The Monkees – Daydream Believer

Video uses the 1986 remix version with a different drum track.

Considering the B-Side "Goin' Down" ...

While I had a jazz and big band background, most people dismissed “Goin’ Down” in favor of the A Side “Daydream Believer” back in 1967, though not me, I sat there with my mouth open, the perfect meld of rock, jazz, big band and scat singing that I simply could not get enough of.

“Going Down” was the first song single penned (including the music) by all four of the group, though it was Diane Hildebrand’s (check out her album Early Morning Blues & Greens) lyrics that spark the song to life, or death, as the song surrounds the desire of a man who’s relationship has ended, to bring down the curtain on his misery by drunkenly leaping into the river with the hopes of being dragged under by the currents. Of course he immediately regrets his hasty decision and comes to a profound self-realization before drifting to shore in New Orleans where he partakes in the city’s "swingin' scenes.” According to Peter Tork, the song was based on the old Mose Allison track “Parchman Farm,” which I sort of hear and sort of don’t hear; yet that all depends on which version of “Parchman Farm” you’re familiar with.

The song is beyond energetic, it’s fast, it virtually leaps, yet in it’s way is laid back, cooler than cool, even relaxed and resounding, drawing me in with each listen until I’m totally immersed, making me wish the American Fab Four had done a bit more of this splendor … featuring jazz man Shorty Rogers arranging the number, and blessed by Bud Brisbois of the Wrecking Crew on the high note soaring trumpet soloing.

“Goin’ Down” might just be the number that causes you to give the Monkees a second look, as if you forget the televised antics, much of the music for a number of reasons is very very good.

*** The Fun Facts: “Goin’ Down” was so bright and enticing that it found it’s way into a sequence of the television series Breaking Bad.

Review by Jenell Kesler

While "Daydream Believer" is good, the song that should get the most attention is its B-side "Goin Down". That song is a classic.

I hate to defend such a contrived machine as the Monkees. I mean, I would if I was one of those Wise Old Men that run the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and continually keep the Monkees out of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Because the Monkees were a contrived machine.

So despite sixties' pop classics like 'Last Train to Clarksville', 'I'm a Believer', 'I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone' or say 'Pleasant Valley Sunday', despite a successful TV show and millions of record sales, the Monkees are currently denied ittance to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

You can easily add 'Daydream Believer' to the Monkees' list of classic pop songs. This was to be Davy Jones' finest moment. The other side is a fun jazz romp (and yes, replete as always with capable studio musicians) that shows off Micky Dolenz' wonderful vocal talent.

That's another thing. Micky Dolenz had a GREAT radio voice.

I being about twelve and thinking what a rip-off the Monkees were of the Beatles. How dare they! But I bought the records because they were good at the time and forty five years later, they're still good.