MICKY DOLENZ: Dolenz Sings R.E.M.

News of Micky Dolenz's new EP Dolenz Sings R.E.M. broke outta nowhere about a week ago, and I'm well and fully stoked. The EP is out November 3 from the good folks at 7A Records, and a video of one of its tracks has just appeared:

I like R.E.M. You know I like the Monkees, and you should know that Dolenz is among my all-time favorite singers. But MAN, this far outstrips my highest expectations. To be honest, "Shiny Happy People" was never among my top R.E.M. tracks, but Dolenz and producer Christian Nesmith combine forces to make it just stunning, irresistible. Christian's work with Micky has been nothing short of amazing, and I hope they collaborate on a million more projects.

Christian Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Circe Link

Early Wednesday afternoon, I had just completed my part of the preproduction work for this coming Sunday night's edition of This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio with Dana & Carl, and was about to turn the files over to Dana so he could start the real work of turning it into a radio show. Then our pal and SPARK! colleague Rich Firestone sent us "Shiny Happy People." It was well, well worth going back to the boppin' board to make a few changes, allowing this fantastic new Micky Dolenz gem to open the final set in our September 17th show.

I've said it many times, and I aim to keep saying it: Enthusiasm is its own reward. Hearing wonderful new tracks like Micky Dolenz covering "Shiny Happy People" is exactly the sort of reward I have in mind. We're fans. This is why we do it. Can't wait to hear the rest of the record.

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Carl's new book Gabba Gabba Hey! A Conversation With The Ramones is now available, courtesy of the good folks at Rare Bird Books. Gabba Gabba YAY!! https://rarebirdlit.com/gabba-gabba-hey-a-conversation-with-the-ramones-by-carl-cafarelli/

If it's true that one book leads to another, my next book will be The Greatest Record Ever Made! (Volume 1). Stay tuned. Your turn is coming.

This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio with Dana & Carl airs Sunday nights from 9 to Midnight Eastern, on the air in Syracuse at SPARK! WSPJ 103.3 and 93.7 FM, archived at Westcott Radio. You can read about our history here.

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