Let's post what we think of the sets- I'll start.
Headquarters (Deluxe Edition)
Disc 1
The Original Stereo Album -Very clear sound-not overly shrill IMO.
1.You Told Me
2.I’ll Spend My Life With You
3.Forget That Girl
4.Band 6
5.You Just May Be The One
6.Shades Of Gray
7.I Can’t Get Her Off My Mind
8.For Pete’s Sake –I like the 5 second pause between side 1 and side 2
9.Mr. Webster
10.Sunny Girlfriend
11.Zilch
12.No Time
13.Early Morning Blues And Greens- The percussion is more prominent in this mix.
14.Randy Scouse Git
Bonus Material
15.All Of Your Toys (Stereo Remix) * -Hear the tambourine being picked up in the first second of the song- much wider stereo mix- with extra echo. Really like the harmony at the end of the song!
16.The Girl I Knew Somewhere (First Recorded Version/Stereo Remix) * There was a flubbed bass not at the beginning of the song-never heard that before.I like the extra backing vocals, and the acoustic guitar is an added bit of percussion with Peter’s strumming. Like the nice long fade, and the added harpsicord on the end.
17.A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You (Stereo Remix) *-Great, great mix! I can now listen to this in stereo without flinching. Hearing the accoustic guitar and the harmony vocals much higher in the mix, it sounds like a different song, but really good. The ad-libs by Davy in the Organ solo have been removed- good- they were always a bit distracting to me.
18.She Hangs Out (Stereo Remix) * -Who is counting this off in Falscetto? I really like the answering by Jeff Barry at the end- really funny! Another great mix- sounds great! The Organ almost sounds like a backround vocal around 1:05.
19.Love To Love (Stereo Remix) * -A bit slowed down from previous mixes, and added double-tracked vocals- not too crazy about this one. It sounds better faster and without the double-tracked vox. But I am guessing this is more the original vision of the song? Like the longer fade.
20.You Can’t Tie A Mustang Down (Stereo Remix) *-Slightly slowed down as well? I haven’t listened to this one for a while, but it sounds a tad slower. Nice mix- you can really hear the killer organ in this version! The double tracked vox work really well in this song.
21.If I Learned To Play The Violin (Stereo Remix) * -Stereo really helps this song- the organ makes the song, IMO. I like this song better than I did with this remix- nicely done.
22.99 Pounds (Stereo Remix) *- WOW- in both channels-nice. Extra backing vox in the first verse-nice! This song sounds so great remixed in stereo! Why did Barry never bother to mix in stereo?
23.The Girl I Knew Somewhere (Single Version/Stereo Remix) * -Lots of echo, and the electric guitar is boosted in this mix. Tambourine is higher in the mix than the drums. Like the long fade-out.
24.Randy Scouse Git (Alternate Version)
25.Tema Dei Monkees (Stereo Remix) *
Disc 2
The Original Mono Album Not a big fan of the mono version- nothing too different from the stereo version, but nice to have for completists (like me)
1.You Told Me
2.I’ll Spend My Life With You
3.Forget That Girl
4.Band 6
5.You Just May Be The One-Heavy bass on this mix!
6.Shades Of Gray – Is this pitched slightly higher than the Stereo version?
7.I Can’t Get Her Off My Mind
8.For Pete’s Sake
9.Mr. Webster
10.Sunny Girlfriend
11.Zilch
12.No Time
13.Early Morning Blues And Greens
14.Randy Scouse Git
Bonus Material
15.All Of Your Toys (Mono Mix)
16.The Girl I Knew Somewhere (First Recorded Version/Alternate Mono Mix) *- Echo on the vocals not in previous mono mix. After Harpsicord solo, the counter lead by Micky sounds different-almost filtered.
17.A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You (Mono Single Mix)- What is different than the older mono mix? The only thing I hear is the bass counters during the intro guitar phrases sounds a little more defined, and a shorter fade.
18.She Hangs Out (Mono Single Mix)
19.The Girl I Knew Somewhere (Mono Single Mix)
20.Nine Times Blue (Demo Version) –boosted the vocal slightly-nice mix.
21.She’ll Be There –Bass boost gives the guitar a more percussive sound to it- nice idea, makes it sound more complete. Micky and Coco’s voices blend so well- they really should have done more together on record.
22.Midnight Train (Demo Version) –more separation between guitar and vocals.
23.Peter Gunn’s Gun
24.Jericho
25.Pillow Time (Demo Version)
* Previously unissued recording


Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd
Disc 1
The Original Stereo Album This album was definitely mastered with less treble than HQ-better overall sound to this album, but this has always been true.
1. Salesman
2. She Hangs Out- The low brass really jumps out at you in this mix!
3. The Door Into Summer-Finally- a distortion free lead vocal!
4. Love Is Only Sleeping
5. Cuddly Toy
6. Words
7. Hard To Believe-Nice to hear this remixed- the horns and strings sound so much better- not compressed, more natural. It does make a big difference.
8. What Am I Doing Hangin’ ’Round?
9. Peter Percival Patterson’s Pet Pig Porky
10. Pleasant Valley Sunday-Accoustic guitar more prominent in this remix.
11. Daily Nightly
12. Don’t Call On Me- Funny, I can hear more detail in the conversations before the song starts. The Organ solo is much smoother, not as jarring as in previous mixes.
13. Star Collector

Bonus Material
14. Goin’ Down (Stereo Mix)
15. Salesman (Alternate Stereo Mix) * -Odd bit of singing as the song starts Backround “High” going back and forth-nice. Backround “Salesman” vox during and after the Cigarette rap- liked it better boosted like in LTTB mix.
16. She Hangs Out (Alternate Stereo Mix) *- Like the extra drums in the intro. I think I might like it better without the horns-less busy. Very cool extended ending!
17. Love Is Only Sleeping (Alternate Mix)
18. What Am I Doing Hangin’ ’Round? (Alternate Mix) *- Interesting- obviously Nez changed a couple of the phrases in the song to suit it better. This vocal does sound awkward at times, but he had the emotion and timber down even in this earlier vocal- nice extended ending- it would be nice to hear the extended ending with the original version with backing vox.
19. Star Collector (Alternate Stereo Mix) *- Funny how the separated the “hello” opening from the main part of the song. I hear a “yeehaw” during the first instrumental break- buried in the regular mix. Strange idea with the backround vox instead of the Moog. It kind of worked, but it sure is strange. I like the organ tag on the end.
20. Riu Chiu (TV Version) *

Disc 2
The Original Mono Album – keep in mind that I have never heard the mono version in it’s entirety before, and what I did hear was over 30 yrs ago, so some comments may be no revelation to you.
1. Salesman –early fade on this
2. She Hangs Out- long fade on this
3. The Door Into Summer
4. Love Is Only Sleeping-Beginning sound effects boosted in the mono mix
5. Cuddly Toy
6. Words-Missing Micky’s ‘Ah” at the beginning of the second verse –around 55 seconds into song.
7. Hard To Believe
8. What Am I Doing Hangin’ ’Round? –Extra echo on vocals
9. Peter Percival Patterson’s Pet Pig Porky
10. Pleasant Valley Sunday
11. Daily Nightly- Different Moog parts than in Stereo mix, and bass is boosted.
12. Don’t Call On Me
13. Star Collector –Different moog edits (some parts missing).
Bonus Material
14. Special Announcement
15. Salesman (Alternate Mono Mix)
16. Cuddly Toy (Alternate Mix) *- Like the very long fade out/fade in ending!
17. Goin’ Down (Mono Single Version)
18. The Door Into Summer (Alternate Mix)
19. Daily Nightly (Alternate Mix) *
20. Star Collector (Alternate Mix) *- OK remix- sounds like a dog howling around the 4:00 mark
* Previously unissued recording

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bob T,

This is my first post here and I'm very excited to see there are people who care this much about this music as I do...

I will definitely want to ask Andrew Sandoval a million questions when I have more time.

But for now, let me talk about the reissues. I really hope we get to see all of the albums done this way. The first four are incredible. But I'll focus on the new ones for now, especially because they are 2 of my favorite albums anyway...

HEADQUARTERS:
the stereo remaster sounds the best yet as expected.

the mono remaster sounds better than the HEADQUARTERS SESSIONS remaster, actually I haven't compared them back-to-back, but my instinct is that it sounds WAY better.

the bonus tracks disc 1:

ALL OF YOUR TOYS: I love this song, have since I first heard it in '87. I was a little dissapointed in the MUSIC BOX remix, so I was excited to hear a new remix. I think it far surpasses the MUSIC BOX remix. However (this isn't meant as a complaint, just a personal opinion/comment) I think there was a reason they left some of those backing vocals & keyboard parts out of the first verse in the "official" mono mix from disc 2. I think it helps the song build-up a bit to not introduce those parts until later in the song. But everything else about it is great. - I loved the vocal harmony by Micky at the end.

THE GIRL I KNEW SOMEWHERE: Sounds incredible. I was wondering if we'd ever get a stereo remix of the Michael version.

A LITTLE BIT ME, A LITTLE BIT YOU, SHE HANGS OUT, LOVE TO LOVE, YOU CAN'T TIE A MUSTANG DOWN, IF I LEARNED TO PLAY THE VIOLIN & 99 POUNDS: Well, I never thought the day would come where we'd hear these songs like this. I think it sounds amazing. When they do the synching on these tracks, I wonder if they use pro-tools? I did notice that "Love to Love" sounds a bit slower (although I think one of the reissues had this speed) but it sounds correct to me at this tempo and in this key. The double-tracked vocal kinda bothered me too, although it does sound like they meant it to be that way. I think the mix sounds better at any rate.

THE GIRL I KNEW SOMEWHERE: Unlike a comment I read somewhere else on this board (I'm sorry to the person who posted it, but I forgot where and who) I like the modern approach to remixing these songs. I don't see the point in remixing a 60's track for stereo in a 60's setting if we already have a good 60's stereo mix. So this was fun for me. Although, why does the harpsichord come in a little late?

RANDY SCOUSE GIT: This is neat if you don't already have the HEADQUARTERS SESSION boxset.

TEMA DEI MONKEES: Stereo vocals! Sounds like Micky triple tracked this one. I've always been curious as to why this backing track was used (it sounds like the backing track from that outtake version) when they could've used the tv version backing track, so my assumption was that this was perhaps recorded before they did the tv version. But that's obviously not the case if it was march 67.

the bonus tracks disc 2:

ALL OF YOUR TOYS

THE GIRL I KNEW SOMEWHERE: I like this better than the mono mix that was previously issued, but with the stereo mix, I'm not sure I'll need to listen to any of the mono mixes.

A LITTLE BIT ME, A LITTLE BIT YOU & SHE HANGS OUT: Sound excellent. Again, I think the new stereo mixes make these a bit of a novelty. Believe me when I say I'm a completist and am more than happy to have these, I'm just saying for your average everyday listening there stereo mixes are the way to go.

NINE TIMES BLUE: Sounds great.

SHE'LL BE THERE & MIDNIGHT TRAIN: Wow, true stereo. I just assumed these were recorded straight to mono. I have loved "She'll Be There" since the second it came out on Missing Links 3. My wife and I still listen to it regularly. This mix is really clean (which is the way I prefer it) and they cleaned up the vocal popping on "place is with you". I wish we knew who wrote that song.

PETER GUNN'S GUN: Sounds better.

JERICHO & PILLOW TIME: Again interesting if you haven't already owned HEADQUARTERS SESSIONS

PISCES, AQUARIUS, CAPRICORN & JONES LTD. is a very very special album to me and I couldn't be more excited for it to be remastered again, stereo & mono and with bonus tracks!!!

the stereo remaster sounds better than ever and it it does replicate the original album. (So did the last CD remaster, but earlier versions were different)

the mono remaster is excellent. I have this on vinyl but it's very beat up, so it's nice to hear it really clean. again this kind of thing is for completists, but I love it. Bob T already pointed out the differences. And since I've only onced it over, I can't say if he missed anything.

the bonus tracks disc 1:

GOIN' DOWN: Love the song and like the rest of the album, the remastering is great.

SALESMAN: I hardly listen to this song without the extended rap at the end, it just sounds like it needs to be there. This mix is slightly obscured by some of the backing vocal track being left on over the intro. Intreseting though. I definitely prefer the lead vocal to be mixed dryer than on the actual album, like it is here.

SHE HANGS OUT: This is absoulutely cool. It's like the tv version (no horns) but longer, and in stereo.

LOVE IS ONLY SLEEPING: This is like the "early" version from previous reissue, but it makes it more "outtakey" with intro and outro chat.

WHAT AM I DOING HANGIN' 'ROUND?: See what Bob said above.

STAR COLLECTOR: Again, like the tv version from motorcycle episode (The Wild Monkees, I think is the name of that episode). There's no moog, but this is much longer and in stereo. Very cool.

RIU CHIU: I took the DVD and cleaned it up with in pro-tools with a plug-in called X-Noise and it came out almost exactly like this. Although this sounds a bit better than mine. A little more "even". I'm so glad they did this, because it is very cool to have this officially released!

the bonus tracks disc 2:

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Nothing different here to report.

SALESMAN

CUDDLY TOY: This way longer, they were having fun with the echo. (Which is really neat). I'm totally guessing however, that this is the same ending used for both the commercially released mono mix & stereo mix (notice the last beat falls into mono) and that they just cut it off after so many seconds.

GOIN' DOWN: Sounds fantastic.

THE DOOR INTO SUMMER: Too bad we couldn't find this in stereo (which I doubt exists anywhere). This mastering is improved from 95 cd.

DAILY NIGHTLY: Like there stereo 95 "early" mix, but in mono. Sounds excellent. I definitely prefer the longer backwards cymbal fade in.

STAR COLLECTOR: This is a moog-heavy original mono mix. Very cool.

THE 45 SINGLE is very cool too. I'll take as much Monkees as Andrew & Rhino are willing to give me. Like I said, I could make a million more comments and I hope I can correspond with some simple questions, curiousities and comments with Andrew (AND ALL OF YOU) in the near future.

Peace out Monkee fans

Hello all. I have been reading this message board for months and finally became a member. Waiting for Usps to mail these to my door. Thanks for all the posts everyone has been writing. This keeps me chill while I wait. Really amped to get these discs. I listened to Andrews Radio program a few weeks ago, if I remember right, he played 99 pounds (I'm not a big Davy fan) it sounded DYNOMITE! Since I ordered both discs I received the single. The Micky tune has grown on me. Anyway, Thanks Andrew and Rhino for your excellent effort and I look forward to future releases. Peace everyone.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: photonwing,

GOT 'EM! And enjoying every minute of them!

One thing I noticed about the new DE CDs; even though Disc I of PAC&J has the TV version of "Riu Chiu", I've noticed that other tracks on the disc are also indicatively representative of the series. For instance, the pre-brass mix of "She Hangs Out" replicates the one which appeared in Episode No. 41, "The Card-Carrying Red Shoes." And the pre-Moog mix of "Star Collector" resembles that which was showcased in the very next episode, "The Wild Monkees." Oh, and the mix of "What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round?" with that extensive fade? Reminiscent of Episode 40, "Monkees Marooned." (As a result, updates to Monkee eppy pages in my Monkees Film & TV Vault have been done today!)

Of course, I only bought these for the Bonus Selections, as I already have the original Colgems LP pressings of the first 4 albums (in both modes!)! (I only have the stereo mix of Birds & Bees, as the mono edition is extremely rare.)

Just got my sets in the mail -- including "The Monkees" and "More Of The Monkees" and I must say the folks at Rhino did a fantastic job!!

The sound is much more fuller and rich -- the stereo disc doesn't sound as "separated" as the 1994-95 Rhino releases do.

Nice to have the Mono mixes as well.

Just 2 quibbles -- very minor... they should've put the mono single version of "PVS" and "DB" on "Pisces...." -- although maybe they're reserving the "DB" mono single version for the "BB&M" Deluxe Edition.

I just assumed since "Daydream Believer" was recorded around the sessions for "Pisces..." that it would've been on this set....

BTW, that album sounds phenomenal!!! All of them do.

Anyways, once again a great kudos goes out to all involved with the re-releases of these sets!

Now if they can only clean up the TV show that would be great!

I believe the "Pleasant Valley Sunday" mono mix on the album is the same as the mono single. So that's why it is not a bonus track. Also, I believe you're right that "Daydream Believer" is probably being reserved for THE BIRDS THE BEES & THE MONKEES reissue.

I'll tell you...

The new stereo mixes are the best I've ever heard!!! Even the Mono mixes sound crystal clear and on the point.

Pisces especially sounds fantastic!!! The effects on some of those tracks just jump out at you in the Stereo mix. Awesome Awesome Awesome.

Nice job Andrew & Bill -- and Rhino of course!

I know this forum is mainly talking about the reissues of "Headquarters" & "Pisces....", but I have to shout a terrific word w/r/t the reissue of the first 2 albums...

In particular, "More of The Monkees"... I have now a new found appreciation to this album after hearing the mono mix (which I prefer).

And of course with the addition of the bonus tracks, makes it a much stronger album. I absolutely LOVE the "TV Version" of "Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)".

I'd have to double check, but it seems to me that the single version of PVS is not the same as that on the mono album. The single's vocal is different, at least in parts, particularly noticeable on the line "...who just came out to mow his lawn...". The single has a slight break between the words "came" and "out", whereas the album version has those words very connected.

I'm disapointed that the long mono mix of Goin Down from the 95 CD of PAC & J wasn't included!

Maybe it'll turn up on the B & B reissue?


I still think the Arista mix of HQ and LTTB box set was the best representations of the HQ albums!

I agree with that!

Was it just me, but did the alt mix of Door Into Summer sounded different on the 95 CD than it does on the 2007 CD?

Unless those both are different mixes altogether.