#Barrel #Monkees #Collecting #Monkees #Albums #WorthPoint
I’ve always loved The Monkees. Their bubblegum pop sound and playful, Marx Brothers-like humor make them endlessly charming. Of course, they’ve carried some baggage—unlike many ‘60s bands, The Monkees were created for television, with producers largely controlling their early music. Still, those early albums crafted by some of the era’s top musical talents remain pop gems. It’s in their later albums where the “Pre-Fab Four” truly shine, showcasing a depth that can stand alongside the work of The Beatles and The Beach Boys.
Today, The Monkees are enjoying a resurgence, but despite the renewed interest, their album prices remain relatively low compared to other ‘60s bands. If you haven’t started already, now is a great time to dive into collecting The Monkees’ albums, especially the (super) deluxe versions.
REISSUES WITH LOVE
The music industry is full of re-releases that promise much but often deliver little. Terms like “deluxe” and “remaster” are thrown around loosely, referring to new mixes that stray far from the artist’s original vision. That’s why I’m usually wary when I see a reissue claiming to be the “definitive” version, especially when the album was first released decades ago.
However, The Monkees’ reissues are what should be considered a gold standard. They feature high-quality analog cuts of the original stereo mixes, beautifully presented in gatefold covers. The higher-end versions even come with booklets full of insightful essays on the music and its era. Most importantly, they include outtakes and alternate versions that are truly worth listening to—some of which, I’d argue, surpass the originals.
Take, for example, the demo version of “Tapioca Tundra,” found only in the super deluxe edition of The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees. While the original is a certified pop oddity, the alternate version—closer to roots rock and filled with raw emotion—captures the melancholic lyrics in a way that surpasses the original. This version even found mainstream appeal when it was featured in the hit AMC series Better Call Saul in 2022, proving that these deep cuts from deluxe reissues can resonate beyond just hardcore fans.
RHINO’S MONKEE BUSINESS
The early Monkees albums were originally released by Colgems Records, a now-defunct label. Their first compilation under the Rhino label came out in 1982, and since their reunion in 1987, Rhino Entertainment has handled all of The Monkees’ music. Known for its high-quality reissues and compilations, Rhino has given The Monkees the royal treatment, even releasing three volumes of Missing Links, a collection of previously unreleased tracks.
In recent years, Rhino has been behind the deluxe and super deluxe reissues of The Monkees’ albums as part of their Handmade series. These sets offer everything collectors expect—premium packaging, exclusive goodies—and top it off with custom box art made from high-quality materials.
A lot of the marketing around these deluxe editions claims they are the definitive versions, and for once, I believe it. Given that The Monkees were originally a TV band, their early albums were rushed to coincide with the show’s schedule. The archival and curation work on these reissues finally gives the music the care and respect it deserves.
MONKEE SEE, MONKEE BUY
Unlike box sets from bands like The Beatles, The Monkees’ deluxe re-releases are relatively affordable, typically retailing around $30-40, depending on the record. However, many of these deluxe versions were limited releases. In the case of the super deluxe editions from Rhino’s Handmade collection, they’re now out of print and no longer available on the official Monkees website. As a result, prices on secondary markets, like eBay, have surged, with some sellers asking as much as $300 for even the standard deluxe versions.
The good news is that you can still find these deluxe editions for much more reasonable prices if you know where to hunt. Small, local record shops often carry them in mint condition, sometimes close to the original retail price. Platforms like Discogs also tend to have more reasonable listings. I’ve even spotted some editions of The Monkees’ first album on Facebook Marketplace for about $80. However, I’d recommend holding off on paying inflated prices unless you’re having trouble finding them elsewhere.
As for the super deluxe versions, you’re definitely getting bang for your buck. Not only are they carefully packaged and often include both CD and vinyl versions, but they also feature outtakes that aren’t available anywhere else—not even on online bootlegs. While these sets are more expensive, they’re still relatively reasonable, considering what they include. The WorthPoint Price Guide is an excellent tool to stay updated on market trends and values, but for reference, a super deluxe version of More of the Monkees sold for $230 in December 2023.
A COMMON ANCESTOR
Ultimately, you may prefer the original prints, and that’s perfectly reasonable. While there are many arguments in favor of the (super) deluxe versions, nothing can truly beat owning a piece of history—not even higher sound quality. With The Monkees nearing their sixtieth anniversary, these original issues will likely continue to increase in value, especially if they remain in mint condition.
It’s also likely that in 2026 (or even next year), we’ll see new collector’s editions. Will they simply be reprints of the existing ones? I doubt it, but whatever The Monkees estate prepares, it will keep fans excited. Hopefully, those future editions will maintain the same high quality as the ones we have now.
David Espino-Lozada is a writer and editor with a passion for literature and poetry. He has published numerous articles and is also involved in writing sci-fi for video games. An avid collector, David has an extensive collection of books, music, and vintage male clothing. When he’s not writing, he enjoys diving into the depths of the internet and libraries, indulging his fascination with the world of collectibles and heirlooms.
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