To warrant a second best-of collection is a vindication of the excellence of The Monkees' career, particularly the latter half of the 1960s when their singles were backed up by some great album tracks. Naturally the so-called original manufactured boy-band benefited from their fair share of outside help from some of the most talented songwriters of the day. What cannot be denied, however, is the individualism of the four protagonists' vocals. Mickey Dolenz with his rough-hewn soul ('Steppin' Stone', the self-penned 'Randy Scouse Git'), Mike Nesmith's countrified vocals ('What Am I Doing Hangin' Round') with the Davy Jones' selections concentrated on his less-irritating efforts ('Valleri', 'Someday Man') whilst the underrated Peter Tork writes the rather fine 'For Pete's Sake'. Choice inclusions such as 'Forget That Girl', the initially unreleased 'All Of Your Toys' and a good comeback single ('Come On In') back up the claim that The Monkees were not mere puppets for session men and songwriters-for-hire. Moreover, at a cheap and cheerful price it's hard to quibble at this compilation of some of the late 60's finest pop songs.