Behind the making of "Dolenz sings Nesmith"

4/18/2021

This week, fans will get a preview of Micky Dolenz's forthcoming solo album when "Different Drum"/"Propinquity" debuts as the lead single from Dolenz sings Nesmith, a collection featuring Micky singing the songs of Michael Nesmith.

While you wait for this Friday's single release, take a listen to the latest episode of Zilch where Glenn Gretlund of 7a Records is joined by the album's producer, Christian Nesmith, and the two chronicle the project with host Ken Mills, along with exclusive track samples to boot!

Zilch #165: 7a & Christian talk "Dolenz sings Nesmith"

20 Comments

Louis M Colli Jr

4/19/2021 15:18:23

I tried listening to this, but without hearing the actual album first it is quite pointless for them to spend an hour breaking down each track.

Dan

4/19/2021 20:17:06

At least in the Live Album breakdown they had more music to share. Also, Ken's constant hyping is so tiring. I know it is his job, and the only reason that heavy hitters come on this show... but not every song can be "the best thing I've ever heard."

Scott

4/19/2021 20:30:44

I listen to the podcast for the information and guests. Ken is tough to handle.

Jeff

4/19/2021 22:10:34

Same here. His constant "You must go buy (insert new Monkee product here)" is excruciating. I realize I don't have to listen. And actually, sometimes I don't, or I don't make it all the way through. The recent episode wherein Andrew Sandoval was interviewed about his forthcoming book, Andrew kept trying to talk about the content but was constantly interrupted by Ken going over the different versions you can buy. It's relevant, but do it once, not multiple times. It's truly informercial format. A little bit about the content, cut to how you can purchase. A little but more about the content, then back to how you can purchase. Rinse, repeat. It feels sometimes like he's auditioning as a pitchman or something. As regards to this new record, after listening to this podcast, it comes off more like a Christian Nesmith solo album and Micky was simply brought in as the vocalist, no different than the other musicians that participated. The whole thing seems to be Christian's vision. And nothing wrong with that, other than what it's being presented as.

Tommy

4/19/2021 22:41:35

Gee, I hadn’t thought of it that way but now that you mention it . . . .

Dan

4/20/2021 11:00:24

I like Christian as a player, and his production on Nez' Live album was very good. However, there are key pieces of this particular project (more so than any of the last 3 Monkees projects) where the seems are showing.

Production is very compressed, the graphics are somewhat iffy, and the after the interview I was feeling like this would be more akin to Micky's Remember album, than what we had originally been led to believe.

All to say, I am happy that its coming out, I will buy it, etc... but I am a little disappointed at the lack f Michael in this whole project (yes he wrote the songs, but I was kinda hoping for some background vocals, ideas, direction, production, something...) and as Jeff stated, the way it feels like Micky's vocals are just being flown into Christian/Circe concepts.

I'm curious about Circle Sky in particular, especially as it was such a big change, not the mood I had picked up from the art direction, and curiously missing a sample.

Scott Erickson

4/24/2021 20:15:47

Dan

You can't say that the "production is compressed" until you've actually heard the CD or vinyl. Of course it's compressed when you're listening to an mp3 (or m4a on iTunes).

Meebo

4/19/2021 22:06:24

Ken is okay - there are worse out there in podland.

However, I’m sure he can move product and has the data to show the influence his show has on merchandise. Can’t argue with results!

😉

Jeff

4/23/2021 15:04:24

So the new single is out. What I'm hearing is Micky's heavily processed voice having to compete with the wall of instruments, particularly the amount of guitars. These guitars are overwhelming at times and Micky's voice is at best on equal footing but on occasion even seems lower in the mix. Granted this is only two tracks, so I'm hoping the remaining songs have more breathing room for Micky's vocals. But when I hear them talk on the podcast about things like "Deep Purple-style organ breaks", I dunno, not looking good.

George

4/23/2021 17:04:03

Jeff - I have read your two comments and you seem incredibly negative about the album. Lighten up or maybe just leave it and let others enjoy it. I'm hearing the complete opposite to you. To my ears, Micky hasn't sounded this good in years. He sounds like a man in his 20s. Christian's new arrangements are a breath of fresh air and I'm relieved that they didn't just try and copy the originals. The single has made me want the album even more and I can't wait to hear the rest.

Scott Erickson link

4/24/2021 20:13:27

Jeff, what you're hearing as "heavily processed" I'm hearing as Micky double-tracking his own vocal part. I also hear some reverb, and maybe a bit of subtle delay added. That's far from being "heavily processed". In fact, it's quite old-school in its approach. Double-tracking vocals is almost as old a process as multi-track recording itself.

In your first comment, you said that this album is basically "a Christian Nesmith solo album with Micky as the vocalist". That's interesting, because Peter Tork often referred to "PACJ, Ltd" as "A Chip Douglas album with the Monkees as lead vocalists". So what? Does that make the project any less valid? Do you look at PACJ as less of a Monkees' album? Once again, this speaks to the old-school practice of recording. The producer is responsible for hiring the studio musicians, giving the track vision, and bringing it to life while making the best of the artist's talents. In this case, the producer also happens to be a more than competent studio musician. While Micky is a fine drummer, and a half-decent rhythm guitarist in concert, his strength is, and always has been as a vocalist. Just look at the last two Monkees albums ("Good Times" and "Christmas Party"--although we could go back to "Pool It" and even further if we wanted). All he did was sing on those, except for one song on "Good Times" (which started out as a jam). Also keep in mind that the Producer has to get all these things done within a limited budget. So, the economical solution was for Christian to play all the instruments he could, and hire other players where he knew they could do the job better than he could. Again, that's old-school.

I have no idea what your musical background is. So I don't know if you're just offering your opinions based on how you feel. But, I can speak to my own musical background. I've been a professional musician, with experience both on tour, and in the studio for the better part of 30 years. I do not say that to brag or boast. But rather back up my opinions with actual knowledge of the process that goes into producing an album.

Regarding Ken and the Zilch podcast... Ken is a good friend, and I love him dearly. But I can agree that often times "Zilch" does become a bit of an infomercial for the latest Monkees product to hit the streets. But again, so what? in 2021, The Monkees NEED someone like Ken to promote product for them. Lord knows Rhino doesn't want to spend money on any kind of real advertising campaign. They don't even want to spend any money putting out any decent product anymore. That's why we get lousy compilations like "Summer Of Love". Or, they'd rather make money by licensing things to Joe Friday for his shitty vinyl reissues -- which you suckers will buy up en masse because you "NEED Missing Links 2 & 3 on vinyl".

Lastly, I see someone lamenting the lack of Michael Nesmith's involvement in a MICKY DOLENZ SOLO album, and complaining about the artwork. I'll address that latter part first... Google the "Nilsson Sings Newman" album (which was Micky's inspiration for this album to begin with). You'll see that the artwork for Micky's record is a direct homage to Harry's album-even down to the font used for the lettering. If you're complaining about the art, you must either be completely unfamiliar Harry's album, or ignorant of the concept of homage..

Why be disappointed that Mike wasn't involved with this record? It's NOT a Monkees' project. It's not a "Mike & Micky" project. This is an album by Micky Dolenz, performing songs written by one of his favorite songwriters. In this case, that songwriter happens to be Michael Nesmith. But that's where the connection ends. There's no need for Mike to have been involved.

Come on folks... The album isn't even out yet. We've heard 2 songs (and excerpts from 2 more). Stop panning the thing based on a concept.

The single is fantastic. Nez is an incredible songwriter. Christian obviously cares about preserving the integrity of the original chords and melodies, while creating new & different arrangements. Plus, having been the Vocal Director/Arranger for the Monkees tours for the past several years, he knows Micky's voice, and how to get the best performances out of it, better than anyone else (including, dare I say it, the late Adam Schlesinger). I hate to say it. But as time goes on, it get less and less likely that we're going to get any more studio projects out of these guys. After the shit show that was "Christmas Party". I for one (just based on this single), am thrilled that what could be the final offering of NEW studio material from the Monkees' camp (group or solo) is something of such high quality.

If you're not going to buy it, that's fine. But don't pan it before hearing the whole thing.

Dan McKenzie

4/25/2021 16:41:28

Ken & his Podcast team have provided a TON of interesting info & guests over the years... "ZILCH" has provided a interview platform that wasn't there beforehand. Is every episode a five star affair? Nope... but I'm grateful for the labor of love that surely goes on to bring us Monkee news in a timely manner.

Scott

4/23/2021 17:55:58

I agree with you, George. I believe this will be a wonderful album and another milestone in Monkee history.

Dan

4/23/2021 21:59:23

Propinquity in particular really struck me as a wonderful version of the song, and a great example of "late career Monkees"

I can't imagine any other band coming out with a hit record 50 years after the fact, followed by a great holiday record, an excellent live record, and now a solo album that should be right at home with the past 3 releases.

DIfferent Drum never really did anything for me, regardless of who sang it. But... I like the arrarngement.

William Byron link

4/23/2021 23:44:54

I feel how I felt about the extremely curious live album we just got: there are things to ponder about why THIS exact version is coming out, BUT- Micky and Nez are almost 80, it's a new century, it's the twenties and there is STILL Monkees related product coming out? I'm gonna be grateful for it and I'm gonna support it.

Lord High 'n Low

4/24/2021 17:44:34

I view "Propinquity" as the superior track on the new single. It's a barn burner with the banjo and it makes me think of Peter Tork. I'm really looking forward to the album proper.

Tim link

4/25/2021 13:39:00

It's interesting that the complaints about this album are that it's "over produced" and that Micky's voice is "buried in the mix." I really have to disagree. Is Micky double-tracked in a few places? Sure. John Lennon Double-tracked his vocals all the time; there's no crime there. Christian makes no bones about the fact that a LOT of the production choices on this album are homages to great records of the past that influenced both HIM and Micky. Micky was, as I understand it, a BIG part of the production process on this album, so Dolenz OK'd the final mix down of all the tracks.
There's a lot going on during every track of this album. The band is great, Christian's guitar work is stellar, and, yes, Micky's voice is as great as ever. Is it mixed in to the album and not front-and-center on every track every time he opens his mouth? Of course it is because this is, as has been stated a zillion times, NOT a karaoke album. Even when you hear Micky live in a small club, the band and the arrangement is important. Nobody ever complains that McCartney's vocals are "buried" on Sgt. Pepper (and I'm not comparing this album with Sgt. Pepper, but rather using it as a comparison as an album hailed by most rock fans as a well-produced album).

This album not only has GREAT vocals by Micky-- and boy, howdy does it ever, but it also CHOCK FULL of musical Easter eggs that Christian and Micky have hidden in the mix, little musical homages, sound tributes, and clever arrangement choices, to make this an album to listen to more than once.

The singles are just the tip of the iceberg. Having hear the whole thing, and not being involved in the production of the album, I can tell you: You're gonna be glad this album is out there.

Vocally, it's some of Micky's best vocal work recorded. Sonically, through massive Pioneer speakers as I've heard it, there are so many little bits of arrangement and production that make this a fun album to listen to, you'll have fun finding them. And the cats who played on this album are top notch. No doubt.

If it's not for you, don't buy it. If you're mad that it's not produced the way you'd produce it, then I would imagine a lot of music, movies, art and books are disappointing to you as well. But if you take it for what it is, a rock & roll album of songs by a hell of a songwriter by a singer with one of the most astounding voices in Pop music (and at 76 years old as well) by a band full of amazingly skilled professional musicians, then, yeah, it's a fun listen. Peace and Love.

David Cox

4/29/2021 13:28:37

On a lighter note...

I wonder who chose to use images of Micky and Mike in the early twenties? This is a new album and, in my opinion, would have been way cooler to see them as they are now sitting in the car. I realize previous 7a releases needed the vintage images from a marketing angle but this was a real missed opportunity. Even Rhino chose to exclude current images for Good Times on the covers so i understand the process, just wish I could have been in the meeting and sold them on this one!

That being said, I am super critical of production values whether it's The Monkees or Donald Fagen and I love Christian Nesmith's approach. Talk about pop sensibilities!

My wish list: One last true singer/songwriter album from Michael but produced by Christian.

Johnny Written

4/30/2021 06:23:54

David Cox - Apparently, Micky chose the pictures himself. Others, including recent ones of them in the car, were tried and nixed.

David Cox

5/1/2021 20:30:53

Great information Johnny!

At least I wasn't too far off base with my comments. I forgot to mention, we can just assume Christian is in the trunk.

Behind the making of "Dolenz sings Nesmith"

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