CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS

#209 DAYDREAM BELIEVER The Monkees
The Monkees demanded more creative control of their music in 1967. At the time, the group was enjoying success with their own TV series. Screen Gems sanctioned the band members selecting the songs they would record and having them play on their own albums. "Daydream Believer" became the group's 3rd American #1 single. 
The song was written by John Stewart, a former member of The Kingston Trio. Chip Taylor produced the recording. Released in 1967, the single reached the top not only in America, but also Canada. The disc peaked at #2 in Australia and Norway. On the British chart, "Daydream Believer" made top 5. 
Follow-up single "Valleri" was to be The Monkees' final US Top 10 hit in 1968. Soon after, their TV series was cancelled. The group's next project, a film entitled 'Head', was well received by critics but a box office flop. 
By mid-1969, Peter Tork had quit the band. A year later, Mike Nesmith did the same. Davy Jones and Mickey Dolenz continued as a duo before calling it quits. The latter 2 continued collaborating from time to time during the 1970s. This included a reformation of The Monkees with songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart in 1975 for a tour and new album. Meanwhile, Tork's projects failed to excite the public, but Nesmith did enjoy some solo success. 
MTV replayed their TV series as part of a marathon in 1985, which led to a lucrative reunion tour featuring the members except Nesmith who had other commitments; although he did join the group at a few key dates. Dolenz and Tork recorded some new tracks, 1 of which, "That Was Then, This Is Now", returned The Monkees' name to the charts around the world in 1986. 
Over the next 10 years, the group re-united from time to time. In 1996, the 4 members released a new album; the first to be completely penned, produced and performed by them. This revival proved short-lived when Nesmith quit once again. The remaining 3 members were vocal about their displeasure. The trio re-united again in 2001 and this time Tork was gone before the tour's end. He claimed he had quit, while the other 2 members maintained he was fired. All 4 Monkees continued as soloists. Sadly, in 2012, Davy Jones- who delivered lead vocals on "Daydream Believer"- suffered a heart attack and passed away; aged 66. 
The song's writer went on to enjoy solo success in 1979 with the Top 10 hit "Gold", which featured Fleetwood Mac members Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham on backing vocals and guitar respectively. Stewart continued recording into the 21st century. He passed away in 2008, at the age of 68.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song is added each day.