Friday Night Videos

Peter Tork died last week. I discovered the Monkees in the mid-80s when they had their comeback, with "That Was Then, This Is Now" becoming their first hit since the 60s. In college, MTV aired their show late at night, and I got a kick out of its goofy charm. I won't rehash the debates about how talented the Prefab Four were, but once they wrested creative control of their music from the studio, I think they started producing more interesting material, even if the hits stopped coming as often. Case in point, "For Pete's Sake," co-written by Peter Tork and used as the closing theme for the TV show from the second season on. It's certainly a pop sound, but one that's as in tune with the 60s as anything. It's always been one of my favorites. Rest in peace, Peter, and thanks for all the music.

Previously on Friday Night Videos... Postmodern Jukebox.

Now Playing: Edmundo Ros The Very Best of Edmundo Ros and His Orchestra
Chicken Ranch Central

Friday Night Videos

I have to confess, it's a little awkward looking for a Monkees song to commemorate Davey Jones' untimely death this week, only to discover that Mickey Dolenz handled lead vocals on all my favorites. Well, fine. That just means I'll have to go with the obvious choice, "Daydream Believer," which is still a great song although a little on the sappy side. I first got into the Monkees back in 1986, when they had their first big reunion and scored a hit with "That Was Then, This Is Now" (another Dolenz vocal, by the way) and in college watched their TV show when MTV aired reruns in the late '80s. I never found them laugh-out-loud funny, but their goofy antics were endlessly entertaining.



Previously on Friday Night Videos... Greg Kihn Band.

Now Playing: ZZ Top Tres Hombres
Chicken Ranch Central