With such a vast array of
Monkees compilations easily available, another best-of would seem unnecessary. But on closer inspection, Rhino's
Best of the Monkees is a superior set, improving on the label's 20-track Greatest Hits released in the mid-'90s. Two songs recorded during the MTV reunion during the '80s -- "That Was Then, This Is Now" and "Heart and Soul" -- have been deleted, making room for excellent heyday material: "What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round?," "Your Auntie Grizelda," "Papa Gene's Blues," "She," and "Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)." Keeping in line with Rhino's infinite care pertaining to
Monkees reissues, this collection has informative liner notes, lots of pictures, and a bonus five-song karaoke disc that's a lot of fun as well. ~ Al Campbell