PlayLast Train to Clarksville

by Rich Chambers

I used to love the old Monkees TV show as a kid and Last Train to Clarksville was easily my favourite of their songs. I am actually surprised that it has never been covered as I consider it to be a great song. It was also originally intended as Vietnam war protest song ... have a listen to the lyrics with that in mind and you will quickly see how the song takes on a different feel/meaning.

I sure had fun recording this song and I hope everyone enjoys my version

Uploaded: February 25, 2009

Duration: 2m 44s

Comments for Last Train to Clarksville

still awesome

RWJ Monkies yes

by spirit21 on April 3, 2009 at 4:16 PM EDT

Yep, you're right Rich, I stand corrected. I just wikipediaed the song. Interesting, a tune about going to Nam? Never would have though it! I though Neil Diamond had an exclusive deal on the Monkees, I heard wrong... Great cover
CF

by Conway Fitzgerald on March 28, 2009 at 11:47 PM EDT

I just wanted to thank everyone for some wonderful comments!! Thank you so much! And Conway, you are right that Neil Diamond wrote quite a few Monkees hits. Many of the others were written by Tommy Boyce and Boby Hart, including this one. Also, the Monkees did sing on the tracks but the instruments were all played by top studio musicians. Lead guitar on many of the tracks including the Last Train original was a studio musician by the name of James Burton who later went on to lead the Elvis band in Vegas and beyond. Top writers and top musicians ... the Monkess tunes were great

Thanks again everyone and keep on rockin' !!

by Rich Chambers on March 28, 2009 at 2:10 PM EDT

Jeff, these 'Monkees' tunes were actually written by Neil Diamond, who was hired by the TV series to compose hits for the band. The 'band' members were hired individual for the show (to capitalize on the Beatles popularity). I think 'Daydream Believer' was the first actual Monkees original. Good cover Rich.

by Conway Fitzgerald on March 28, 2009 at 11:55 AM EDT

Ya know,I use to think the Monkeys were the "Twerp Band" back then when they came out with these what are now,...Classics Songs
You do this Song "Very Well",w/your own little Twist
Good Job!

by Jeff Wright on March 28, 2009 at 12:30 AM EDT