*** ( out of four stars)
The surviving Monkees- Mickey Dolenz, Peter Tork and Michael Neismith- just released their first-ever Christmas album, titled "Christmas Party." Most of it is fun and light-hearted, a nice mix of new, original holiday songs and two Christmas tunes previously recorded by the late Davy Jones.
"Unwrap You At Christmas" and "What Would Santa Do?" get the album off to a jolly start, with mickey singing lead vocal.He still has a strong voice and the music sounds current and fresh. The producer and songwriters from The Monkees' previous LP, "Good Times!", which proved to be a success.
The first Davy Jones' song appears with the Hawaiian-themed " Mele Kalikimaka", nicely done.
As usual, I didn't care much for the pair of Nesmith leads, "The Christmas Song" and "Snowfall." Both are country-flavored and both kind of drag. Tork is featured on "Angeles We Have Heard On High", and gives a valiant effort, but there's a reason why Mickey and Davy were always the two main lead vocalists on The Monkees,
The middle of the album is fun with original songs "Christmas Party" and "I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday." Jones gives another easy, nice rendition of "Silver Bells",while Mickey covers the Paul McCartney-penned "Wonderful Christmastime."
The closer is "Merry Christmas, Baby", the Elvis Christmas, bluesy-rocker.
When The Monkees were at their best was when they didn't take themselves very seriously. They weren't the Beatles, but they were fun, with catchy songs. That's what this yuletide album is: fun with catchy songs. A nice add to your holiday play list!
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