Review: ‘Dolenz Sings R.E.M. 7a Records EP

R.E.M. were one of the great alternate Rock bands of the 1990’s. With an innovative style and presentation, augmented by the distinctive vocals of Michael Stipe, the band from Athens, Georgia left an indelible mark in the history of Rock & Roll.

One of the band’s major influences were The Monkees, their big hit ‘Shiny Happy People’ is an homage to the infectious Pop of the 60’s group. So it’s only fitting that Micky Dolenz, a great admirer of R.E.M., should release the new 7a Records EP ‘Dolenz Sings R.E.M’. Produced by Christian Nesmith, the son of the late Michael Nesmith, Micky covers four of the 90’s band songs, avoiding a karaoke approach and giving the songs a new twist while retaining their unique identities. Assisting Dolenz on background vocals are his sister Coco and Christian’s wife and musical partner Circe Link. Christian preformed the majority of the music with Christopher Allis on drums.

 

The approach to the music Dolenz and Christian take breathes a 60’s feel into the songs. ‘Shiny Happy People’ is a fun listen with Coco complimenting Micky’s vocals similar to the way Kate Pierson did for Michael Stipe on the original song. R.E.M.’s first single ‘Radio Free Europe’ starts with chugging guitars that pushes the song at a quick pace with a bit of jangling guitars and psychedelia thrown into the mix.

The jangling guitars return in R.E.M.’s tribute to Andy Kaufman ‘Man On The Moon’, Circe Link’s backing vocals adding to the tunes’ quirkiness. The final song ‘Leaving New York’ has a Brian Wilson musical quality with Micky’s emotive vocals giving the song an added poignancy, making it a fine closing track.

7a Records has issued the EP as a digipack CD and in 180g yellow vinyl. The EP cover was designed by Tom Johnson with a 90’s era Micky Dolenz in a yellow car in front of Wuxtry Records in Athen, Georgia with R.E.M. posters displayed in its windows. The quality 7a Records put into this EP is outstanding.

Being major fans of The Monkees, the members of R.E.M. are thrilled with this release. Micky Dolenz is scheduled to do a signing at Wuxtry Records on November 3rd in support of the EP and will be presented with the key to the city.

In any case it’s the best of both worlds, the combination of the incredible vocal talents of Micky Dolenz with the brilliant songs of R.E.M. ’Dolenz Sings R.E.M.’ is a treat that should hopefully serve two purposes: introducing Monkees fans to R.E.M., and R.E.M. fans to The Monkees, and perhaps for those on the fence, both bands!

7a Records Link: https://www.7arecords.com/product/dave-edmunds-repeat-when-necessary-red-vinyl-copy/

Fred Velez, 2023.

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/