Monday, July 13, 2026

REM’s Michael Stipe on Monkee Micky Dolenz 4 Song EP of New Wave Giant’s Songs: “This is the pinnacle of wow for me!” (Listen)

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Micky Dolenz is a shiny, happy person.

The forever Monkee has made a 4 track EP of REM songs, all approved by the group.

First one out is “Shiny Happy People” (below). The other tracks are excellent choices — “Radio Free Europe,” “Man on the Moon,” and “Leaving New York.” I’ve heard them and they’re terrific!

It’s a great idea. I miss REM and the Monkees. This is a perfect combination!

In a throw-back, definitely old-school, Dolenz will be hosting an in-store at Wuxtry Records in Athens, GA, for the EP’s release on November 3rd.

The store, shown on the EP sleeve it is the spot where the members of R.E.M. first met and decided to form a band.

Fully sanctioned by R.E.M., Michael Stipe of the band tweeted today: “This is the pinnacle of wow for me. I love The Monkees and I love Micky Dolenz.”

R.E.M. has praised The Monkees and wonder why they’re not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I do, too!

PS The band is led by Christian Nesmith. son of late Monkee Mike. Back up vocals from Micky’s sister, Coco Dolenz.

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Roger Friedman
Roger Friedman
Roger Friedman is the founder and editor-in-chief of Showbiz411. He wrote the FOX411 column on FoxNews.com from 1999 to 2009, where he covered Michael Jackson, and previously wrote the "Intelligencer" column at New York magazine in the mid-1990s, where he covered the O.J. Simpson trial. He also edited Fame magazine. His bylines have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the New York Daily News, the New York Post, Vogue, Details, and the Miami Herald. He is a voting member of the Critics Choice Awards (Film and Television branches), and his movie reviews are tracked by Rotten Tomatoes. With D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus, he co-produced the 2002 documentary "Only the Strong Survive," which screened at Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival.

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