Monkees - Justus
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Free Music Notes for Justus
Free Music Review: OK album but very different
Hit: 3 Stars
When all four Monkees came back in the studio in 1996, this album is the result of it. While it isn't bad, it shows no nostalgia from the old music. First off, I was disappointed to find that Nez only wrote two songs here. The first is a lifeless remake of "Circle Sky," a song that was much better done in the '60s (the studio and live version) His other number was "Admiral Mike," a pounding song with ticked-off vocals by Micky. Peter Tork didn't offer much either, He sung on the repetitive "I Believe You," which is saved by the harmony at the end of the verses. His other effort "Run Away From Life," has some of the worst-sounding Davy Jones vocals I've ever heard. He sounded shaky and edgy. Speaking of Jones, he gets points for not doing any mushy ballads on this album. He sings on pleasant "You And I." However, the other two songs with his vocals sounded a little edgy and unpleasant. Micky's gruff voice almost overpowered the album. "Never Enough," "Dyin' of a Broken Heart" and "Regional Girl" are bearable, but not the cheap '50s-style "Unlucky Stars or ballad "It's My Life."
The Monkees had changed in their years of absence. Some for the better, some for the worse. This album isn't that great, but isn't very bad, either.
Free Music Review: Monkees Return!
Hit: 3 Stars
All four of the Monkees reunited for this 1996 release. The guys provided all of the production, compositions and perfomances. The group comes off sounding surprisingly vibrant and alive. What is missing is the catchy well-crafted pop songs that populated their sixties records. Most of the songs are average and adequate for album cuts with "You & I" being the best of the lot. Michael Nesmith contributes only one new song and he is the most gifted writer of the group. It was fun having a new album to experience after all these years. I was disappointed that there was no killer single on the disc. I was also disappointed at the drug references on two tracks and the derogatory phrase for women on "Regional Girl". Monkees fans will enjoy hearing the four guys back together and sounding great. I wish they would have brought along Bobby Hart, Carole King, Neil Diamond for the ride. A Diane Warren cut would have been great. Where's Don Kirshner when you need himFree Music Review: Nifty Surprise
Hit: 3 Stars
I enjoy hearing the Monkees perform their own instruments (like "Headquarters"). The bass & keyboards are great throughout and the only weak spot are Dolenz's drums which aren't really horrible but are about as complex as Dennis Wilson's. The hard edge is a very nice surprise and I think the remake of "Circle Sky" is much more powerful than the original (not to mention that the lyrics are much more complete). The highlights to me are the 2 Peter Tork songs which are very well written musically. Sure, "I Believe You" seems repeatitive upon first listening but grows on you like a mantra. "Admiral Mike" and "Regional Girl" are also okay but the rest of it is filler in my honest opinion. The only reason I give it 3 stars is again: it's nice hearing the Monkees as a real creative working unit. But all in all, my biggest respect goes for Peter Tork as the most accomplished musician.Free Music Review: A nice, original effort
Hit: 3 Stars
All four Monkees reunited in the mid-1990's to produce -Justus- (meaning "Just Us"). All tracks are written and recorded by the original four Monkees. The sound is straight rock, quite different from the folk/country/rock style of the Monkees in the 60's. The highlight of the album is Mickey Dolenz, whose tenor vocal is as great for pop music as ever, and he emerges as an excellent songwriter as well. Davy Jones contributes good songs and vocals too. Peter Tork? Well, maybe a few too many drugs in the 60's spoiled whatever talent he had ... his two songs and vocals are awful. The biggest disappointment is the minimal contribution of Mike Nesmith; only two Nez songs appear on the album, and one ("Circle Sky") was released in the 60's. -Justus- is a fine listen for Monkees fans, but probably not good enough for commercial success.Free Music Review: A welcome surprise from "just us"
Hit: 3 Stars
A project (surprisingly) initiated by Mike Nesmith, the Monkees marked their 30th anniversary with an album all their own. I was pleasantly surprised by this; their sound meshes well with the mid-90's. Though I can handle just one Peter Tork vocal, Mike Nesmith lends his voice only to the re-working of "Circle Sky". Micky sings of his divorce troubles in "Never Enough" and has great vocals on "Admiral Mike" and "Regional Girl". Davy also scores with "Oh, What A Night", and "You and I". Let's hope they do it again. Rhino released a "Justus" video showcasing several of the songs that those interested might want to check out.