The Monkees have been one of the world’s most enduring rock and pop acts of all time. Since their beginnings in 1966, their television show, multiplatinum albums, hit singles and concert tours truly made The Monkees one of the most colossal stories ever in the music business. In 1996, after a thirty year hiatus as a quartet, the original Monkees Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork went back to the studio and recorded what would ultimately be their final studio project, the Justus album. Noted for their return to the studio and touring around the legendary release, this final work also found The Monkees as the sole musicians, vocalists, writers and production team for all of the tracks assembled for the recording. The results truly showed one of the more organically produced albums ever from their superstar catalog of fine recordings.

Originally an idea spearheaded by Michael Nesmith, the Justus album was conceptual in nature almost mirroring the original idea behind their classic Headquarters album, which like Justus, showcased these four musical talents as a team and offered no single track to radio but instead a full musical album listening experience. Opening up with a new take on Circle Sky, Michael Nesmith is on top of his game with this metal-like rocker originally from Head. Featuring a wall of loud guitars, retro lyrics and chorus, this classic track was performed at the reunion concerts around this album, and once again reemphasized the importance of the original quartet setting, making this a great intro track.

Davy Jones belts out one of his finest compositions with the uptempo groove of Oh, What A Night. The tune truly resonated with the fans back then and continues to be one of the more appreciated classics in his long list of time tested Monkees favorites. Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones repeat the magic with their revisit of You And I from their Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart era. Featuring a strong vocal performance by the duo and the stunning guitar work of both Monkees’ Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith, this track truly captures the innocence and the feel of their sixties sound, as it became a time tested track well into their final tour of 2011.

Much like their Instant Replay (Friday Music 113) album, Micky Dolenz contributes a good helping of original compositions to the Justus project. Either rockers like Dyin’ Of A Broken Heart, the blues balladry of It’s My Life, or the Rolling Stones vibe of Regional Girl, the Justus album was a watershed for Dolenz’s writings and vocal prowess which truly makes this 1996 session a true winner. Peter Tork was always one of the more intriguing writers and musicians of the band, and it is fitting that the more progressive sounds would derive from his pen with the classic I Believe You as well as his fine prog-rock track Run Away From Life featuring the powerful vocals of Davy Jones. The late great Davy Jones gets the honor of closing out this wonderful album with his classic ballad It’s Not Too Late. With his stunning vocal and heartfelt lyrics , and the brilliant chorus from the his Monkees brethren, the song in itself is a fitting tribute to these four geniuses, as the legacy of this superstar band will forever stand the test of time.

Friday Music is once again very honored to announce the continuation of The Monkees Friday Music 180 Gram Audiophile Series with the first time vinyl album release of their 1996 masterwork Justus. Mastered by Joe Reagoso (The Monkees/Elvis Presley/Brian Wilson) from the original Rhino Records tapes at Friday Music Studios, this first time audiophile vinyl release is also for a very short time being offered in limited edition clear vinyl as well as a first time gatefold cover presentation.