Missing Links is a 1987 compilation album by The Monkees. While "Apples, Peaches, Bananas And Pears" and "If You Have the Time" both featured in the reruns of their 1960s television series, [1] none of the tracks had ever been issued commercially. Missing Links is the first volume of a three-volume set (followed by Missing Links Volume 2 and Missing Links Volume 3).
"All Of Your Toys", written by Bill Martin, was the first recording to feature all four Monkees performing playing on the track, and was intended to become their third single. A publishing issue prevented the songfrom being released, and Neil Diamond's "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You" was chosen instead.
Michael Nesmith re-recorded "Nine Times Blue" for his Magnetic South album and "Carlisle Wheeling" (as "Conversations") for his Loose Salute album.
When originally released on vinyl in the U.S. in 1987, tracks 7, 8, 15 and 16 were not included. The compact disc was released in the U.S. and UK in 1988.
"Apples, Peaches, Bananas and Pears"
Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby HartLead vocal by Micky DolenzBacking vocals: Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart, Ron HicklinGuitar: Wayne Erwin, Gerry McGee, Louie SheltonBass: Larry TaylorDrums: Billy LewisPercussion: Gene EstesProduced by Tommy Boyce and Bobby HartRecorded during sessions for More of the MonkeesRecorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, October 28, 1966"If You Have the Time"
Written by Bill Chadwick and David JonesLead vocal by Davy JonesBacking vocals: Davy Jones, Bill Chadwick, and UnknownGuitar: UnknownElectric Guitar: Louie SheltonBass: Joe OsbornDrums: John GuerinPiano: Michel RubiniMoog Synthesizer: Paul BeaverProduced by Bill Chadwick and Davy JonesRecorded during sessions for The Monkees PresentRecorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, May 1, 1969"I Don't Think You Know Me" (first recorded version)
Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole KingLead vocal by Michael NesmithHarmony vocals: Micky DolenzBacking vocals: Micky DolenzGuitar: James Burton, Glen Campbell Al CaseyOrgan: Larry KnechtelDrums: Hal Blaine, Jim GordonRecorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, June 25, 1966 (7:30 pm– 12:15 am)Produced by Michael NesmithArranged by Don PeakeTwo mixes were made of this song. The first featured Micky on vocals and was mixed by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. Michael Nesmith recorded this version at a later time.Recorded during sessions for The Monkees"Party"
Written by David Jones, Steve PittsLead vocal by Davy JonesGuitar: Al Casey, Mike Deasey Howard RobertsBass: Lyle RitzDrums: Hal BlaineOrgan: Don RandiMarimba/Percussion/Tambourine: Gary Coleman, Gene EstesTrombone: Milt Bernhart, Richard Leith, Lew McCreary, Frank RosolinoTrumpet: Buddy Childers, and Clyde Reasinger, Jack Sheldon, Anthony TerranSaxophone/Woodwind: John LoweViolin: Nathan Kaproff, George Kast, Marvin Limonick, Alex Murray, Erno Neufeld, Ambrose RussoRecorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, February 15, 1968This song has an almost identical music track to another Jones/Pitts song "I'm Gonna Try" which was recorded the same day.Recorded during sessions for The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees"Carlisle Wheeling" (first recorded version)
Written by Michael NesmithLead vocal by Michael NesmithAcoustic Guitar: Michael NesmithBanjo: Peter TorkDrums: Eddie HohOrgan: Michael NesmithPercussion: Michael NesmithProduced by Michael NesmithFirst known recording; a second version was made available as a bonus track on Instant Replay; later be included on the Music Box.Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, November 18 and 19, 1967Recorded during sessions for The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees."Storybook of You"
Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby HartLead vocal by Davy JonesBacking vocals: Davy Jones, Tommy Boyce, Bobby HartElectric Guitar: UnknownAcoustic Guitar: Louie SheltonBass: Joe OsbornDrums: Hal Blaine, Billy LewisPiano: John GallieTack Piano: Larry KnechtelViolin: Bill Kursach, Jerome Reisler, Ralph Schaeffer, Sidney Sharp, Shari ZippertCello: Jesse EhrlichSaxophone: Jay MiglioriTrumpet: Jules Chaikin, Oliver MitchellTrombone: Dick NashUnknown: William PeningProduced by Tommy Boyce and Bobby HartRecorded during sessions for The Monkees PresentRecorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, May 30 and 31, 1969"Rosemarie"
Written by Micky DolenzLead vocal by Micky DolenzElectric Guitar: Keith AllisonAcoustic Guitar: Micky Dolenz, Peter TorkBass: Chip DouglasDrums: Jim GordonTambourine: Larry BunkerPiano: Michel RubiniSaxophone: Bill HoodTrumpet: Buddy Childers, Carroll Lewis, Oliver Mitchell, Stu WilliamsonTrombone: Lou Blackburn, Herbie Harper, Lew McCrearyProduced by The MonkeesRecorded during multiple sessions for The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees and Head respectivelyRecorded at RCA Victor Studios, March 1, 14 and June 7, 1968"My Share of the Sidewalk"
Written by Michael NesmithLead vocal by Davy JonesGuitar: Michael NesmithBass: Rick DeyDrums: Eddie HohPiano: Michael NesmithCello: Justin DiTullio, Ray Kramer, Emmet Sargeant, Eleanor SlatkinTrumpet: Pete Candoli, Buddy Childers, Anthony TerranTrombone: Dick Leith, and Lew McCrearyProduced by the MonkeesRecorded during the sessions for The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees and The Monkees Present.Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, CA, January 9, 1968"All of Your Toys"
Written by Bill MartinLead vocal by Micky DolenzBacking vocals: Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, Peter TorkElectric 12-String Guitar: Michael NesmithBass: John LondonDrums: Micky DolenzTambourine: Davy JonesHarpsichord: Peter TorkOne of the first tracks recorded during sessions for Headquarters.Unused track, proposed A-side of the next single but not controlled by the Monkees' publishing company, Screen Gems; publisher Tickson Music refused to sell copyrightIncluded as bonus track on Headquarters, Listen to the Band and Music Box sets in slightly different mixes. Also available on Monkeemania (The Very Best of the Monkees) in different mono mix.Recorded at Goldstar Studios, Hollywood, January 16 (10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.), and RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, January 19, 23, 24, 1967, and 26 (8:00 - 11:00 P.M.), 28 (2:00 - 6:00 P.M.), 30 (10:00 - 12:00 A.M.), 31 (2:00 P.M. - 12:00 A.M.), and February 2 (8:00 - 10:00 P.M.)"Nine Times Blue"
Written by Michael NesmithLead vocal by Michael NesmithGuitar: Michael NesmithPedal Steel Guitar: Orville "Red" RhodesBass: Chip DouglasProduced by Michael NesmithOriginally demoed during Headquarters sessions; demo version released as bonus track on Headquarters.This version of the song was recorded during The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees session.Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, November 18 and 19, 1967, and February 2, and April 5, 1968"So Goes Love" (second recorded version)
Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole KingLead vocal by Davy JonesBacking vocals: Davy JonesGuitar: Peter Tork, James Burton, Glen Campbell, Al Casey, Jim HelmsBass: Bill PittmanDrums: Hal BlaineElectric Piano: Billy PrestonPercussion: Gary Coleman Jim GordonRecorded between July 7, 25, 1966Produced by Michael NesmithArranged by Don PeakeRecorded during sessions for The Monkees"Teeny Tiny Gnome"
Written by Lynn Castle and Wayne ErwinLead vocal by Micky DolenzBacking vocals: Tommy Boyce, Wayne Erwin, Bobby Hart, Ron HicklinGuitar: Wayne Erwin, Gerry McGee, Louie SheltonBass: Larry TaylorDrums: Billy LewisPiano: Bobby HartOrgan: Paul SuterTrumpet: Steve HuffsteterTrombone: Gilbert Falco, Dick HydeHorn: Bob Jung, Don McGinnisFlute: Paul SuterVibes: Emil RichardsProduced by Tommy Boyce and Bobby HartRecorded at RCA Victor Studio B, Hollywood, August 23, 1966"Teeny Tiny Gnome" is mislabled. The correct title is "Kicking Stones," which can be found on the More of the Monkees Special Deluxe Edition, released in 2006.Recorded during sessions for More of the Monkees"Of You"
Written by Bill and John ChadwickLead vocal by Michael NesmithHarmony vocal: Micky DolenzGuitar: Peter Tork, James Burton, Glen Campbell, Al Casey, and Mike DeaseyBass: Bob WestDrums: Hal BlainePercussion: Gary Coleman, Jim GordonPiano: Michael Cohen and Larry KnechtelProduced by Michael NesmithRecorded at Western Recorders, Hollywood, July 25, 1966Recorded during sessions for More of the Monkees"War Games"
Written by David Jones and Steve PittsLead vocal by Davy JonesGuitar: Mike Deasey, Al Hendrickson, Gerry McGeeBass: Max BennettDrums: Earl PalmerTambourine: UnknownHarpsichord: Don RandiViolin: Sam Freed, Nathan Kaproff, George Kast, Marvin Limonick, Alex Murray, Erno NeufeldCello: Marie Fera, Edgar Lustgarten, Jacqueline Lustgarten, Frederick SeykoraTrumpet: Buddy Childers, Jack SheldonFrench Horn: John Cave, David Duke, Arthur MaebeTrombone: George RobertsProduced by The MonkeesRecorded during sessions for The Birds, The Bees & The MonkeesRecorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, January 23, 1968"Lady's Baby"
Written by Peter TorkLead vocal by Peter TorkBacking vocal: Karen Harvey HammerGuitar: Peter TorkElectric Guitar: Stephen StillsBass: Lance WakelyDrums: Dewey MartinSound Effects: Justin HammerProduced by Peter TorkRecorded at RCA Victor Studios, December 1, 17, 21, 1967, and January 14, 19, 24, and Western Recorders, Hollywood, February 2 and 7, 1968Recorded during sessions for The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees. It was originally intended for the album but constant production changes and re-recordings by Tork caused the song to not be finished in time for release."Time and Time Again"
Written by Bill Chadwick, David JonesLead vocal by Davy JonesBacking vocals: Davy Jones, Bill ChadwickElectric Guitar: Louie SheltonBass: Joe OsbornDrums: John GuerinMoog Synthesizer: Paul BeaverCalliope: Michel RubiniProduced by Bill Chadwick and Davy JonesRecorded at RCA Victor Sudios, Hollywood, August 14, November 11, 1969Recorded during sessions for The Monkees PresentThe version presented here has spoken passages at the beginning and end of the song. When the song was released as a bonus track on Changes, the opening and ending dialogues were removed, and the song fades out at the end, whereas the version presented here does not fade. The moog also does notappear in the mix released as a bonus track on Changes until after the interlude, whereas in the version presented here, the moog can be heard during all the verses, and the interlude.