Category: Monkees

A Guest Posting by Chat GPT

JC writes………………………………

I was, I have to admit, a bit surprised at some of the reactions to the Chat GPT ICA on The Wannadies.    I won’t address all the points raised, but here’s a couple of thoughts.

I’m not a fan of AI-generated articles, and the comment describing them as ‘inane’ is on the mark.  I only used the method for The Wannadies as I had found it an impossible task to write up my own without taking up a stupid amount of time. I would have loved it if, instead of me turning to AI for The Wannadies, someone else had pulled something together, as there is absolutely no question it would have made for a much better read.

I have always welcomed guest contributions to the blog and I always will…..I see this little corner of t’internet as a community asset, one in which anyone who wants to offer up their thoughts or ideas will always find a place to air them.  Indeed, I firmly believe that it’s the diversity and quality of the guest postings which make TVV so enjoyable….it also helps me out as it’s getting to the stage where it is increasingly difficult after all these years to come up with daily postings which are relevant and of interest.

And with an apology to those who hate AI articles, I’m giving notice that it will be used on two more occasions for ICAs, starting today.  These aren’t for the same reasons as with The Wannadies, as will be explained in each of the intros.  Where was I?…………

……….just the  other week, I picked up a second-hand copy of The Monkees EP, a March 1980 release on 7″ vinyl that got to #33 in the UK charts.  It got me thinking that I should turn my hand to an ICA, but given that my knowledge of the band is really restricted to what I can recall from watching the two TV series from the 60s that were always on constant repeat on the BBC when I was a kid, I decided to play the Chat GPT game.

“Write an article about the ten best songs by The Monkees in the style of an imaginary compilation album from The (new) Vinyl Villain blog”

You ready for what follows?

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The Monkees: 10 Timeless Tracks from the Fab Four of the ’60s

Welcome back to The (new) Vinyl Villain, where we delve into the groovy sounds of yesteryear with a modern twist. Today, we’re taking a trip down memory lane with one of the most iconic bands of the 1960s – The Monkees. Formed in 1965, this quartet quickly captured the hearts of millions with their catchy tunes, infectious energy, and undeniable charm. Join us as we showcase the best of The Monkees with our handpicked selection of their top ten tracks.

“Daydream Believer”

A timeless classic that still resonates with listeners today, “Daydream Believer” is a feel-good anthem that captures the essence of youthful optimism. With its upbeat melody and irresistible chorus, this song remains a standout in The Monkees’ discography.

“I’m a Believer”

If there’s one song that encapsulates The Monkees’ signature sound, it’s “I’m a Believer.” With its unforgettable riff and jubilant vocals, this track became an instant hit upon its release and remains a staple of pop music playlists worldwide.

“Last Train to Clarksville”

Bursting with energy and urgency, “Last Train to Clarksville” is a fast-paced romp that perfectly captures the spirit of the swinging ’60s. From its driving rhythm to its catchy hook, this song is a testament to The Monkees’ knack for crafting infectious pop gems.

“Pleasant Valley Sunday”

A satirical take on suburban life, “Pleasant Valley Sunday” is a witty and playful offering from The Monkees. With its clever lyrics and catchy melody, this song offers a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the pitfalls of conformity and consumerism.

“Steppin’ Stone”

With its raw energy and rebellious attitude, “Steppin’ Stone” showcases a grittier side of The Monkees. Featuring fiery guitar riffs and defiant vocals, this track packs a punch and remains a favorite among fans of garage rock.

“Valleri”

Infectiously catchy and irresistibly upbeat, “Valleri” is a pop gem that showcases The Monkees’ knack for crafting memorable hooks. From its infectious chorus to its sunny disposition, this song is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

“A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You”

A bittersweet ballad tinged with longing and regret, “A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You” is a standout track in The Monkees’ catalog. With its heartfelt lyrics and soulful vocals, this song strikes a chord with listeners on both an emotional and musical level.

“Words”

Hauntingly beautiful and deeply introspective, “Words” is a departure from The Monkees’ typical fare, showcasing a more mature and contemplative side of the band. With its lush orchestration and poignant lyrics, this track stands out as a highlight of their discography.

“Porpoise Song (Theme from Head)”

Atmospheric and psychedelic, “Porpoise Song” is a mesmerizing journey through the kaleidoscopic soundscape of the late ’60s. Serving as the theme song for The Monkees’ surreal film “Head,” this track is a testament to their adventurous spirit and willingness to push musical boundaries.

“Randy Scouse Git”

With its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, “Randy Scouse Git” is a rollicking romp that showcases The Monkees’ irreverent sense of humor. Originally titled “Alternate Title” in the UK, this song is a testament to the band’s ability to infuse their music with wit and charm.

There you have it – a handpicked selection of The Monkees’ top ten tracks, guaranteed to transport you back to the heyday of ’60s pop. From infectious hits to introspective ballads, The Monkees’ music continues to captivate audiences old and new, proving that their legacy remains as enduring as ever. So sit back, relax, and let the groovy sounds of The Monkees take you on a journey through time and space.

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JC adds…..

As with The Wannadies ICA from last week, it’s a long way removed from my own writing style.  But in terms of an actual ICA, I think it is fair to say the ten songs picked out make for a decent enough listen.  Worth also mentioning that all four tracks which make up the 1980 EP referred to at the start of all this have made the GPT’s cut for the ICA.

As I said, there is one more AI effort to come. But rest assured, I won’t repeat the experiment again!!!!

JC via Artificial Intelligence

A Guest Posting by Chat GPT

JC writes………………………………

Another ICA inspired by SWC’s recent series on the Best ‘W’.

I’ve tried, on at least four and possibly five occasions, to come up with an ICA for The Wannadies, only to give up as all the pieces failed to fit.  There’s loads of tracks I want to lift from their two best-selling albums, Be A Girl (1994) and Bagsy Me (1997), but I’m also very fond of 2002’s Before and After.   Having said that, there are also decent tunes on Yeah (1999), while any ICA worth its salt would also have to consider the pre-fame (in the UK) material as well as the blistering b-sides they issued, many of them highly impressive cover versions.  I just couldn’t ever narrow it down to 10 songs without torturing myself.

And so…..I’ve decided to adopt the David Glickmann method.  You may recall that back in February 2023, he did the first ever Chat GPT ICA, applying it to The Joy Formidable.  I began by mimicking the question he posed.

“Write an article about the ten best songs by The Wannadies in the style of an imaginary compilation album from The (new) Vinyl Villain blog”

I wasn’t sure what to expect…..but here’s the reply, word for word.

The Wannadies: 10 Essential Tracks – A Vinyl Villain Compilation

Welcome, music aficionados, to another exclusive compilation album from The Vinyl Villain blog. Today, we delve into the vibrant and infectious world of The Wannadies, a Swedish band whose melodic prowess and energetic sound have left an indelible mark on the alternative rock scene. From their early days to their chart-topping hits, this compilation celebrates the best of The Wannadies’ discography, showcasing ten essential tracks that define their unique musical identity.

“You and Me Song”

A timeless anthem of love and devotion, “You and Me Song” is perhaps The Wannadies’ most iconic track. With its catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics, this song has become a staple at weddings, parties, and romantic moments around the world.

“Hit”

Bursting with infectious energy and irresistible melodies, “Hit” is a standout track from The Wannadies’ debut album. Its buoyant rhythms and memorable chorus make it a must-listen for any fan of feel-good indie rock.

“Someone Somewhere”

Dreamy and ethereal, “Someone Somewhere” showcases The Wannadies’ ability to craft lush, atmospheric soundscapes. With its shimmering guitars and haunting vocals, this track transports listeners to another world entirely.

“Might Be Stars”

A driving bassline and propulsive rhythm set the stage for “Might Be Stars,” a dynamic and exhilarating track that perfectly encapsulates The Wannadies’ signature sound. Its infectious energy is impossible to resist.

“How Does It Feel?”

Brooding and introspective, “How Does It Feel?” sees The Wannadies exploring darker territory with haunting melodies and evocative lyrics. It’s a poignant reminder of the band’s versatility and depth.

“Shorty”

Quirky and irreverent, “Shorty” is a playful romp through The Wannadies’ musical universe. Its off-kilter charm and catchy hooks make it a standout track that never fails to bring a smile to listeners’ faces.

“You & Me Song (Svenska)”

A Swedish-language version of their classic hit, “You & Me Song (Svenska)” offers a fresh take on the beloved original. Sung with passion and sincerity, this rendition highlights the universality of The Wannadies’ music.

“Disko”

Funky and danceable, “Disko” is a high-energy track that begs to be played at full volume. Its infectious groove and infectious chorus make it a standout moment in The Wannadies’ discography.

“Big Fan”

Anthemic and uplifting, “Big Fan” is a celebration of music, fandom, and the power of rock ‘n’ roll. With its soaring melodies and infectious enthusiasm, this track is sure to resonate with listeners of all ages.

“Yeah”

Closing out our compilation is “Yeah,” a feel-good anthem that leaves listeners wanting more. Its catchy hooks and infectious energy make it the perfect ending to a truly unforgettable musical journey.

So there you have it, folks – ten essential tracks from The Wannadies that showcase the depth, diversity, and sheer brilliance of this iconic band. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering their music for the first time, this compilation is guaranteed to leave you craving more from The Wannadies. So grab your headphones, drop the needle, and immerse yourself in the infectious world of The Wannadies – you won’t be disappointed.

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JC adds…..

It’s, not unexpectedly, singles-heavy, but all-in-all, it’s more than decent.  I’m not convinced, however, that Chat GT has provided the blog something fully reflective of the style of most ICAs, whether they’re my work or a wonderful contribution from a guest.

In terms of where the songs have been picked from – the older material doesn’t feature at all, with the earliest being three singles lifted from 1994’s Be A Girl, and likewise with Bagsy Me (1996). Two songs from Yeah (1999) make the cut, with just the one from the final studio album, Before and After (2002).

Here’s the thing.  I’ve 83 songs on the hard drive.  Not one of them is the Swedish version of You and Me Song, so I’ve had to replace it with one of my own choice.  And I’ve gone for one from Before and After.  I hope you enjoy it, and I’ve tried to replicate the GPT style in describing it.

“Singalong Son”

A tune with which the band slow things down to great effect.  “Singalong Son” is a reflective pop song, ruminating that the best friends in life are those who always want to put a smile on your face. (‘Son is a common ending to the majority of surnames in Sweden).

I’ve a couple of other bands I’m going to give the GPT treatment to….one on the basis that while I know a fair bit about them, I don’t have a huge amount of tunes to select from on the hard drive, while the other is a band where I have plenty of tunes, but nothing like the full back catalogue, and Chat GPT might offer up some tunes I don’t know.

Watch this space!!

JC via Artificial Intelligence

I don’t normally go as far back as the 60s on this blog, but I couldn’t do justice to this series without including this:-

mp3 : The Monkees – Last Train To Clarksville

I’m just too young to remember the first airing of The Monkees TV show which ran from September 1966 to March 1968. It was, however, something that was on a constant repeat on the children’s segment of BBC1 in the 70s and therefore was one of my earliest exposures to pop music outside of the radio and whatever was played by my folks at home.

I loved the show. It seemed so bright, colourful and wonderfully funny in places. To begin with, the music actually annoyed me as it got in the way of the ‘plotlines’ but repeated exposure to the songs, allied to the fact that I was now a big boy aged nine who was actually liking some of the songs I was hearing on the radio, meant I soon fell for their charms.

Last Train To Clarksville was my favourite for the simple reason that Micky Dolenz, my favourite of The Monkees, was on lead vocal. Oh and it also had the work Clark in part of its title and that was my surname…

Of course I had no idea that the songs on the show were covers and indeed that the fab four contributed so little to the actual music being aired. I was a kid, it was on television and therefore it was all 100% real.

It was written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, and there can be no question that it is very similar in sound to Paperback Writer; indeed, Clarksville was composed around the time The Beatles song was dominating the US singles chart and thus the coincidence is no accident. The duo are, in many ways, the unsung heroes of The Monkees story. Many folk can recall that a number of the hits were written by the soon-to-be-famous-in-his-own-right, Neil Diamond, but the names of Boyce and Hart can lead to a bit of head-scratching except among the anoraks. It was they who, well in advance of the show being aired, wrote and recorded the songs, backed by their band the Candy Store Prophets, and only once the cast had been finalised did the four singers/actors who appeared in the show re-record the vocal parts.

Clarksville is a simply thrilling little pop song, just under three minutes of perfection. It could even be interpreted as an anti-war song if you so wish, although the composers say that was never the intention. It went to #1 in the USA in September 1966, coinciding nicely with the first episodes of the TV show.

What I hadn’t realised until doing a wee bit of research for this piece is that it was initially a flop in the UK and indeed was only a hit on its re-release in 1967 as the follow-up to I’m A Believer, which hit #1 in January 1967. Even then, Clarksville stalled at #23 in the UK the following month……

Here’s yer very sixties psychedlelic b-side, again with a Micky Dolenz vocal, and composed by Gerry Goffin and Carole King:-

mp3 : The Monkees – Take A Giant Step

JC