So, I was listening to the Greatest Hits by The Monkees and “Pleasant Valley Sunday” came on. I listened more closely to the lyrics than usual as I remember reading that the song was really a criticism of Suburbia and was the opposite of its “pleasant”, happy vibe. Great song, one of their best. When The Monkees started out, they had to play the songs of other song writers at the direction of the producers and studio. When they got their chance, they wrote (and played) some terrific songs. I thought that “Pleasant Valley Sunday” couldn’t be a “Boyce & Hart” composition – so then, which Monkee wrote it? It was quite a surprise to find that it was a Carole King song!

Congratulations to Carole King as a new inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her Tapestry album is a must have in anybody’s collection.

Both versions are below. Enjoy!

The Monkees:

Carole King: