Essential Listening #15: Last Train To Clarksville

My Comments

I watched The Monkees every week when I was a kid. I also had their album. It was years later that we discovered they didn’t perform the music on their recordings. It was actually the best studio band in LA known as The Wrecking Crew. Louis Shelton played the catchy riffs on this hit.

Details

“Last Train to Clarksville” is a song by The Monkees, a pop rock band formed specifically for the American television series The Monkees (1966–1968). The song was the band’s debut single and became a major hit, establishing The Monkees as a prominent pop act in the 1960s.

Origin and Composition

• Writers: The song was written by the songwriting duo Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, who were key contributors to The Monkees’ early music.
• Inspiration: The song was inspired by The Beatles’ sound, particularly their hit “Paperback Writer.” It also drew some inspiration from the anti-war sentiments prevalent during the Vietnam War era.
• Lyrics: The lyrics tell the story of a man who asks his lover to meet him at the train station before he leaves, possibly for military service, although this is subtly implied rather than explicitly stated.

Release

• Single Release: “Last Train to Clarksville” was released as The Monkees’ debut single on August 16, 1966.
• Album: It was also included in The Monkees’ self-titled debut album, The Monkees, which was released on October 10, 1966.

Musical Style and Structure

• Genre: The song blends pop rock and folk rock, characterized by jangly guitars and harmonious vocals.
• Instrumentation: The recording features electric guitars, bass, drums, and tambourine, with a notable guitar riff that opens the song.
• Vocals: Lead vocals were performed by Micky Dolenz, with harmony vocals provided by the other band members.
• Structure: The song follows a standard verse-chorus structure with a memorable chorus and a distinctive guitar riff.

Reception and Impact

• Chart Performance: “Last Train to Clarksville” became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States on November 5, 1966. It remained on the chart for 15 weeks.
• Critical Acclaim: The song received positive reviews from music critics and is considered one of The Monkees’ best songs. It played a significant role in establishing the band’s popularity.

Cultural Impact

• TV Show: The song was prominently featured in the pilot episode of The Monkees TV show, which aired on September 12, 1966. The show’s popularity helped propel the song to the top of the charts.
• Legacy: “Last Train to Clarksville” remains one of The Monkees’ most enduring songs. It is frequently included in greatest hits collections and continues to receive airplay on oldies and classic rock radio stations.

Cover Versions and Adaptations

• Cover Versions: The song has been covered by various artists over the years, including the punk rock band The Jim Carroll Band and country artist Chet Atkins.
• Live Performances: The Monkees have performed the song live numerous times, both during their original 1960s run and in later reunion tours.

Analysis

• Musical Elements: The song’s catchy guitar riff, upbeat tempo, and harmonious vocals are key elements of its appeal. The production is polished, with a clean and crisp sound that was characteristic of 1960s pop rock.
• Themes: While the song’s lyrics are upbeat and seemingly simple, they carry an undercurrent of urgency and longing, possibly reflecting the uncertainty and anxiety of the Vietnam War era.

Technical Details

• Recording: The song was recorded at RCA Victor Studio B in Hollywood, California. Boyce and Hart, along with session musicians known as The Wrecking Crew, played the instruments on the track.
• Production: Produced by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, the production quality is high, with a focus on clear vocal harmonies and a tight instrumental arrangement.

The Monkees

• Band Formation: The Monkees were formed by producers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider for the TV show of the same name. The original lineup included Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork.
• Impact on Pop Culture: The Monkees were one of the first examples of a manufactured pop band created for television. Despite initial skepticism, they proved to be talented musicians and became hugely successful in their own right.
• Musical Contributions: The Monkees contributed to the popularization of pop rock and had a significant impact on the music and entertainment industry of the 1960s.

Legacy

• Influence: “Last Train to Clarksville” has influenced numerous artists and bands. Its success demonstrated the potential for television to launch successful music careers.
• Recognition: The song is regularly cited as a classic of 1960s pop rock and has been included in various “greatest songs” lists and compilations.

Overall, “Last Train to Clarksville” is a quintessential example of 1960s pop rock, combining catchy melodies, tight harmonies, and polished production. Its success marked the beginning of The Monkees’ influential career in music and television.