Customer Reviews

Stranger Things Have Happened

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I imagine a lot of people would have mixed feelings about this album. Any fan will love to hear new material from Peter, but even me (a HUGE Tork fan), can admitt that Peter does not have the strongest voice... Reguardless this album is filled with songs that can bring a smile to the face of anyone (fan or not). I love this album and I dont regret buying it one bit, I'm not saying he couldn't do any better... all I'm sayin is that, If you had a mind open enough to look this Cd up, you will dig it....

On a different note, I believe if Pete wasnt a monkee, it would have been, "Crosby, Still, Nash and Tork" (Young wouldn't have been in the band) Of course this is just me talkin and no one has to agree....

As hard as it is to believe, this is Peter Tork's first solo album--28 years after he gained international prominence as one of The Monkees. A thoroughly enjoyable effort, with some great originals and well- chosen covers; Peter reveals himself on these tracks, and that's a good thing indeed.

I've been following the Monkees since I was 10 and in the 4th grade. The Monkees was my first record album, bought at the local grocery store in the record aisle for 99c. I bought it because the cover was so damn appealing. There was Peter Tork right up front with Davey Jones. I went home and played that record on my parent's Fisher console stereo. It was not my introduction to rock 'n roll because I had already enjoyed the Beatle's songs on my transister radio. So, I had experienced ears by the time I listened to the Monkee's debut album. I thought it was wonderful and my favorite song on it was Gonna Buy Me A Dog by Peter. It was musical,comical, and just plain entertaining. Then the follow-up effort, More Of The Monkees, really hit the spot. My favorite song on it was My Auntie Grizelda done by Peter again. I noticed even at a young age that he was not as on key as the other three Monkees as a singer but he was different and funny.

Anyways, I've been following the group for quite awhile now and this first solo release of Peter Tork has been overdue. The other better vocalists from the Monkees have all put out some decent solo stuff. I bought this CD knowing it would be offbeat and it was. But, its still fairly good and Peter Tork sounds very similiar to Ringo Starr's vocals, which is a compliment.

A must-have for any die-hard Monkee fan from the past but probably easily passed on by others.

Peter Tork's Album "Stranger Things Have Happened" is definitely the type of album that grows on you with repeated listening. The album alternates between highs and lows but left me overall wanting to hear more of the ex-Monkee in the solo format.

"Stranger Things Have Happened" (title track)suits Peter's limited vocal range pretty well and sounds like it could have been released as single.

"You get what you pay for" is a disappointment as it is very repetitive.

"Sea Change" gets me back on the Peter Bandwagon. The lyrics are great (my guess is it's about a man wants to turn into a fish a la "Mr. Limpet) I think it is the most interesting and prettiest song Peter wrote for the album (Peter appears to have written six of the eleven songs on the album)

"Take A Giant Step" is where Peter shines at his folksy best vocally. This Monkees cover is better than the original and Peter plays enjoyable guitar on this one.

"Milkshake" is a great quirky number that features Mickey and Mike from the Monkees on backing vocals. Crazy Lyrics! Probably would have been a great B-Side to a "Stranger Things Have Happened" Single.

"MGT-BGT" is a solid Peter written number that bounces along quite nicely.

"Miracle" does not fit Peter's vocal abilities at all. His singing on it is very disappointing.

"Pirates" is written by Peter's brother and is a good solid tune that Peter bounces back on. The horn section is a nice add.

"Gettin In" is along with "Sea Change" one of the two best Tork originals on the album. Very interesting track.

"Tender Is" is a song where Peter loses me on again. The song sound like something of one of the "Rocky" Soundtracks and the lyrics are quite corny.

"Higher and Higher". Peter ends the album on a high note with a folksy cover version of this song that features his trademark Banjo playing. Again, I think this cover is better than other versions I have heard.

Overall, the album is enjoyable The material is quite varied (sometimes playing for and against Peter vocally) and does prove that he is more than capable of putting out a decent product. The production values seem lazy at times but this may be due to a limited budget for the project.

I give it 2 1/2 stars and a must add for any Monkees fan...

Peter's work with James Lee Stanley, "Two Man Band" is far superior to this work. Always happy when 60's group artists go on to create new music. However, this CD is for ardent fans only. The vocals and arrangements are thin and I believe this artist is capable of much better work.

Here's a review I read and agree with: REVIEW

STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED

STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED, the first solo effort from
Peter Tork, is a triumph. Wonderful production from Peter and
co-producer James Lee Stanley along with excellent material
beautifully performed by a group of exceptional musicians and
singers, make this a work of talent, taste, and style; one that
makes use of a variety of musical influences, both past and
present. STRANGER THINGS is like nothing else, being very much a
reflection of the artist. Certainly no one but Peter could have
put it all together.

Each song is unique unto itself, offering much to the
listener. And yet, different as they are, the songs fit together
like tiles in a mosaic to to create a complete musical whole.

The title track, by Levine and Rudetsky, is exceptional. With
its reggae/New Age overtones, it catches you and "sticks". The
lyrics call up images that are at once familiar and fantastic,
and will, if you allow it, carry you away to places rich and
strange indeed. The perfect opening for this album, it sets the
stage for what is to come.

"You Get What You Pay For" is, for many, THE song of the
collection, and it's certainly deserving of "favorite" status.
It's rock overtones and the excellent instrumental work by Marc
McClure especially, give it a great musical "hook" and make it
memorable.

"Sea Change" is lovely, my candidate for the prettiest (in the
BEST sense of that overused word) song here. With it's soothing
ocean effects and that wondrous guitar work of Peter's, it has a
smooth, liquid feel that makes it close to perfect. The longest
song on the album, it creates and holds a mood that is relaxing
and dreamlike. The lyric draws you in, sustaining that mood until
the last note. This one is a personal favorite.

"Take A Giant Step"---This version may be better than the
original. The Goffin-King standard is one song that really
benefits from an acoustic treatment. Peter sounds great, and his
playing---especially the guitar solo---is excellent, as always.
Fine back-up by Mackenzie Phillips and Owen Elliot give it a nice
'60's feel, without lessening its contemporary sound. An
excellent job all around.

Martin Briley's "Milkshake" is a classic of it's kind, and
certainly one of the most fun songs to come along in a LONG time.
It's such a visual tune---whenever I hear it, I "see" it---and
enjoy it more and more. Laurence Juber's solo is perfect--just
the right touch. Micky and Mike do a terrific job, making this a
special track, and lending just the right sense of humor. And how
nice to hear the three of them together again.

There's nothing like a good car song, and "MGB-GT" certainly
qualifies. Another fun tune, it flys along like that little red
car once did---smooth and fast, taking you along for quite a
ride. Mike again provides background, and that piano solo---WOW!!
Crank this one up when you hit the road; it's "driving music" at
it's best.

"Miracle" is the one for hard rock lovers. Driving beat,
terrific guitar work, interesting lyrics---an excellent example
of this particular rock form. This is the one that may surprise a
lot of people out of their preconceived notions---and isn't that
the point of the song? Terrific work here by Peter, Tommy Mars,
Pat Holloway and Darren Elpant. A real winner.

"Pirates". written by Peter's brother Nick, is excellent. A
great dance tune---upbeat with a fun sound and a great "hook",
it's another one that "sticks". The horns keep it lively, and the
lyrics offer a somewhat bemused look at the trials and
tribulations of "true love". This is one that you'll find
yourself singing at unexpected moments.

"Gettin' In" is the other track that should appeal to those
who like that harder sound. It is deceptively simple in it's
construction. It builds on a strong bass line, adding keyboards
and guitars to a solid drum presence, making this version so
well-built that the seams are invisible. Top-notch instrumental
work, again by Tommy, Pat and Darren, pulls it together into a
very enjoyable whole.

"Tender Is" is a lovely introspective song whose simple
presentation here enhances its poetic quality. The piano line is
especially well-done, serving to illuminate the lyric while
lending a certain lightness that balances the darker tones of its
theme. A small, perfect gem.

"Higher & Higher", a great "feel good" song is the perfect way
to close STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED. After the "heavier" songs
that preceed it, it does indeed come like the dawn to lighten the
mood. With it's simple melodic line and upbeat, happy lyric, it
leaves you feeling content and positive. Excellent banjo work by
Peter, as always, and an absolutely bang-up job on background
vocals by James Lee Stanley and Anita Sherman.

Throughout the album, the vocals are uniformly
superior--excellent work from everyone at all times. Peter
himself has never sounded better. His voice, with its warm, easy,
friendly quality has acquired a richer tone---full and smooth and
strong---that is beautifully served by (and serves) his choice of
material.

The production is masterful---neither too much nor too little.
Only what is needed for each song to be heard at its best. An
excellent job by Peter and James Lee Stanley.

The cover art by Peter's brother Nick suits STRANGER THINGS to
a T. Its bright colors and interesting graphics are real
eye-catchers. And, like both the album, and Peter himself, there
is more to it than meets the eye (or ear) at first. As for the
liner notes....Smart and witty, they assume an intelligence on
the part of the reader/listener that is very welcome. Again,
there is more here than meets the eye....(for example, how many
oblique references can you find to the name "Peter"?)

The whole package, from the cover to the picture disc itself
has obviously been put together with great thought and care. This
is a work that Peter can, and should be proud of. Indeed,
everyone connected with STRANGER THINGS deserves a big
"Congratulations and thanks". We waited a long time for this, and
they made sure it was well worth the wait.

-----Eva Frizzi-----

This was Peter Tork's belated first solo album, released 26 years after he quit the Monkees. To be honest, it was somewhat of a disappointment to me as a Monkees fan. I was expecting Peter to really shine now that he had the spotlight all to himself and instead he released a perfectly average, mediocre album. It's not terrible, but it's not particularly great either. The reason Peter only sang lead on a handful of Monkees songs is because "certain people" didn't think he was a very good singer. Frankly, he doesn't do much to prove them wrong here. His singing on "Take a Giant Step" isn't as good as Micky Dolenz, and his singing on "Higher and Higher" doesn't come anywhere near matching Jackie Wilson. Which is not to say that the album doesn't have it's good moments. I particularly enjoyed "Milkshake". But this is really an album that will only be of interest to Monkees fans who are curious to see what Peter Tork can do on his own.

I've had the good fortune to see Peter perform a lot of this material live, so when I heard he was finally coming out with an album of solo material, I was about as happy as any longtime Monkees fan could be...my only complaint is that one of his finest songs, "Good Looker" has yet to make it to one of Peter's albums! (I asked him once during the autograph sessions at one of his live shows when it would be on an album...Peter's answer: "I give up, when?") There is something for just about any Monkees fan here, and some fine stuff even if you missed the whole phenomenon. Nothing that's going to change the world, but plenty to put a smile on its face...and the guest list! Mackenzie Phillips, Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Timothy B. Schmit, just to name a few...and a couple of updates on some songs Peter has had kicking around for years like "MGB-GT" from the Monkees "Pool It" era, "Take a Giant Step" from Monkees album number one, and "Higher and Higher" which he had released with his early 80s band the New Monks...it all sounds like he was having a great time doing this, and that's what it's all about (and here you thought all this time the Hokey Pokey was what it was all about)...don't expect the Mormon Tabernacle Choir or Abbey Road here, just put it in the player and appreciate it for what it is...a bunch of musicians just having a good time making music, which is what Peter was all about back in the Monkees days too...the music. Do yourself another favor and go see Peter when Shoe Suede Blues comes to your area...a chance to see Peter do some other stuff he really loves!

The greatest challenge in getting the Monkees their due, is to prove that each of them were legitimate artists in their own right! They proved the point over and over again, as a group. They have only needed to demonstrate that not a single one of the foursome had gotten a free ride.

On this, as well as Tork's Two-Man Band and Shoe Suede Blues CDs, Peter makes his own case conclusively.

Of all his solo efforts, however, this CD is the most truly solo. It is all Peter, and he has some great friends helping him out! (Of the four Monkees, Peter's backup musicians and singers are the most accomplished in the rock and pop world). Names like Timothy B. Schmit and McKenzie Phillips appear. The production quality is superb.

Yes, I agree with the other reviewers. Peter Tork was always the edgy Monkee. And this album is edgy. It is more alternative than pop. But the novelty Monkee adds a touch of it here, especially in his popular song "Milkshake."

Speaking of Milkshake, this track features background vocals by Mike Nesmith and Micky Dolenz, making this the Monkees solo album featuring the most former Monkees on it (as far as I can tell, it is the ONLY solo album where other Monkees are present).

Indeed, Stranger Things does come across as the Monkees solo album most faithful to the original Monkees sound. There's the banjo, the novelty, the pop flavor, the weird experimenting, the synthesized layerings, the folk impulses, the edginess.

I give this four stars, because there are albums out there in the world, that are better. But I want everyone considering buying this CD to go ahead and do it. It is a real pleasure and joy to hear Peter finally spread his wings and make his statement. Well overdue, but worth the wait.

Stranger things can and do happen. I hope that, in the case of Peter Tork, it means that a second album like this will be produced! And this time, Peter, see if even Davy can drop in!

I don't particularly understand the dogging reviews. This is a really good CD. The best track is probably "Milkshake." I do agree with some reviewers that Peter could have done without all the synthesizers and keyboards. Other than that it's fine.