Get ready to dive back into the groovy vibes of the 1960s with The Monkees' latest compilation – it's a nostalgic rollercoaster that might just redefine how we view their iconic sound! But here's where it gets controversial: is this carefully curated set a heartfelt homage or just another cash grab on classic tunes? Let's unpack it all, step by step, so even newcomers to the band's story can join the fun.
Announced as a fresh addition to The Monkees' discography, 'The A’s, The B’s & The Monkees' is an upcoming 2CD compilation album slated for an early 2026 release. For those just tuning in, The Monkees were the fab four of prefab pop – a TV band created for a hit sitcom in the mid-1960s, blending catchy melodies, harmonies, and a dash of Beatles-inspired energy that captured the hearts of millions. This collection, available through Rhino Records on January 30, 2026, shines a spotlight on their singles from 1966 to 1970, the golden era when they ruled the airwaves with infectious hits.
As the title hints, this digipak-packaged set splits into two discs: one dedicated to the A-sides (the main tracks on singles, like the ones that topped the charts) and the other to the B-sides (the flipside songs, often overlooked gems that didn't get as much radio play). It's a clever way to showcase both the crowd-pleasers and the hidden treasures. On the A-side disc, you'll find timeless classics such as 'Last Train to Clarksville,' the electrifying opener that kicked off their fame; 'I’m a Believer,' that unstoppable anthem about love and loss; 'Pleasant Valley Sunday,' a witty take on suburban life; and 'Daydream Believer,' the dreamy closer that still echoes in our collective memory. These tracks represent the polished, radio-ready side of The Monkees, engineered for mass appeal and packed with hooks that even non-fans hum along to.
And this is the part most people miss: the B-sides are where the real magic breathes! Often dismissed as 'bonus' material, these tracks reveal a rawer, sometimes experimental edge to the band. Tracks like '(I’m Not Your) Stepping Stone,' a punky precursor with gritty energy; 'The Girl I Knew Somewhere,' a melancholic ballad with soulful vocals; and 'Tapioca Tundra,' an oddball psychedelic jaunt that ventured into weirder territories, all make their appearance. For beginners, think of B-sides as the 'behind-the-scenes' extras – they might not have been the star, but they often showcased creativity that the hits couldn't, giving fans a peek into the band's evolving style during their most productive years.
The full tracklisting keeps everything intact and easy to follow:
CD 1 – A-Sides
1. Last Train to Clarksville
2. I’m a Believer
3. A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You
4. Pleasant Valley Sunday
5. Daydream Believer
6. Valleri
7. D.W. Washburn
8. Porpoise Song (Theme from Head)
9. Tear Drop City
10. Listen to the Band
11. Good Clean Fun
12. Oh My My
CD 2 – B-Sides
1. Take a Giant Step
2. (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone
3. The Girl I Knew Somewhere
4. Words
5. Goin’ Down
6. Tapioca Tundra
7. It’s Nice to Be with You
8. As We Go Along
9. A Man Without a Dream
10. Someday Man
11. Mommy and Daddy
12. I Love You Better
Now, for the practical stuff: if you're itching to pre-order, prices vary by region to account for shipping and taxes. In the UK, it's £18.99 on Amazon UK; in the US, $24.98 on Amazon US; in Italy, €22.40 on Amazon IT; in Canada, CAD 28.59 on Amazon CA; in Japan, ¥3917.00 on Amazon JP; and also available for £18.99 via Rough Trade UK. These links are affiliate-based, meaning SuperDeluxeEdition.com earns a small commission from purchases to keep the site ad-free and fan-focused.
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What do you think – does compiling A-sides and B-sides truly honor The Monkees' legacy, or is it diluting the impact of their original albums? Some fans argue these flipsides deserve their own spotlight, while others wonder if we're overemphasizing singles in an era of full-album streaming. Could this be a controversial move to canonize B-sides as equal to hits? Share your opinions in the comments – do you prefer the polished A-sides or the underrated B-side vibes? We'd love to hear from you and spark some debate!
