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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = The Girl I Knew Somewhere
| name = The Girl I Knew Somewhere
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| alt =
| alt =
| type = single
| type = single
| artist = [[The Monkees]]
| artist = [[the Monkees]]
| album =
| album =
| A-side = [[A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You]]
| A-side = [[A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You]]
| released = 8 March 1967
| released = March 8, 1967
| format = [[7" single]]
| recorded = February 23, 1967
| recorded = 23 February 1967, RCA Victor Studios, [[Hollywood, California]]
| studio = RCA Victor, Hollywood, California
| studio =
| venue =
| venue =
| genre = [[Folk-pop]]<ref name= "Masley 2024">{{cite web|first= Ed|last= Masley|title= Best Monkees songs of all time: 30 classics, from their biggest hits to album tracks|website= [[The Arizona Republic]]|date= January 7, 2024|url= https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/01/07/the-monkees-greatest-hits-of-all-time/72079810007/|accessdate= January 12, 2024}}</ref>
| genre = [[Pop rock]]
| length = 2:32
| length = 2:32
| label = [[Colgems Records|Colgems]]
| label = [[Colgems Records|Colgems]]
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}}
}}


"'''The Girl I Knew Somewhere'''" is a song by the American [[pop rock]] band [[the Monkees]], written by [[Michael Nesmith]], and first released as the [[B-side]] to the "[[A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You]]" [[single (music)|single]] on [[Colgems Records]] on 8 March 1967 (''see'' [[1967 in music]]). It was distributed in support of the group's third [[album]] ''[[Headquarters (the Monkees album)|Headquarters]]'', and later appeared on the reissued version of the LP. The song was recorded as the Monkees finally achieved the independence that enabled them to freely produce their own material, with the actual band members being featured on both [[vocals]] and instrumental arrangements.
"'''The Girl I Knew Somewhere'''" is a song by the American [[pop rock]] band [[the Monkees]], written by [[Michael Nesmith]] and first released as the [[B-side]] to the "[[A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You]]" single on [[Colgems Records]] on March 8, 1967. It was distributed in support of the group's third album ''[[Headquarters (the Monkees album)|Headquarters]]'', and later appeared on the reissued version of the LP. The song was recorded as the Monkees finally achieved the independence that enabled them to freely produce their own material, with the actual band members featured on both vocals and instrumental arrangements.


Upon release, "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" charted at number 39 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], while its [[A-side]] "A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You" propelled to number two.
"The Girl I Knew Somewhere" peaked at #39 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], while its [[A-side]] "A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You" reached No. 2.


==Background==
==Background==


The Monkees had enjoyed enormous commercial success with their first two albums, ''[[The Monkees (album)|The Monkees]]'' and ''[[More of the Monkees]]'', both reaching number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. However, under the direction of their music supervisor [[Don Kirshner]], the group was almost completely barred from studio work, aside from recording as [[vocalists]] and penning some original material.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/headquarters-mw0000653823|title=Headquarters - Review|work=allmusic.com|author=Sendra, Tim|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref> Longing to achieve creative freedom, the Monkees, led by [[Michael Nesmith]], who felt especially insulted by Kirshner's condescension, entered months of bitter negotiations that eventually concluded with Kirshner's firing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://recordcollectormag.com/reviews/headquarters|title=Four Monkees Don't Stop No Show|author=Draper, John|work=recordcollectormag.com|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref> With his departure, the band was finally given the ability to play the instruments themselves, making the ''Headquarters'' sessions the first of which to feature the actual members on the arrangements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/the-monkees-headquarters-turns-45-years-old/|title=48 Years Ago: The Monkees Declare Their Independence|work=ultimateclassicrock.com|author=Swanson, Dave|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref> Nesmith compared the Monkees' process to build upon their differing styles: "[It was like] a really good tennis player, and a really good football player, and a really good basketball player, and a really good golfer got together and played baseball. ... We could give it a try. Maybe make a little garage-band music".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.nashvillescene.com/nashville/forty-six-years-after-its-release-the-monkees-headquarters-is-still-the-real-deal/Content?oid=3464172|title=The Monkees' ''Headquarters'' Is Still the Real Deal|author=Fox, Randy|work=nashvillescene.com|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref>
The Monkees had enjoyed enormous commercial success with their first two albums, ''[[The Monkees (album)|The Monkees]]'' and ''[[More of the Monkees]]'', both reaching No. 1 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. However, under the direction of music supervisor [[Don Kirshner]], the group was almost completely barred from studio work, aside from recording as vocalists and writing some original material.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/headquarters-mw0000653823|title=Headquarters – Review|work=allmusic.com|author=Sendra, Tim|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref> Longing to achieve creative freedom, the Monkees, led by [[Michael Nesmith]], who felt especially insulted by Kirshner's condescension, entered months of bitter negotiations that eventually concluded with Kirshner being fired.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://recordcollectormag.com/reviews/headquarters|title=Four Monkees Don't Stop No Show|author=Draper, John|work=recordcollectormag.com|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref> With his departure, the band was finally given the ability to direct production and play instruments themselves, making the ''Headquarters'' sessions the first to feature the Monkees on the arrangements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/the-monkees-headquarters-turns-45-years-old/|title=48 Years Ago: The Monkees Declare Their Independence|work=ultimateclassicrock.com|author=Swanson, Dave|date=May 22, 2015 |accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref> On the band members' differing styles, Nesmith said: "[It was like] a really good tennis player, and a really good football player, and a really good basketball player, and a really good golfer got together and played baseball. ... We could give it a try. Maybe make a little [[Garage rock|garage-band]] music."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.nashvillescene.com/nashville/forty-six-years-after-its-release-the-monkees-headquarters-is-still-the-real-deal/Content?oid=3464172|title=The Monkees' ''Headquarters'' Is Still the Real Deal|author=Fox, Randy|work=nashvillescene.com|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref>


Although it was unknown to the record-buying public upon its release, "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" was the first song recorded by the Monkees containing instruments performed by the band members. It was first recorded on 19 January 1967 with Nesmith on [[lead vocals]]; however, a second version was recorded on 23 February 1967, with [[Micky Dolenz]] replacing Nesmith to create a more commercialized sound. The song became very accessible with its breezy [[melodic]] shifts, catchy rhythm, and relatable lyrics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://colli.tripod.com/headquarters/the.html|title=The Girl I Knew Somewhere|work=colli.tripod.com|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref><ref name=all>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/song/the-girl-i-knew-somewhere-mt0009424932|title=The Girl I Knew Somewhere - Review|author=Greenwald, Matthew|work=allmusic.com|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref>
Although it was unknown to the record-buying public upon its release, "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" was the first song recorded by the Monkees containing instruments performed by the band members. It was first recorded on January 19, 1967, with Nesmith on lead vocals; however, a second version was recorded on February 23, 1967, with [[Micky Dolenz]] replacing Nesmith to create a more commercialized sound (the key was also changed from A to C). The song became very accessible with its breezy [[melodic]] shifts, catchy rhythm and relatable lyrics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://colli.tripod.com/headquarters/the.html|title=The Girl I Knew Somewhere|work=colli.tripod.com|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref><ref name=all>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/song/the-girl-i-knew-somewhere-mt0009424932|title=The Girl I Knew Somewhere – Review|author=Greenwald, Matthew|work=allmusic.com|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref>


Since its original distribution, the composition has been featured on nearly all the Monkees' [[compilation albums]], with it first appearing on ''[[Monkeemania (40 Timeless Hits)|40 Timeless Hits]]'' in 1980. An early demo of "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" is compiled on ''[[The Headquarters Sessions]]'', along with a rendition with additional [[backing vocals]], and a [[stereo]] version was first released on ''[[More Greatest Hits of the Monkees]]''.<ref name=all/>
Since its original distribution, the composition has been featured on nearly all of the Monkees' [[compilation albums]], first appearing on ''[[Monkeemania (40 Timeless Hits)|40 Timeless Hits]]'' in 1980. An early demo of "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" is included on ''[[The Headquarters Sessions]]'', along with a rendition with additional backing vocals, and a stereo version was first released on ''[[More Greatest Hits of the Monkees]]''.<ref name=all/>

==Reception==
''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' predicted that the single was "destined to become [the Monkees] third million seller in a row," stating that "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" had equal potential as did "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You."<ref name=bb>{{cite news|newspaper=Billboard|accessdate=March 1, 2021|date=March 18, 1967|page=10|title=Spotlight Singles|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1967/Billboard%201967-03-18.pdf}}</ref>


==Personnel==
==Personnel==
* [[Micky Dolenz]] - [[lead vocals]], [[drums]]
* [[Micky Dolenz]] – lead vocals, drums
* [[Michael Nesmith]] - [[electric guitar]], [[backing vocals]]
* [[Michael Nesmith]] – electric guitar, 12-string guitar, backing vocals
* [[Peter Tork]] - [[acoustic guitar]], [[harpsichord]]
* [[Peter Tork]] – acoustic guitar, [[harpsichord]]
* [[Davy Jones (musician)|Davy Jones]] - [[tambourine]]
* [[Davy Jones (musician)|Davy Jones]] – [[tambourine]]
* [[Chip Douglas]] - [[bass guitar]]
* [[Chip Douglas]] – bass guitar


==References==
==References==
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{{The Monkees}}
{{The Monkees}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Girl I Knew Somewhere}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Girl I Knew Somewhere}}

Latest revision as of 02:30, 13 January 2024

"The Girl I Knew Somewhere"
Single by the Monkees
A-side"A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You"
ReleasedMarch 8, 1967
RecordedFebruary 23, 1967
StudioRCA Victor, Hollywood, California
GenreFolk-pop[1]
Length2:32
LabelColgems
Songwriter(s)Michael Nesmith
Producer(s)Chip Douglas
The Monkees singles chronology
"I'm a Believer"
(1966) 		"The Girl I Knew Somewhere"
(1967) 		"Pleasant Valley Sunday"
(1967)

"The Girl I Knew Somewhere" is a song by the American pop rock band the Monkees, written by Michael Nesmith and first released as the B-side to the "A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You" single on Colgems Records on March 8, 1967. It was distributed in support of the group's third album Headquarters, and later appeared on the reissued version of the LP. The song was recorded as the Monkees finally achieved the independence that enabled them to freely produce their own material, with the actual band members featured on both vocals and instrumental arrangements.

"The Girl I Knew Somewhere" peaked at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100, while its A-side "A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You" reached No. 2.

Background

[edit]

The Monkees had enjoyed enormous commercial success with their first two albums, The Monkees and More of the Monkees, both reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200. However, under the direction of music supervisor Don Kirshner, the group was almost completely barred from studio work, aside from recording as vocalists and writing some original material.[2] Longing to achieve creative freedom, the Monkees, led by Michael Nesmith, who felt especially insulted by Kirshner's condescension, entered months of bitter negotiations that eventually concluded with Kirshner being fired.[3] With his departure, the band was finally given the ability to direct production and play instruments themselves, making the Headquarters sessions the first to feature the Monkees on the arrangements.[4] On the band members' differing styles, Nesmith said: "[It was like] a really good tennis player, and a really good football player, and a really good basketball player, and a really good golfer got together and played baseball. ... We could give it a try. Maybe make a little garage-band music."[5]

Although it was unknown to the record-buying public upon its release, "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" was the first song recorded by the Monkees containing instruments performed by the band members. It was first recorded on January 19, 1967, with Nesmith on lead vocals; however, a second version was recorded on February 23, 1967, with Micky Dolenz replacing Nesmith to create a more commercialized sound (the key was also changed from A to C). The song became very accessible with its breezy melodic shifts, catchy rhythm and relatable lyrics.[6][7]

Since its original distribution, the composition has been featured on nearly all of the Monkees' compilation albums, first appearing on 40 Timeless Hits in 1980. An early demo of "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" is included on The Headquarters Sessions, along with a rendition with additional backing vocals, and a stereo version was first released on More Greatest Hits of the Monkees.[7]

Reception

[edit]

Billboard predicted that the single was "destined to become [the Monkees] third million seller in a row," stating that "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" had equal potential as did "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You."[8]

Personnel

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Masley, Ed (January 7, 2024). "Best Monkees songs of all time: 30 classics, from their biggest hits to album tracks". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  2. ^ Sendra, Tim. "Headquarters – Review". allmusic.com. Retrieved December 6, 2015.
  3. ^ Draper, John. "Four Monkees Don't Stop No Show". recordcollectormag.com. Retrieved December 6, 2015.
  4. ^ Swanson, Dave (May 22, 2015). "48 Years Ago: The Monkees Declare Their Independence". ultimateclassicrock.com. Retrieved December 6, 2015.
  5. ^ Fox, Randy. "The Monkees' Headquarters Is Still the Real Deal". nashvillescene.com. Retrieved December 6, 2015.
  6. ^ "The Girl I Knew Somewhere". colli.tripod.com. Retrieved December 6, 2015.
  7. ^ a b Greenwald, Matthew. "The Girl I Knew Somewhere – Review". allmusic.com. Retrieved December 6, 2015.
  8. ^ "Spotlight Singles" (PDF). Billboard. March 18, 1967. p. 10. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
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