Rivers Cuomo, Ben Gibbard + More Will Contribute to the First Monkees Album in 20 Years
In 2016, the Monkees will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their self-titled debut, and it looks as though they will mark the occasion by releasing their first album in 20 years with some key help.
A listing for a new Monkees album dubbed Good Times has surfaced on Amazon, and while the page is now blank, a fan site grabbed a since-removed description that suggests the remaining members of the ‘60s power-pop outfit -- Peter Tork, Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz -- have teamed up with Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo, Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard, XTC’s Andy Partridge and Rogue Wave’s Zach Rogue for the new album. According to the description, Cuomo, Gibbard, Partridge and Rogue have written songs for Good Times. Fountains of Wayne’s Adam Schlesinger will produce the LP and contribute songs.
The album will also comprise demos that date back to the ‘60s, including the Neil Diamond-penned “Love to Love,” which features vocals from the late Davy Jones. The former Monkees frontman died in 2012. There’s also a demo that was written and recorded by the band's collaborator Harry Nilsson that has been updated with additional vocals from Dolenz; it serves as the two artists’ first song together in 40-plus years.
According to the Amazon listing, Good Times is due out June 10 via Rhino. You can pre-order it now.