The Monkees: Michael Nesmith Sings

Wool-hatted Michael Nesmith was a gigging singer/songwriter before joining The Monkees' TV escapades, and his wistful folk influence helps anchor the band's chirpy bubblegum pop. “Papa Gene's Blues,” from 1966, could pass for an early Byrds cut, while the country-licked “Listen To the Band” culminates in a rousing horn section. And Nesmith's weeping, sweeping ballad “Me & Magdalena” is a stunning standout from the act's 2016 reunion album.