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Review: Davy Jones ‘Incredible!’ 7a Records Reissue
June 15, 2024 by fred.velez
Filed under 7a Records, blogs, davy, Fred Velez, monkees alert, news, news feed
I was the emcee for the Monkees Philadelphia Convention at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel that took place from August 1, 2 & 3, 1986, produced by Maggie McManus and Ed Reilly. It was my honor to introduce the members of the Monkees on our stage as they made separate appearances that weekend. Davy Jones was our final special guest and he charmed everyone sitting in the ballroom. He spoke about some new recordings he was doing and was hoping to have a solo album out in the future titled ‘Incredible!’, and he previewed two tracks from the album.
A cassette version of the album was eventually self-released in 1988 through Davy’s Dome Press company, a later expanded version was issued on CD and through Bandcamp downloads. Now 7a Records has reissued a more expanded version of ‘Incredible!’ by Davy Jones on CD and limited edition 180g blue vinyl.
Davy had been making a series of recordings throughout the 80’s before finally compiling the tracks for the 1988 ‘Incredible!’ cassette album. The songs reflect the 80’s sound of synths, guitars and drum as Davy was always looking to adapt to current music trends. While the songs do harken to the 80’s music sounds of their time, Davy’s charm and theatricality bursts through and engages the listener with a sense of musical fun. Some of the songs could and should have been on the Monkees 1987 ‘Pool It!’ album which would have made it a much stronger album. It’s also a shame that a major record label didn’t release it as it might have given Davy some satisfying solo success in the late 80’s.
The first track ‘Look Inside Yourself’ is a great album opener with a nice saxophone solo and might have gotten some radio airplay if given the chance. ‘Make The Woman Love Me’ is a power ballad that has an Elton John flavor and would have fit in a Broadway show, I could see Davy dramatically selling this song on a stage. ‘Only Dreaming’ is a fun song with a cutesy chorus. ‘Black And White’ has a more 80’s Rock sound that would have fit on the radio at the time with a biting guitar solo almost reminiscent of Eddie Van Halen. An 80’s version of ‘Valeri’ which was a highlight of the 1986/87 Monkees tours (especially when Davy came out in his ‘Davy Lee Jones’ persona) is up next, Davy gives it his all with a great production backing him.
‘After Your Heart’ (one of the songs previewed at the 1986 Philly convention) had been issued as a single in Australia in 1987 backed with ‘Hippy Hippy Shake’. It’s a nice love ballad which Davy does well. The title track ‘Incredible’ is next and Davy gives it a very energetic performance. Davy’s ‘I’ll Love You Forever’ follows, a very pretty ballad that has appeared on ‘Pool It!’ and is a favorite among Davy fans. The previously mentioned ‘Hippy Hippy Shake’ was a hit for the Swinging Blue Jeans, which The Beatles covered during their early years and was a concert favorite at Davy’s shows which he performs with enthusiasm, a great rocking number. The final album song is ‘She Believes In Me’, a beautiful song about a father/daughter relationship that makes a lovely album closer.
The bonus tracks include a later alternate version of ‘King Lonely The Blue’, heard as a demo on the 7a Records ‘Manchester Boy-Personal File’ release, presented here with a Jazzy full band arrangement. The albums’ first single ‘Hangin’ By A Thread’ is next, a great song performed during the Monkees 1989 tour and Davy’s solo shows. (A live version is on the CD version of the album only). I feel that this song could have done well if it had been given a general release at the time by a major record label. The B-side ‘Don’t Go’ is next, a very good mid-range rocker that fits the album well. ‘Fallen Hero’ first appeared as a demo on Davy’s self-released ‘Just For The Record Vol. 2’ CD, presented here with a full arrangement. It’s a very dramatic song that would have also fit into a Broadway musical and Davy gives a very theatrically emotional performance that’s very moving. The next song is a lost treat: ‘Can You Whistle?’ was recorded and issued on the 1981 Children’s album ‘You’re Never Too Young To Dance’. It’s a fun, lively song with Davy singing with a group of kid singers. This is a good song for parents to play for their young Monkees fans. The album closer ‘Free (The Greatest Story Ever Told) written by Davy’s Dome Press business partner Alan Green is a biographical number that poignantly covers Davy’s life and career. Davy’s performance is dramatically emotional, a perfect way to end this collection.
The liner notes written by Monkee historian Mark Kleiner traces the recording and making of ‘Incredible!’, through the mania and excitement of the Monkees 1980’s reunion years, chronicling Davy’s artistic vision of this solo effort with the help of many professionals who worked with him like Lawrie Haley, Mark Clark, Mark Haley, Paul Urwin, Alan Green and more. There are many great photos that grace the CD booklet from Henry Diltz, Lawrie Haley, Mark Haley, Michael G. Bush that cover this 80’s period of Davy and The Monkees. 7a Records has done a beautiful job in their packaging of the album that Davy would have been proud of.
‘Incredible!’ was a labor of love for Davy Jones and those who worked on the original album. 7a Records has furthered this labor of love, making this presentation of ‘Incredible!’ a perfect keepsake for every Davy Jones fan. If Davy were with us, I think he’d be smiling and saying, “Thanks Mates!”.
ImportCDs Links:
CD: https://www.importcds.com/incredible/5060209950648
180g Blue Vinyl: https://www.importcds.com/incredible-180gm-blue-vinyl/5060209950655
Amazon UK Links:
Fred Velez, 2024.
Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’.
Link: https://freddypop.wordpress.com/freddy-pop-shop/
