Micky Dolenz performing at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano in July 2017. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz
Anyone who has caught Micky Dolenz in concert — whether it was with The Monkees or at one of his solo outings — knows how talented he is (read my review of his July 2017 concert appearance at The Coach HouseHERE).
Fresh on his full-length tribute album to Carole King released in 2010 and a more recent 2021 full-length tribute to songs penned by Michael Nesmith comes word that his tribute to R.E.M. will be released by 7A Records on Nov. 3, 2023.
The EP will include Dolenz revisiting R.E.M.'s "Radio Free Europe," "Man on the Moon," "Leaving New York" and "Shiny Happy People." Watch the official "Shiny Happy People" music video below:
“These songs are absolutely incredible,” R.E.M. lead singer Michael Stipe said in a recent statement. “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.”
Added R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills: “That voice—one of the main voices of my musical awakening—singing our songs… It is beyond awesome. Let’s help make this as huge as we possibly can. I am beyond thrilled."
The new recording project was the idea of 7A Records co-owner Glenn Gretlund. The UK-based record label has been re-releasing lovingly remastered versions of obscure Monkees-related albums since 2015. The label has also issued Dolenz’s recent recording projects.
According to a report in Rolling Stone magazine, R.E.M. were indeed one of the first major bands to cite the Monkees as a significant influence.
This writer has long called for Dolenz and The Monkees to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sadly, Peter Tork, Davy Jones and aforementioned Michael Nesmith are no longer with us. Read my review of The Monkees' 50th Anniversary performance at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood in 2016 HERE.
Robert Kinsler
