The Monkees Justus 180g LP (Coral Vinyl)

The Monkees have been one of the world's most enduring rock and pop acts of all time. Since their beginnings in 1966, their television show, multi-platinum albums, hit singles and concert tours truly made The Monkees one of the most colossal stories ever in the music business.

In 1996, after a thirty-year hiatus as a quartet, the original Monkees Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork went back to the studio and recorded what would ultimately be their final studio project, the Justus album. Noted for their return to the studio and touring around the legendary release, this final work also found The Monkees as the sole musicians, vocalists, writers and production team for all of the tracks assembled for the recording. The results truly showed one of the more organically produced albums ever from their superstar catalog of fine recordings.

Originally an idea spearheaded by Michael Nesmith, the Justus album was conceptual in nature almost mirroring the original idea behind their classic Headquarters album, which like Justus, showcased these four musical talents as a team and offered no single track to radio but instead a full musical album listening experience.

Opening up with a new take on "Circle Sky," Michael Nesmith is on top of his game with this metal-like rocker originally from the Head soundtrack album. Featuring a wall of loud guitars, retro lyrics and chorus, this classic track was performed at the reunion concerts around this album, and once again reemphasized the importance of the original quartet setting, making this a great intro track.

Davy Jones belts out one of his finest compositions with the uptempo groove of "Oh, What a Night." The tune truly resonated with the fans back then and continues to be one of the more appreciated classics in his long list of time tested Monkees favorites. Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones repeat the magic with their revisit of "You and I" from their Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart era. Featuring a strong vocal performance by the duo and the stunning guitar work of both Monkees' Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith, this track truly captures the innocence and the feel of their sixties sound.

Much like their Instant Replay album, Micky Dolenz contributes a good helping of original compositions to the Justus project. Either rockers like "Dyin' of a Broken Heart," the blues balladry of "It's My Life," or the Rolling Stones vibe of "Regional Girl," the Justus album was a watershed for Dolenz's writings and vocal prowess, making this 1996 session a true winner.

Peter Tork was always one of the more intriguing writers and musicians of the band, and it is fitting that the more progressive sounds would derive from his pen with the classic "I Believe You," as well as his fine prog-rock track "Run Away from Life" featuring the powerful vocals of Davy Jones.

Davy Jones gets the honor of closing out this wonderful album with his classic ballad "It's Not Too Late." With his stunning vocal and heartfelt lyrics, and the brilliant chorus from the his Monkees brethren, the song in itself is a fitting tribute to these four geniuses, as the legacy of this superstar band will forever stand the test of time.

Friday Music is very pleased to continue The Monkees Friday Music 180-Gram Audiophile Series with a stellar revisit of their 1996 masterwork Justus. Newly mastered by longtime Monkees reissue producer Joe Reagoso from the original Rhino Records recordings at Friday Music Studios, this stunning audiophile vinyl release is also for a very short time being offered in limited edition coral vinyl as well as a presented in a fine gatefold cover presentation.

The Monkees… Justus… First-Time 180-Gram Audiophile Vinyl Release… Limited Edition Coral Vinyl… Their final masterwork together… captured in the audiophile domain… only from your friends at Friday Music… It Looks Like We've Made It Once Again!