Description
Offered for sale is a Japanese pressing of Head by the Monkees, including the original obi and an alternate cover to the U.S. release.
About this copy: This copy of Head is a 1981 Japanese pressing on the Arista label of an album that was originally released in 1968.
The cover is M- and is still in shrink wrap. The obi and insert are M-.
The disc is M- with a couple of spindle marks on the labels, but no marks on the vinyl. Clean disc!
A nice copy of an underrated Monkees LP.
Background: By 1968, the Monkees’ TV series was off the air and the members were looking for a way to develop a more serious image for themselves. Working with film director Bob Rafelson and actor/writer Jack Nicholson, the group developed a film, Head, that they hoped would allow the public to view the group more seriously.
Unfortunately, the film received horrible responses in test screenings and more or less disappeared without ever receiving a wide release. It’s hailed today as a terrific satire of war, stardom, and more, and also offered six new (and terrific) songs. As there weren’t enough songs to justify an entire LP of music, the soundtrack album, simply titled Head, was filled out with dialogue and incidental music from the film, reportedly compiled by actor and friend-of-the-director Jack Nicholson.
The single from the album, The Porpoise Song, peaked at #62 on the charts and the album topped out at #45, making it the worst-selling album of the band’s career to that point. That’s a pity, as the album is now regarded as perhaps the band’s best work (we concur; it’s our favorite Monkees album.) Unfortunately, original pressings are rather difficult to find, and the very expensive and unusual foil “mirror” cover is unusually prone to ring wear.
AllMusic gave Head four stars:
“…the talents of each member are uniquely showcased — especially those of Peter Tork, whose contributions were previously too few and far between. Ironically, his acid rocker “Long Title: Do I Have to Do This All Over Again” and Eastern-flavored “Can You Dig It?” are not only among the best of the six original compositions on the soundtrack, but also among his finest Monkees offerings, period.”
| Country of origin: | Japan |
| Size: | 12″ |
| Record Label: | Arista |
| Catalog Number: |
25RS-125 |
| Year of Release: | 1981 |
| Format: | Stereo |
| Share: |       |
