Deconstructing Cuddly Toy - The Monkees (Isolated Tracks)

[@jamieewing9250]

This is another great example of what the Monkees lost when they stopped working with Chip Douglas. He may have been a neophyte producer - which, imo, was not really a factor because Hank Cicalo was such a skilled engineer - but his bass playing is some of the very best on Monkees records and his arranging chops (particularly for vocals) were preternatural. Another great rhythm guitar performance by Nez. He does a lot with a little. I think he was humble about it to a fault - he viewed the guitar as a songwriting tool mainly. When I was lucky enough to have a video call with him, he seemed genuinely touched when I praised his rhythm work on PAC&J. He said, "I just tried to suit the song and stay out of everybody's way." (Trailing off into one of those laconic "Nez chuckles.") To me, it also sounds like there are sustained Hammond organ notes on several of the isolated tracks.

[@kevink973]

Chip is pretty much the 5th Monkee.

[@michellerodeghier8071]

It’s amazing to me how well Micky’s voice blends with everyone.

[@markjamesmeli2520]

That's how come he was used so much, for leads and harmonies. Especially if Mike had a particular song, he would always trust Micky with the vocals.

[@lisag18]

Yes, Dolenz has one of those tones that can work with pretty much anyone

[@tn2mich]

Ray Bert got very lucky when they found Micky. One of the top voices of all time

[@AlfonzoName]

This was the last studio song Micky played drums on. Peter said Micky had lost interest in drumming at that point

[@seventyfourseventyfour]

This is one of your best yet! Instrumentals aside, you really showcase how fantastic the backing vocal arrangement is in this song. I especially love the 2nd verses (soft hums, then ahs). Thanks

[@markjamesmeli2520]

Outstanding!

[@redchandler]

Cool!

[@heikkisalonen1494]

Sounds like there is Hammond organ on track with guitar there is pictures with Mike playing in this sessions with Hammond C2

[@septylite]

I believe Peter is credited with playing organ on this track but I didn't include it in the deconstruction because I wasn't able to hear it.

[@heikkisalonen1494]

@@septylite electric piano

[@jeffandersen7397]

Written by Harry Nilsson !

[@sixtieskid062]

Bank teller by day, composer by night.

[@sixtieskid062]

But that would change shortly after this.

[@trojanguy60]

Nilsson good. Monkees better!