The Monkees What Am I Doing Hanging Around

[@jocelynhansen4608]

The Monkees were not one hit wonders. They had a LOT of hits in 1966-68. They were an awesome group and were and are loved by many of us.

[@musiclove4635]

Grew up listening and watching the Monkees. They're television series was hilarious. Fun fact: Mike Nesmith came up with the idea of MTV, but was busy with other projects and told his friend to go for it. Also, his mom invented Liquid Paper.

[@TiaMargarita]

He sold the MTV idea.

[@GR-pv5jx]

He also did some of the first real music videos with his Grammy award winning videotape titled "Elephant Parts." Also, he did a summer TV series in 1986 called "Television Parts." It had musical guests on it like Jimmy Buffet, Jerry Lew Lewis, and Rosanne Cash. It also featured a lot of comedians in short skits. I recall a beach volleyball scene with Whoopi Goldberg in a bathing suit and she appeared thin. YT has a number of these old shows on it now.

[@stitchersdelight]

believe me they weren't one hit wonders !

[@christinacrowley3631]

So much wonderful music!

[@joant9425]

I am a 59 year old Monkees fan. Don't recall ever hearing this song. Live less than 60 miles from San Antonio. Love this tune. Thanks for sharing!

[@bengaljam4550]

Mike Nesmith who is singing here also wrote the top ten hit "Different Drum" for Linda Ronstadt.

[@shyman99]

Different Drum peaked at #13 and was recorded by the Stone Poneys, which featured Ronstadt as a singer.

[@kevinlay9902]

As much as I love Linda Ronstadt I actually prefer the Michael Nesmith original version.

[@bengaljam4550]

@@kevinlay9902 He also had a song called "Joanne" that I really liked a lot.

[@bengaljam4550]

@Gabby35803 yep. It's worth a lot of money too.

[@GR-pv5jx]

@@bengaljam4550 He did a comedy version of that song on his "Elephant Parts" video tape called "Rodan" with a music video to go along with it. Yes, it's like the same Rodan that was in the Godzilla films.

[@annjean9]

Everyone who thinks they were just a comedy group or boy band are sorely mistaken. Their catalogue is incredible. Mike was always my favorite and their later works speak to me more than their hits. So much good music and great memories. Thanks for checking them out and please seek out more! I recommend Goin' Down, next. 💚

[@iagreewithyoubub]

This is my favorite Monkees song ever! I finally got to see Mike sing it live fifty years after it was first popular. It's withstood the test of time.

[@merriemisfit8406]

On the ninth of July 1989, when the Monkees did their show at the Universal Amphitheatre (Los Angeles) the night before they received their Hollywood Walk Of Fame star, this was the first song they performed after Mike joined them onstage. Micky, Peter, and Davy (the usual touring Monkees) performed first for about an hour-and-a-half. Then Mike came out, made a joke about having been delayed because he was looking for his hat, and then they sang "What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round". The four performed together for another hour.

[@GR-pv5jx]

@@merriemisfit8406 I saw the Monkees after they reformed in 1987 in a concert at the Sunken Gardens in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately Mike was not with them during that tour. The music was still great. I saw their show as a kid in the 1960s. I used to tell my cousins and friends that they were great because they had their own TV show. My older cousin always said the Beatles were the best. I like them too but I would bring up the point that they only did a couple of movies and no TV series.

[@anitaparker6213]

I always loved The Monkees I remember watching them when I was a kid.

[@_Lisa_S_]

From the album Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. -- so many good songs on it !! Love this one *

[@BeatLA24]

Any song from this album is great. All would be a great for a reaction.

[@_Lisa_S_]

@@BeatLA24 Agreed !!

[@daveyhouston]

I have that one

[@ronahaller7787]

I used to know that album or should I say tape by heart. I wore it out.

[@lindanadeau1884]

Mike Nesmith wrote and sang Tapioca Tundra. Strange words, but love the music.

[@julieavila1795]

Michael Nesmith was a great composer, Peter on the banjo is so Peter

[@msoileau83]

Banjo was one of Pete's main instruments. He was a folky at heart.

[@TigerLilyJKT]

Nez IS a great composer. He is still touring and I saw him in concert in Los Angeles just last month and at 77 he still brings it! His post Monkees works are prolific and span many different styles; the thread that binds anything that Nesmith touches is the poetry in his lyrics. I would rank him as a songwriter right up there with Jimmy Webb or Leonard Cohen, maybe Dylan or Neil Young. But vocally he is one of the most fabulous singers of the last half-century. "Hangin' round" is a mere ice crystal on the glacier of his works - check out Tantamount to Treason, Tropical Campfires, or his newly released Cosmic Partners - the McCabe's Tapes, recorded in 1973 with longtime collaborator and pedal steel virtuoso Red Rhodes. Groovy!

[@TitanicConcerts]

You're watching Peter but hearing Doug Dillard. You're also hearing Eddie Hoh on drums. Michael is playing electric guitar on the recording.

[@maryspencer4975]

Michael Nesmith is a great composer. This one is by Michael Martin Murphy.

[@jimearnest4342]

I like "listen to the band" " pleasant valley Sunday" " wake up sleepy Jean" and "she" the best out of their list of hits,you should check these tunes out Ty.

[@regannem]

"Daydream Believer" is the actual title of the second song 😉❤

[@waynestumbo2408]

Easily my favorite Monkees' song. Mike Nesmith is fantastic

[@michellelamar8965]

The drummer is Mickey Dolenz. You asked what was going on with him. Mickey was the biggest goofball of the group.... hyper and crazy.. the type that always had to make a scene.. always had to be noticed.. in a cute way, not a narcissistic way. He was very often the lead singer, and when he wasn’t.. when him and his drums were in the background, he’d usually pull some stunt like that to draw just a little bit of attention to himself lol Again, not in a narcissistic way, just in a “class clown” kinda way He had serious energy tho.. and some pretty impressive pipes.

[@Sunfleuria]

True, and it's so obvious in this video that they were all so very high (which exaggerated the norm).

[@lethalweapon4052]

Mike,Nesmith was one of my school,girl crushes. Sure wveryone loved Davey but I thought Mike was cute with that little hat on. Fast forward to present day I founs out that Mike actually lived next door to Lolly Vegas, lead singer from Redbone and he would go over to the house to have jam sessions with them. Loved this.

[@Midnyte_Angel]

Hell with school girl, I'm 40 and I still have a crush on him. Him and Jack Webb "Just the facts ma'am."

[@unrulyjulie4382]

I'm another member of the Michael Nesmith fan club. My best friend liked Davey, but give me a Texas man every time!!!

[@patcavanaugh4941]

The Monkees were my first concert, I was in 5th grade, and Mike was and is my favorite. Given that you like story songs, check out "Going Down" sung by Mickey. Edit* If you do this song, you will have to use a video with lyrics. You'll understand when you hear it.

[@edcastillo9342]

Try the tune, Love Is Only Sleeping. Another tune sung by Mike Nesmith...

[@jillianaprati108]

Ed Castillo great song! Also Door into Summer.

[@edcastillo9342]

@@jillianaprati108 Also, Papa Gene's Blues and Sweet Young Thing...

[@TulsaKanette]

My fave Mike Nesmith song is "Pappa Gene's Blues."

[@williaml.nowell2243]

You should do Last Train to Clarksville, or I'm a Believer, or Daydream Believer. These three are the absolute best Monkees hits!

[@lethalweapon4052]

He has done about 3 or 4 different songs by them. I can check which ones for you if you like.

[@davidconner3415]

I saw a "reaction" video on 'Last Train to Clarksville' recently a never knew it was a protest song against the Vietnam War. This was my favorite group when I was a kid.

[@offshoreryder]

Really???? Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Boyce and Heart, Neil Diamond and Carol King were good for the Monkees but their best songs IMO will always be their original stuff. 💞

[@christinacrowley3631]

@@offshoreryder exactly what I was thinking.

[@wolf762x51]

The TV show was great, campy, goofy fun.

[@daveyhouston]

John Lennon called them the marx brothers they all became friends

[@daveenglish2358]

Another Monkees' tune that Mike sings is, "Papa Gene's Blues".

[@amyabrams2871]

Love The Monkees!!! Another boy band!!! ❤ Daydream Believer is one their best!!!! In,over this show!!! I watched reruns on Nick at Night many years ago!!!

[@jimithy47]

I love The Monkees music and their Saturday morning show from the last century, too funny. 'Just shut up'! I'm laughin', you are too funny and I agree 'just shut your mouth', lol.

[@kevinwalsh9788]

Not one person mentioned they were the Pre-Fab Four. This was a plot for a TV Show. They each auditioned for a part in the series. The line up wasn't necessarily playing together while deciding who was going to be one of the Monkees. After the show became a huge hit. The Four Demanded control over songs and used songs they wrote. They became an actual Rock Band.

[@darlene9084]

I I was a kid when I first saw the Monkees. My sister and I would hurry home from school to watch their show on tv. That's where I first heard this song. Crushed on them all but my biggest crush was on Micky the drummer. I feel blessed and lucky to have seen Davy,Peter and Micky doing a show at Colonial Downs horse racing track years ago. Rest in peace Davy and Peter.

[@thousandfootdeepend1278]

The Monkees! My mom would get the DVDs of their TV show on Netflix when I was a preteen, and I've loved them ever since!

[@larrywakeman4371]

This is an anlternate version take, that is why the mouth/song was off in spots- the original TV version is fuller sound and THAT is the one they are singing and playing!!!! Love your review!

[@dennis2966]

Yep, Mike's songs were my favorites too.

[@GR-pv5jx]

I have rode that train from San Antonio to Laredo/Nuevo Laredo a few times when I was a kid. We had several relatives in both places. This was in the late 1960s. I still have an older cousin that lives in Laredo with his family. The rest have passed. May they RIP.

[@aspiringbillionaire332]

What I foudnmost interesting is how the drums would continue when the drummer quit playing. Its magical!

[@peterfields4801]

Just one of many great Mike Nesmith songs,great days!

[@bernadettelanders7306]

I saw The Monkees live in Melbourne Australia in the 1960s. I’ve aged a few years 😂. But I still have all my Monkees magazines and vinyl records packed and stored away safely.

[@lelleithmurray235]

Good morning Mr Smith! I would be interested in your reaction to 'Shades of grey' from the Monkees sung by the late Peter Tork. Thanks.

[@michaeljacksonearthangel5849]

That's a beautiful song! One of my all time favorites. "When the world and I were young just yesterday Life was such a simple game a child could play."

[@regannem]

@@michaeljacksonearthangel5849 i love your profile picture!!

[@PlumbPitiful]

Actually Davy sings the first verse and Peter sings the second verse.

[@leftcoaster67]

RIP Mike. Thanks for everything.

[@ReeseMac]

That's one of my favorite Monkees' songs. It's actually a song about regret. He met a Mexican woman in Mexico , spent a week with her , fell in love but , for whatever reason, didn't turn it into a serious relationship even though something inside was telling him to do so. But he didn't and now he regrets it and longs for her. And the drummer Mickey Dolenz was just mocking saying good bye to someone he fell in love with leaving on a train. He's just being silly.

[@martinrain312]

You hit it on the head, it’s a wistful song, not a song about a guy bragging about a conquest, quite the opposite, it’s a guy lamenting a lost opportunity. I like the suggestion that the song be remade in other genres but I don’t know about rap. Are there wistful rap songs (I really don’t know, I don’t listen to rap). If it was remade as a rap song about an out of town conquest, that would completely subvert the meaning of the song.

[@beckyclutter7124]

Love the Monkees. Thought I knew all their songs but never heard this one. Saw them in concert when they were older.

[@TheFireMonkey]

This particular song already is almost Country - no surprise Mike Nesmith was a successful Country singer/writer before he got hired for the Monkees so when he was involved in creating a song there is always a touch of country in it. But yes, doing different versions of a song can be quite good as long as the original song is understood by the person altering it. I have often joked that I wanted to make a band with Bag Pipes, Banjo and Accordian and play heavy metal songs ;) - thing is, it turns out there IS a band that plays heavy metal songs on bag pipes, fiddle and bodhran and it actually works when they do it - at least the 2 songs I heard they play - you never know until you try :)

[@merriemisfit8406]

With Mike Nesmith, you could take that boy out of Texas, but you could not take Texas out of that boy.

[@Bandit77TA]

Don't know this one. Really liked it.

[@eirikasbjrnberg8753]

One of their best songs

[@petersutton2182]

Trivia.... Mike Nesmith whilst been interviewed on Australian TV said he and Peter Tork did not get on. That said, he went on to say he cried when his son broke the news that Peter Tork had died. Whist telling this story in the interview he cried again live on TV.

[@grievousangelic]

One of my favorite Monkees songs! Recorded before I was born, but I used to watch the Monkees show in reruns on Saturday afternoons when I was little, so happy memories. And if you want all kinds of songs done in a different way, check out the group Postmodern Jukebox. They do all kinds of different songs, but in a jazz/swing style. Wayne Brady even sits in with them on lead vocals occasionally! Give 'em a listen!

[@southernwanderer7912]

Interesting fact about Nike Nesmith, the lead singer of this song, his mom invented White Out, or what is called liquid paper, for painting over mistakes so you could write or type over it. She made millions. Mike was basically the leader of the Monleys, though Micky Dolenz, drummer, sang most of their hits, along with (short and English) Davy Jones. Mike and Peter Tork were the ones with most talent in this band.

[@michaelmichael3308]

I love the bass in this song.

[@LovelyBreakingWaves-gu2cv]

The Monkees were the number one group in 1967 !!

[@danm9460]

Maybe this is an outside the box thought but they have to be put on the HOF ballot

[@ktasay]

Love the Monkees! I grew up watching the TV series.

[@RonaldJS]

Michael Martin Murphy wrote the song when he was about 16 years old.

[@bradgrauer9148]

Was 7 years old when they debuted I'm going to be 63 in April yikes Mike just recently died at age 78 the lead singer right here only one still left the drummer Mickey Dolenz.

[@AnnaTBowen]

Pleasant Valley Sunday sounds like such a beautiful song about a beautiful day, but if you listen closely to the lyrics you will get a different message. As a kid, I misunderstood the lyrics "status symbol land" as "inside a simple land," LOL! I hear the song in a new light as an adult. I Love The Monkees so much!

[@pattibrooks1907]

This is a very pretty song by Michael Nesthmeth but Davy sang it too as he got away from singing on The Monkees TV show and Davy did a fantastic job singing it too !!!

[@53Carolp]

Thank you for posting this. Like your Mom, I grew up with the Monkees. I am 66 years old and still a fan of them. You are sweet doing this for your Mom. Your a good son. I like to see you do, Pleasant Valley Sunday, I Wanna be Free. Thanks again dear. Carol from Maine!!

[@gippywhite]

You might like the Monkees‘ “not your steppin stone“ and “goin down“. 😉✌🏻💙💙💙

[@JustMe-vk4fn]

It's funny, The Monkees were talented and they did become musicians, but at the very start, the music was all being played by studio musicians. That's the reason Mickey Dolenz could stop drumming and gaze off into the distance and wave and the drum somehow keeps playing on it's own. lol. Lip synching at it's best. :)

[@lisaldeene]

Love Mike's songs. Such a great songwriter, singer, musician.

[@merriemisfit8406]

Mike Nesmith is my favorite rock/pop lyricist. The way he came up with words and phrases imparting such inspired substance and imagery just tickles me!

[@walleye364]

I can hear some country under tones in the song.

[@666ross]

There's a lot more to this track than would appear at first glance. First, this is an alternate take from the album version--there are no backup vocals, which Micky Dolenz does, and they're spot on. While Nesmith played guitar on this track, the rhythm section was Fast Eddie Hoh and Chip Douglas on drums and bass. Doug Dillard played banjo. The song was written by Michael Murphey, famous for his wet-noodle soft rock track "Wild Fire" in the mid-70s. The production here is heavily influenced by the Bakersfield country/western scene--the vocals arrangements are similar to contemporaneous tracks by Buck Owens and Don Rich--listen to "Tiger by the Tail" (1966). Released in 1967, months before the Byrds' seminal "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" LP, this was one of the very first songs that could accurately be called country rock.

[@jasondaigle4718]

I have been a big fan of The Monkees since i was a baby. The lead singer of this song is from Texas so giving that country sound already happened but with the 1960's sound. They have a very funny show that was on for 2 seasons. Check out the videos they have of the show.

[@richardlong6247]

This is my favorite song of theirs.

[@deniseh8932]

i loved the Monkees in the 60's i was in my teens

[@loriwhitbord9860]

Love that you opened up to The Monkees. You are right about style experimentation. More people can relate and those who love it may gain something.

[@edlaw51501]

Watching/listening to this song now, while always a Monkees song I loved, it means so much more now in my 50s it makes me think of a girl I dated for a couple years and screwed up with and when the chance came around again after wanting nothing else but another chance, I walked away for our kids even though both of us were in unhealthy relationships with others at the time, thinking I will be able to explain all this to her one day, and that was the only day . And now that Mike Nesmith has just passed away and 3 of the 4 Monkees are gone , it hits that point home you have to act while you can cause you may miss that train that you never get the chance to catch again.

[@katemaloney4296]

You're a Mike Nesmith fan?! I knew I liked you from the moment I found you! Okay, so I got to kiss Davy, but my heart belongs to Mike. Always. And done correctly, this song could be rapped. As to where I was.... I was 16/17 during the summer of 86 (we had moved from San Antonio to Utah the summer before) when the Monkees resurged on to the music scene. Fell head over heels for Mike and the rest of the Monkees too. Always loved this song. Heck, I love all the Monkees songs. But.... Please, please, please do "Papa Gene's Blues"! THAT is my favourite Mike song EVER!!!

[@leesher1845]

Michael Nesmith died on Friday, December 10th. Great tune. I think he was the most talented of the four.

[@beadybaby]

Mike Nesmith has been one of my heroes since I was about 10 (late 70's), catching any repeats on UHF TV mostly in the summers or whenever they came around. Still have all the albums somewhere, played to DEATH. RIP

[@fishhookism]

Micky mugging for the camera. haha

[@unwantedbs2571]

For what it's worth, this was a cover of a Michael Martin Murphy song...

[@sonnyjames8922]

First time hearing this song, love it. Michael Nesmith has such a timeless voice.

[@cherrybomb2600]

Frank Zappa was involved with their film, Head, a marvelous movie. Porpoise Song is in it, my favorite songm

[@PlumbPitiful]

This is a rehearsal version, not the final complete version from the album. That's why the words dont flow well in certain spots. He was still learning it. It also is missing Mickys harmonies.

[@jillianaprati108]

I believe Run DMC did a Monkee’s cover of Mary Mary.

[@daveyhouston]

Got sued by boyce and hart had to take it off cd they didn't even ask thought they had died

[@msoileau83]

How did Boyce and Hart sue for a Nesmith tune?

[@robertreichle1]

Mike's my favorite as well. I like his little bit of country he adds to everything.

[@petersutton2182]

Absolutely love this song!

[@kencooper8835]

The drummer (Mickey Dolenz) was, in the vernacular, the "Goof-ball" (meant in the best way). Mike Nesmith (singing on lead) was the "Intellect". Davey Jones (playing the maracas) was the "Heart-throb", and Peter Tork (playing the banjo) was the "Soft-hearted social conscience". They had many hits as well as their TV show that ran 2 seasons, from 1966 to 1968. Their conception was a gimmick of a music producer who wanted to create an American version of The Beatles. They all auditioned separately, among many others, The first season, many of the songs recorded were unfortunately recorded by session players, although vocals were still done by the band members themselves, The band members did NOT like this and pushed very hard until execs relented. As the first season winded down, the more songs the actual band members played, and into the second season, almost all instruments were played by The Monkees themselves. Davey, Mickey, and Mike did almost all the vocals, as Peter was not a singer, but he made up for that with his repertoire of skill in many instruments. Always been a fan, always will be. Thanks for posting them!

[@CCDzine]

Oh, Ty, I so read your mind and I saw when it clicked that the scenario is actually rather wholesome.

[@obedirect5491]

A Black Monkees fan?!! I thought my friend and I were the only ones! LOL

[@CynHatmaker]

Mike & Micky (singer & drummer) are the last remaining members. They are putting a new album together and will tour next year. But in August they'll be in Orlando at the Fan Boy Convention... You ought to go meet them. Great dudes. 😊 Living Legends The father of MTV, and a American-British Actor/Director

[@jordan390a]

Last Train to Clarksville by the Monkeys was an anti-Vietnam War protest song with great guitar licks...!

[@trishaurvan9439]

RIP Mike, Davy and Peter

[@TiaMargarita]

Best Monkees album hands down: JUSTUS. 1996. Best songs on it: Regional Girl & Admiral Mike

[@u.s.veteranandpatriot7511]

thats what made the 70s great

[@freddbarragan9635]

This song has a fun video made up of clips from their TV show

[@obsidiandwarf]

This is the version from the T.V. series. The released version (record) is slightly different and, I think, a bit better.

[@ApricotRse]

Someone dubbed in this alternate Nesmith solo version. The original version with harmony is what played under the video footage on the TV episode. It was a lot brighter sounding with more voices, though I love Mike's lead.

[@GP-yc2it]

Want a Monkee's cover? Stepping Stone by Minor Threat. It's a sweet cover!

[@skridtractor875]

I think the Sex Pistols did a version, too (?).

[@Sunfleuria]

I love and respect your intro!

[@sarahosty8066]

The Monkees were the first group I loved and Davy Jones was my first crush at 5 or 6 years old lol..I first saw them when MTV replayed their tv sitcom from the 60’s back in 1985 or 1986...I am 39 now and I still listen to them to this day! I highly recommend you react to more ABBA who are one of my other favorite bands! Our late father got us hooked on them when we were kids my dad would play their vinyl records and I would sing and dance along in the living room I highly recommend Fernando, Chiquitita, I Have a Dream, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! A Man after Midnight, Voulez Vous, and I’ll Be Waiting for You to name a few of my faves!! God Bless!!

[@somthingbrutal]

the porpoise song from their movie head is well worth a listen, also Randy Scouse Git/ Alternate Title

[@marksman48]

This song has a great bass line. They used some of the best studio musicians on their albums as did most of the acts of the day including the beach boys. Don't get me wrong, they could play and did in their concerts. But the record labels wanted perfection and brought in the Wrecking Crew.

[@slptp]

Ironically, when they play live, the music leans more towards country, even their pop hits. It's different. :)

[@captainarcher2]

M.R. Man check out Mary,Mary by Run D.M.C.. It was a big hit in the 80's. There are quite a few mind blowing versions of Monkees songs. Check out The porpoise song by the band Called Trouble...Troubles version was so Hendrix that I wish the Monkees were capable of doing that version of the song back in 1966 even in 1986 for that matter when they were doing the "Pool it" album. Well you may never read my comment but try out what I've mentioned and tell me what you think.

[@daveowens9849]

The lead singer in this song, Michael Nesmith, has an interesting back story. His mother invented White Out, and if you've ever used a typewriter back in the day, you used White Out! lol. Look up "Liquid Paper from Television Parts" here on YT.

[@sukie584]

White Out was the competitor's name..

[@daveowens9849]

@@sukie584 White Out/Liquid Paper....pretty synonymous....

[@sukie584]

@@daveowens9849 yeah, but different companies. Hers was Liquid Paper

[@daveowens9849]

@@sukie584 I mentioned Liquid Paper in the Nesmith KZbin video. Last sentence of the first paragraph.

[@daveowens9849]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Correction_fluid

[@msoileau83]

The alternate vocal take version.

[@joankisloski6972]

I was about 17 when this song came out... young & naive. LOL

[@tigerprincess9222]

LOVE,LOVE,LOVE the Monkees! 💗 I grew up watching them on TV. If you haven't done it yet, could you please do '(I Prithee)Do Not Ask For Love Once More'. I so love it because it is so different using vernacular not used today (prithee means please-I had to look it up). Please do Mickey's version. I think it is the (2006 remastered) version on the official Monkees KZbin channel. Thanks ❤

[@MrSadsack56]

Oh MY MY!

[@robertoconnor3611]

As I am not the only one to think this, I too was thinking the same thing when this song first came out. In the sixties was a violent time for this country.

[@shyman99]

It appears the music video was edited and repeats scenes, so that is why it probably looks like Mickey needs to be on tranquilizers or something. :)

[@daveyhouston]

Valleri and steppin stone are my faves along with daydream believer

[@jayden2ful]

Fun

[@duncangarrah968]

Thanks, You would be amazed how popular you could be IF you react to more real music like this

[@amaliazahav1903]

Alwayss oloved Mike but especially withthe song Sweet Young Thing whihc he co wrote with Jerry Goffin and Carol King