The Monkees (Head) – Review

The Monkees (Head)

        Original Tracks
                Opening Ceremony
                Porpoise Song (Theme From "Head") (Goffin & King)
                Ditty Diego-War Chant (Nicholson & Rafelson)
                Circle Sky (Nesmith)
                Supplico
                Can You Dig It (Tork)
                Gravy
                Superstitious
                As We Go Along (King & Stern)
                Dandruff?
                Daddy's Song (Nilsson)
                Poll
                Long Title: Do I Have to Do This All Over Again (Tork)
                Swami-Plus Strings (Ken Thorne), etc.
        Bonus Selections
                Ditty Diego-War Chant (Nicholson & Rafelson)
                Circle Sky (Nesmith)
                Happy Birthday To You (Hill & Hill)
                Can You Dig It (Tork)
                Daddy's Song (Nilsson)
                Head Radio Spot

A movie that was decades ahead of its time, Head, despite its failure in
movie theaters is now hailed as a cult classic-- and in my opinion, the
best movie of all time.  Artistic, musical, and comic, the movie gave a
satiric view of what it was like to be part of the biggest phenomenon in
pop history.  Their manufactured image was exploited and their bubblegum
reputation was destroyed.  Many hidden motifs are found within the film,
and it is doubtful that any one person will ever be able to completely
explain the movie's full meaning.  The soundtrack is pure genius, though
only a fool would disagree that it lacks something if one hasn't seen the
film.  Peter's great writing ability is finally displayed and the
interludes between songs are uproarious.

The soundtrack to Head also features the best bonus selections of the
bunch.  Amongst the group are alternate forms of "Can You Dig It" (sung by
Peter) and "Daddy's Song" (with Mike on vocals).  Taking the cake, however,
is a 4.5 minute track of the group running through the "Ditty Diego" for
the first time in the studio.  There's no editing, so the listening
audience can hear the banter between the group, Bob Rafelson, and Jack
Nicholson.  A true class act all around.

Questions, comments, arguments, compliments, or general Monkee Talk
welcome at landsberg@alltel.net
                                                        - Mike Landsberg


A note from Mike:

I've been working on a thesis paper explaining Head on and off for over a
year now.  I brought a rough draft of it to one of the heads of the Penn
State mass media and integrative arts department.  He's considering helping
me with this project as an independent study.

I'm looking for any and all information about Head, whether it be articles
and reviews or personal viewer insight.  Please e-mail at landsberg@alltel.net.
Thanks!