The Monkees - JUSTUS

First time release on 180-gram clear vinyl

Mastered by Joe Reagoso from the original master recordings

Produced by the Monkees

The Monkees have been one of the world's most enduring rock and pop acts of all time. Since their beginnings in 1966, their television show, multiplatinum albums, hit singles and concert tours truly made The Monkees one of the most colossal stories ever in the music business.

In 1996, after a 30-year hiatus as a quartet, the original Monkees Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork went back to the studio and recorded what would ultimately be their final studio project, the Justus album. Noted for their return to the studio and touring around the legendary release, this final work also found The Monkees as the sole musicians, vocalists, writers and production team for all of the tracks assembled for the recording. The results truly showed one of the more organically produced albums ever from their superstar catalog of fine recordings.

Originally an idea spearheaded by Michael Nesmith, the Justus album was conceptual in nature almost mirroring the original idea behind their classic Headquarters album, which like Justus, showcased these four musical talents as a team and offered no single track to radio but instead a full musical album listening experience.

Opening up with a new take on "Circle Sky," Michael Nesmith is on top of his game with this metal-like rocker originally from Head. Featuring a wall of loud guitars, retro lyrics and chorus, this classic track was performed at the reunion concerts around this album, and once again reemphasized the importance of the original quartet setting, making this a great intro track.
Davy Jones belts out one of his finest compositions with the uptempo groove of "Oh, What A Night." The tune truly resonated with the fans back then and continues to be one of the more appreciated classics in his long list of time tested Monkees favorites.

Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones repeat the magic with their revisit of "You And I" from their Dolenz, Jones, Boyce and Hart era. Featuring a strong vocal performance by the duo and the stunning guitar work of both Monkees' Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith, this track truly captures the innocence and the feel of their '60s sound, as it became a time-tested track well into their final tour of 2011.

Much like their Instant Replay album, Micky Dolenz contributes a good helping of original compositions to the Justus project. Either rockers like "Dyin' Of A Broken Heart," the blues balladry of "It's My Life," or the Rolling Stones vibe of "Regional Girl," the Justus album was a watershed for Dolenz's writings and vocal prowess that truly makes this 1996 session a true winner.