 90s, he went out on his first solo tour in a while to support his album, "Tropical Campfires" and released a live video which has since been released on DVD (Live At The Brit Festival). But back in the 70s, Nesmith was touring to support his work with The First National Band. It was on these tours that he played London. Once in 1974 and then again a year later. The 1975 show was broadcast on the BBC-Radio 1 in England. What sticks out about that gig is the amount of material he performed from his album, "The Prison". What sticks out about that gig here at the World of Wonder is that gig! Today I present not only that show, but the fore-mentioned 1974 London show as well. The '74 show is an audience recording but is extremely listenable. Here are both of those shows for you in audio form. Enjoy!

Michael Nesmith-London, April 28, 1974

Michael Nesmith - BBC-Radio 1, November 27, 1975

A Month of Monkees: An Alternate Reality Part 7

Here is yet another in our series of "Alternate Reality" Monkees LPs. This time around, we take a look at what could have happened if Mike didn't leave the band and stayed on to release "Changes" with Micky and Davy before they all called it quits. The result is a noticeably changed album featuring a completely different set of songs due to the involvement from Mike. Michelle 66's cover art for this is super cool. She used the same picture that was used on the real release and just kept in Mike. (the original picture was a photo taken on their 1969 tour with Sam and the Goodtimers). The one change I made to this album was a switch with the second track. Her original track listing had "Down The Highway" as the second track. While this was a track that may have been recorded by Nesmith during his Monkees days, there is no evidence of it anywhere. In it's place I put Mike's "Michigan Blackhawke". Other than that, I have kept her original concept.


1. Oh My My
2. Michigan Blackhawke
3. If You Have The Time
4. I Love You Better
5. Little Red Rider
6. Time and Time Again
7. Steam Engine
8. Love to Love
9. If I Ever Get To Saginaw Again
10. Do You Feel It Too?
11. Midnight Train
12. Angel Band




As with the other alternate reality LPs, Michelle 66's original art contained "Bonus Tracks" on the mini-LP. Once again I chose to keep it "bonus track free" to make it feel more like a legitimate release from the 60s. And as with the others, many of the tracks used are alternate takes and recordings. Enjoy!

The Monkees-Changes Alternate Reality LP

To see the original artwork that was put together by Michelle 66, head over to her Flicker page. Drop her a line and tell her the Dartman sent you!

A Month of Monkees: Last Chance For E-Bay Items!

Just a reminder that today is the last day to bid on the Monkees items I put up for auction on E-Bay! As stated before, all of these items are being auctioned off to raise funds for "The Richard S Dart Memorial Arts Scholarship" To help me on this "pledge drive", my good friend, Micky Dolenz, has donated some autographed items to put up for auction. All of the signed items came directly from Micky who signed them all personally and each one comes with a certificate of authenticity. All proceeds from these auctions will go towards the scholarship fund and I will include a receipt with each item so that you can claim the auction as a tax deduction.

(just click on each one to take you to the auction itself):

The Monkees TV Series Complete VHS Box Set with booklet and collectible watch

Monkees VHS Tape Collection

The Monkees Greatest Hits CD personally signed by Micky Dolenz

An 8'X10" color photo of Micky signed by him

"Micky's Secret Snaps" Photo Book signed by Micky!

Daydream Believer Remix 1986 Single

Heart and Soul/MBGBT Single 1987

Heart and Soul/MBGBT Single on PINK VINYL

Monkees Coffee Mug

Monkees 20th Anniversary Tour Baseball Cap

As always, if you feel like donating without having to bid on an auction, you can click on the donation button located on the right sidebar! Thanks in advance!

A Month of Monkees: A Deck of Monkees Part 5

Today we have the last of the Monkees trading cards from the RHINO/Carleton set that was released in the 90s. We have the final two "packs" of 9 cards bringing the grand total to 90 cards in the set. Also, feel free to download the cover to the super cool flip book at the left. Enjoy!

The Monkees Trading Cards 73-81

The Monkees Trading Cards 82-90

A Month of Monkees: Much More Monkee Business!

More great items from around the world wide web! (click on the images to get the full size pic)

This was the board game put out to coincide with the television show. I have never played it. Judging by most board games based on television shows, it probably wasn't that much fun.




This one cracks me up! Davy Jones as Pavel Chekov in Star Trek! Hilarious!



Here's one of the many model kits for the Monkee Mobile. I have the most recent release of this that was put out about 6 years ago. I attempted to build it. Attempt is about as far as I got. It looks somewhat like the actual car but I don't think I'll be taking on any more model cars in the future. The cool thing about the one pictured here is that it comes complete with figures of the Monkees to put in the seats. Mine didn't have that. Even it they were included, mine still wouldn't have that.

This is an ad for a performance by a group of kids taking music lessons at a "School of Rock" type place. Apparently the concert featured music by The Monkees. That must have been pretty cool to hear. I'm sure it sounded great! These "schools of rock" are becoming more and more common. I think it's a great way to teach kids 1) how to play an instrument and 2) the history of rock and popular music.


This is a poker chip that was used as a promotion to tie in with the Monkees week long engagement at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in 2001. This is the same week long stay where the guys recorded "2001 Live in Las Vegas", the album sold on the summer leg of that same tour that we featured on yesterday's post.



And finally, the infamous four headed puppet from the 60s!

I actually owned this puppet, in its original box, no less, for many years before I decided to unload it on e-bay. How I came to own it is quite the story. I was in high school at the time and it was no secret that I was a huge Monkees fan. It was during the big resurgence of the band in the mid-80s and I don't think a day went by where I wasn't wearing a shirt that had some kind of Monkees reference on it. I even wrote a term paper on the band! Anyway, a girl that I knew and at one time dated had told me that her brother had the puppet and that it was currently being stored in her attic. Now, here is where it gets weird. Her brother had committed suicide some time back and the puppet in question was being stored in the attic with the rest of his possessions that his family kept in his memory. I, being the self indulgent jerk that I was, really wanted that puppet and tried every angle to get it, with no luck coming my way. Until . . . the girl asked me to her prom. I told her that I would go with her if, and only if, I could have the puppet. Obviously, I went to the prom and the puppet became mine. Looking back on it now, I realize that I was a gigantic ass for doing this but it still makes for a great story! Please do not think less of me . . . if it makes you feel better, the voice box didn't work.

A Month of Monkees: The Spy Who Came In From The Comic

More Monkees Comics! Here are the next two issues of the Dell Comic Book series featuring The Monkees from the 60s! These comics make great reading material for all ages. This time we have issues 7 and 8. Enjoy!

The Monkees Dell Comic Book Issue 7

The Monkees Dell Comic Book Issue 8

A Month of Monkees: Monkees On The Wheel For Real

This is the latest in Monkee related items: The Monkees Slot Machine. Notice that the theme is not the original and has a different vocal track.

Monkees slot machine atlantic city

A Month of Monkees: An Alternate Reality Part 6

Here is the 6th Monkees Alternate Reality LP. This time around we have a slightly different version of "The Monkees Present". The original concept for that album was that it would be a double album and each Monkee would have one complete side to devote to whatever they wanted to record. When Peter announced that he was leaving, the concept changed to the remaining three each getting a side and the remaining side would be a collaboration. In the end, as we all know, the entire concept went out the window and it just became a regular single album with 12 tracks. In the "Alternate Reality", however, Peter has not yet left the group and the original concept became a reality! Michelle 66's artwork was based on the idea of each Monkee releasing their own album (kind of like when all the members of KISS released their solo albums). This is a great idea but the problem for me was that most of the tracks that she listed, particularly on Micky and Peter's albums, are non-existent. For example, her version of Micky's solo LP was basically a collection of compositions played on the Moog synthesizer. As far as I know, there are no recordings of this type of stuff and if there are, they have yet to see the light of day. As a result, I chose to go with the original 4 sided concept and used most of the original "Present" tracks along with a lot of tracks that were not released on the original albums. I thought of the cover art as being a gatefold cover with, like the records inside, each Monkee getting a side. In the "alternate reality" the album was released in four different covers with each Monkee getting a chance for his cover to be on the front.




1. Good Clean Fun
2. Never Tell A Woman Yes
3. The Crippled Lion
4. Oklahoma Backroom Dancer
5. Calico Girlfriend
6. Listen To The Band









1. Through The Looking Glass
2. Bye Bye Baby Bye Bye
3. Shake 'Em Up
4. She'll Be There
5. Rosemarie
6. Pillow Time









1. Changes
2. If I Learned To Play The Violin
3. You Can't Tie A Mustang Down
4. Looking For The Good Times
5. Ceiling In My Room
6. 99 Pounds









1. Alvin
2. Seeger's Theme
3. Come On In
4. Tear The Top Right Off My Head
5. Lady's Baby
6. Merry Go Round


For the production, each Monkee was in charge of his six tracks that would make up the side of the album. They could use whatever material they wanted and could use whomever they wanted on the tracks. Some of the tracks, particularly Davy's, show a collaboration between two of them. This is because they simply asked each other to be on their tracks. This is all so geeky but all so much fun as well. Anyway, here's the "Alternate Reality" version of The Monkees Present. Enjoy!

The Monkees Present Alternate Reality LP 1
The Monkees Present Alternate Reality LP 2

To see the original artwork that was put together by Michelle 66, head over to her Flicker page. Drop her a line and tell her the Dartman sent you!

A Month of Monkees: More Monkee Business

More items I have found floating about the inter-web (click on each pic to get the larger version).

First is a card for a bubblegum machine that featured paper action figures of the boys that you could mix and match. Has anyone ever seen one of these?



Next are two of the infamous Ben Cooper Halloween costumes. These are Micky and Davy.







Here are the four mini dolls that were made in the 60s. Each Monkee was represented. Each package also claims to have a "Groovy 331/3 Record" that tells all about each Monkee. Does anyone have these?


Here is a postcard that was sent to fan club members welcoming them to the club. I actually have this one!


Here is a mail-in offer to get what I am presuming to be a copy of "The Monkees Present" that came inside various boxes of Kellog's cereal. This ws in conjunction with the cardboard records that were put on the back of the boxes that featured various Monkees songs. One of them is below the ad.

Stay tuned for more Monkees' items right here on the World of Wonder!

A Month of Monkees: A Deck of Monkees Part 4

We continue on with the RHINO/Cornerstone Trading Card series from the 90s. These are the next two "packs" of cards each featuring the fronts and backs of the next nine cards in the sequence. The cool package on the left is from the 1967 series of cards put out by Donruss. Feel free to download that as well. You can click on it to get the full size image. Here are the next two "packs" of cards. Enjoy!

The Monkees Trading Cards 56-63

The Monkees Trading Cards 64-72

A Month of Monkees: Monkees A La Comics

Here, in order, are the next two issues of the Dell Comic Book series based on The Monkees from 1967. They are issues number 5 and 6. It's interesting to note that many of the scenes in the comic books are expanded versions of many of the "romps" in the original television series. Check them out!

The Monkees Dell Comic Book Issue 5

The Monkees Dell Comic Book Issue 6

A Month of Monkees: Monkees For Sale

I hope you are enjoying this "Month of Monkess" here at the World of Wonder. As some of you know, my family and I have a scholarship that we started 7 years ago in honor of my late father. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior attending one of the schools located on the CT shoreline who plans on pursing a career in the arts. It is called "The Richard S Dart Memorial Arts Scholarship" and so far we have awarded six aspiring artists! To help raise funds for this scholarship I have decided (regrettably) to sell off some items from my prized Monkees collection. So, starting today, I am auctioning off these items on E-Bay in hopes that they will go to good homes! To help me on this "pledge drive", my good friend, Micky Dolenz, has donated some autographed items to put up for auction. All of the signed items came directly from Micky who signed them all personally and each one comes with a certificate of authenticity. All proceeds from these auctions will go towards the scholarship fund and I will include a receipt with each item so that you can claim the auction as a tax deduction.

Here are the items that are up for auction (just click on each one to take you to the auction itself):

The Monkees TV Series Complete VHS Box Set with booklet and collectible watch - Most of these tapes have never even been taken out of the box!



Monkees VHS Tape Collection including NESMITH LIVE, the JUSTUS promo video and two "boots" of Monkees Video appearances on television both as a group and solo. All tapes are in excellent condition!


The Monkees Greatest Hits CD personally signed by Micky Dolenz complete with a certificate of authenticity from the man himself!

An 8'X10" color photo of Micky signed by him complete with a certificate of authenticity from the man himself!




"Micky's Secret Snaps"
- a small photo book featuring pictures taken by Micky Dolenz on the 1967 Monkees tour with Jimi Hendrix personally autographed by Micky!( This item is sooo cool I had a hard time not keeping it for myself!) As with the other autographed items it comes complete with a certificate of authenticity from the man himself!



Daydream Believer Remix 1986 - This is the single that Arista released in October 1986 with a remix of Daydream Believer backed with Randy Scouse Git. It comes complete with the original picture sleeve and is in excellent condition!


Heart and Soul/MBGBT Single 1987 - Excellent condition single released by RHINO in 1987 complete with picture sleeve! This is the regular "black vinyl" release and is in excellent condition!


Heart and Soul/MBGBT Single on PINK VINYL - The same single as above only this one is on "bubblegum pink" vinyl and the picture sleeve is a more durable cardboard sleeve. This is in MINT condition.


Monkees Coffee Mug - Brand New! Still in the original, cool, Monkees logo box!




Monkees 20th Anniversary Tour Baseball Cap - Brand New! Never been worn! Bought at a concert in 1986 and then hung on my bedpost for the next 13 years! Has a little dust on the brim but is in otherwise mint condition!



As always, if you feel like donating without having to bid on an auction, you can click on the donation button located on the right sidebar! Thanks in advance!