The Monkees, who may have gone further with less talent than any pop artist or group since Fabian, generally left songwriting, production, and even instrumental chores in more capable hands. All the assistance notwithstanding, they still managed to deliver vapidities, including some of the least consequential work of some highly consequential composers.

When I’m home alone, nevertheless, I sometimes sneak a listen to The Monkees’ Greatest Hits, which includes Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart’s “I Wanna Be Free” (a musical Hallmark card), Neil Diamond’s “I’m a Believer” (one of the most dispassionate love tunes of all time), and Gerry Goffin an Carole King’s “Pleasant Valley Sunday” (possibly the dumbest protest song ever written), not to mention Diamond’s “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You,” Boyce and Hart’s “Last Train to Clarksville,” and 15 other selections. Blame the power of a hook, the Monkees’ indefinable charm, my penchant for nostalgia, and, possibly, brain damage.

The album is available here.