Monkees’ Micky Dolenz Released Album of R.E.M. Covers
The Monkees‘ Micky Dolenz is enjoying his longtime career and doing something new. He just released an EP of R.E.M. covers called Dolenz Sings R.E.M. including songs like “Radio Free Europe,” “Shiny Happy People,” and “Leaving New York.” To celebrate, Dolenz has been traveling around to different cities to meet fans and discuss the EP.
The 78-year-old recently greeted fans in Athens, Georgia where people lined up around the block to be able to meet and get an autograph from Dolenz. He was also given a ceremonial key to the city from Mayor Kelly Girtz.
Dolenz worked with former bandmate Michael Nesmith‘s son Christian, who produced the album. Dolenz said, “Once again, this EP reaffirms my long-held conviction that a solid recording always begins with solid material. You don’t get much more solid than R.E.M. What a joy to sing these classics and honor a team of outstanding writers.”
He even got the seal of approval from R.E.M. bandmates. R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe told Rolling Stone, “These songs are absolutely incredible. Micky Dolenz covering R.E.M. Monkees style, I have died and gone to heaven. This is really something. ‘Shiny Happy People’ sounds incredible (never thought you or I would hear me say that!!!). Give it a spin. It’s wild. And produced by Christian Nesmith (son of Michael Nesmith). I am finally complete.”
Jack Knox/Getty Images
Dolenz is best known for being the only surviving member of The Monkees. The Monkees was a television show in the ’60s that also featured Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith. They played a fictional band which became real as they toured around the country for many years. Some of their top hit songs include “I’m a Believer” and “Last Train to Clarksville.” Even decades after the height of their popularity, they would return for reunion tours, with the final one being in 2021 just before Nesmith’s death.
Purchase Dolenz Sings R.E.M. on Amazon.
Classic TV Shows of the ’50s & ’60s
September 2020
Test your knowledge, from Bonanza and Gunsmoke to I Love Lucy, I Dream of Jeannie, Star Trek and more fun TV of the 1950s and 1960s.
Buy This Issue