 In the summer of 1987, Rhino Records delighted Monkees fans when it delivered Missing Links, the first album to officially assemble unreleased Monkees songs long stored away in the vaults at RCA. Except for "Apples, Peaches, Bananas and Pears" and "If You Have the Time," both of which had been aired on the Saturday morning repeats in the early 1970s, and "Nine Times Blue," performed live by Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, and Davy Jones on The Johnny Cash Show in 1969, the remainder of the tracks were largely unheard (though some had floated around previously on bootlegs). Missing Links also featured what at the time was widely considered The Monkees' most famous lost song, "All of Your Toys," recorded during the Headquarters era and later shelved because of a publishing dispute. Initially available on LP and cassette, the collection was expanded in compact disc form in December 1988 with bonus tracks. Two more Missing Links volumes followed: Volume Two arrived in 1990 and Volume Three in 1996. Volume Two, issued on cassette and compact disc only, included more previously unreleased tracks as well as versions of songs originally heard only on The Monkees TV show that were ultimately re-recorded by The Monkees under their creative control (the first recorded takes of "You Just May Be The One," "Valleri," and "Words," to name a few). Volume Three, available on CD only, continued this same approach of unreleased material and alternate versions. Bill Inglot and Andrew Sandoval's deep dive of the vaults that resulted in these finely crafted collections remain fan favorites. All these years later, the original Missing Links trilogy is now slated to make a comeback for an exclusive, limited edition release on July 17 as part of a pandemic-adjusted Record Store Day 2021. Friday Music, which has previously tackled various Monkees reissues, announced today that all three Missing Links albums will be available on 180 gram audiophile vinyl in multiple color variations, limited to 2,000 copies for each volume. Of note, Volume 1 will contain the CD bonus tracks that were not part of the original vinyl and Volume 2 will feature the CD bonus tracks not found on the original cassette. This release also marks the premiere appearance of the second and third Missing Links installments on vinyl. Notably, the original cover of Volume 2 has been altered. Record Store Day was founded in 2007 and has become an annual tradition. With a stated purpose of celebrating the culture of the independently owned record store, bands and labels will press unique items that are distributed exclusively to shops participating in the event. Thanks to Rhino Records, The Monkees have had several Record Store Day releases, all of which are collected in the archives of The Monkees Live Almanac. Be sure to search a list of this year's participating stores where you can pick up your selections, but be aware that the color of the vinyl inside your Missing Links copy will be a surprise. Missing Links
Missing Links Volume Two
Missing Links Volume Three
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Last week, in celebration of Record Store Day Black Friday 2019, Rhino Records issued Christmas Party Plus! featuring Monkees holiday songs past and present. The two 7" singles are pressed on colored vinyl (one red/one green) and housed in a gatefold: "Unwrap You At Christmas (Radio Mix)"/"Unwrap You At Christmas (Andy Partridge Demo)" along with "Riu Chiu"/"Christmas Is My Time Of Year (1976 Mix)." Live Almanac contributor Ben Belmares scanned his copy and shared it with the site. Thanks, Ben!      (Click to enlarge)   (Click to enlarge)        Record Store Day was founded in 2007 and has become an annual tradition that takes place every April and on Black Friday in November. With a stated purpose of celebrating the culture of the independently owned record store, bands and labels will press unique items that are distributed exclusively to shops participating in the event. Thanks to Rhino Records, The Monkees made their Record Store Day debut with multiple releases in 2016, which are collected in the archives of The Monkees Live Almanac.  Upon its arrival late last year, Christmas Party became The Monkees' first-ever holiday album, featuring classics like "The Christmas Song," "Silver Bells," and "Wonderful Christmastime" alongside brand new material. And now, the good times continue as Rhino will issue Christmas Party Plus!, a package that highlights Monkees holiday songs past and present, on November 29 for Record Store Day 2019. This special release will include two 7" singles on color vinyl (one red/one green), all housed in a gatefold sleeve and limited to 5,000 copies. The first record features two versions of the lead single from Christmas Party, "Unwrap You At Christmas." It will be heard here in its radio mix, and is accompanied by a previously unissued demo version by XTC's Andy Partridge, a longtime Monkees devotee who also penned this chestnut for the group. The second record will include the classic performance of "Riu Chiu" (originally seen on "The Monkees' Christmas Show" episode in 1967), and is partnered with "Christmas Is My Time Of Year," which appears in its original 1976 mix for the first time in decades. Be sure to check out Record Store Day's website to locate participating stores near you! And all things Christmas Party, including music videos, reviews, photos from the recording sessions, and more, can be found in the archives of the Live Almanac.  RECORD 1:
“Unwrap You At Christmas (Radio Mix)"/ "Unwrap You At Christmas" –Andy Partridge (featured vocal by Holly Partridge) RECORD 2: "Riu Chiu (Original TV Version)"/ "Christmas Is My Time Of Year (1976 Mix)" L.A. Turnaround is the ninth album by Scottish folk musician Bert Jansch. Issued in 1974, it was produced by Michael Nesmith, who also contributed guitar work. First National Band alum Red Rhodes played pedal steel. The album is being reissued as a part of Record Store Day 2018, available in limited quantities on blue vinyl. A short film was produced in conjunction with the LP which features intimate footage of Michael, Red, Bert, and company from this period. Thanks to David Cox for reminding the Live Almanac about this unique video now on YouTube! Good Times! Plus! was made available as part of a special Record Store Day release by Rhino Records for Black Friday on November 25, 2016. The four song EP, pressed on 10" red opaque vinyl and limited to 2,500 copies, included the four non-album songs that were previously only available via iTunes and exclusive retail CDs in both the US and Japan. Ben Belmares scanned his copy, and you can see the front and back covers, labels, and more below. Thanks, Ben!   (Click to enlarge)     Good Times! Plus! is available today as part of a special Record Store Day release by Rhino Records for Black Friday. The four song EP, pressed on 10" red opaque vinyl and limited to 2,500 copies, includes the four non-album songs that were previously only available via iTunes and exclusive retail CDs in both the US and Japan. Be sure to check out Record Store Day's official website for participating stores. Thanks much to Chris Coyle, who picked up his copy earlier this morning, for sharing these photos with the Live Almanac!      The good times continue into the holiday season as Monkees fans in the United States will have the opportunity to purchase a limited edition vinyl EP that will collect all of the bonus tracks from Good Times! As part of a special Record Store Day release on Black Friday, Rhino Records will issue Good Times! Plus!, featuring the four non-album songs that were previously only available via iTunes and exclusive retail CDs in both the US and Japan. Limited to 2500 copies, Good Times! Plus! will be pressed on 10" red opaque vinyl. Here's the official track listing: SIDE A: "Terrifying," "Me & Magdalena" (Version 2) SIDE B: "A Better World," "Love's What I Want"  Check out Record Store Day's official website for participating stores, but it might be a good idea to call ahead and make sure this Monkees item will be in stock.
This past April, in celebration of The Monkees' 50th Anniversary, Rhino Records issued two unique items for Record Store Day. The first was a 7" picture disc single in the shape of the famous Monkees guitar logo, and the second item was a vinyl box set featuring all nine original Monkees LPs (on colored vinyl) along with a bonus album that collected non-album singles and more. However, the Instant Replay LP was missing the song "The Girl I Left Behind Me." Rhino Records began work on replacing defective copies of Instant Replay and they are now available for shipment. If you contacted Rhino previously about this issue, you have most likely received the following email: The corrected replacement vinyl has arrived. Please reply with a photo of your box set and your shipping information. We will send out your replacement LP as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued patience. Dr. Rhino If you have not received this email or still need to replace a defective disc, alert Dr. Rhino for further assistance.  (Image courtesy of Monkee45s.net)   (Images courtesy of Monkee45s.net) Note: Instant Replay is missing the song "The Girl I Left Behind Me." Rhino Records is working on replacing defective copies of this particular LP. Contact Rhino for more information.
Today is Record Store Day and Rhino Records is celebrating The Monkees' 50th Anniversary by issuing two unique items for the event. The first is a 7" picture disc single in the shape of the famous Monkees guitar logo, and the second is a vinyl box set featuring all nine original Monkees LPs (on colored vinyl!) along with a bonus album that collects singles and more. A big thanks to Chris Coyle who is fresh from the event in his hometown for sharing his photos! Here's a look at the colored vinyl and album covers:    The front and back covers of the vinyl box:   And finally, the 7" picture disc vinyl 45 (along with a cloth Record Store Day bag that was included with purchase): 
Record Store Day was founded in 2007 and has become an annual tradition that takes place every April. With a stated purpose of celebrating the culture of the independently owned record store, bands and labels will press unique items that are distributed exclusively to shops participating in the event.
For the first time, The Monkees will be represented on Record Store Day, which takes place on Saturday, April 16. In celebration of the group's 50th Anniversary, Rhino Records will issue a limited edition (4500 copies) 7" vinyl picture disc shaped in the mold of the famous Monkees guitar logo. The mono TV versions of "Saturday's Child" and "You Just May Be The One" make up both sides of the disc. Visit the link posted below for more details. And be sure to find your nearest participating store. 
Additionally, Record Store Day shoppers in both the United States and the United Kingdom will be able to purchase the recently released 10-CD box set, Classic Album Collection, on colored vinyl (in the US) and 180 gram vinyl (in the UK). This collection is limited to 3000 copies.
And if that wasn't enough, Micky Dolenz will be the first Monkee to have his solo recordings featured on Record Store Day when 7a Records issues a gatefold 7" single of "Chance of a Lifetime" and "Livin' On Lies" on transparent vinyl, exclusively in the UK (limited to 1000 copies).
(Photo courtesy of 7a Records)
Two previously unreleased Micky Dolenz solo tracks will be released exclusively in the United Kingdom as a vinyl 45 single this April on Record Store Day, courtesy of 7a Records.  |
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