Micky Dolenz has just released his cover of R.E.M track ‘Shiny Happy People’.
The song was initially released by R.E.M in 1991, remaining one of their best known hits. It also featured on the band’s ‘Out Of Time’ album, which reached top spot in the UK and US, selling 18 million copies.
The album also scooped up 3 Grammy Awards a year later, including the accolade for Best Alternative Rock Album.
‘Shiny Happy People’ even peaked at number 2 in the Irish Charts following its release.
“a solid recording always begins with solid material” – Dolenz Insists
Micky Dolenz, drummer and vocalist for The Monkees, has released his cover of the classic R.E.M track.
It features on the EP ‘Dolenz Sings R.E.M’, an upcoming Monkees tribute album, which arrives on November 3.
“Once again, this EP reaffirms my long-held conviction that a solid recording always begins with solid material”, Dolenz said in an accompanying statement.
“You don’t get much more solid than R.E.M. What a joy to sing these classics and honour a team of outstanding writers”.
The music video for Dolenz’s cover also includes the drummer’s own home movie footage, adding a feeling of nostalgia to the track.
Check it out below.
This track was met with a full seal of approval from R.E.M frontman Michael Stipe, who had this to say about the cover.
“Micky Dolenz covering R.E.M. Monkees style, I have died and gone to heaven. This is really something. ‘Shiny Happy People’ sounds incredible (never thought you or I would hear me say that!!!). Give it a spin. It’s wild. And produced by Christian Nesmith (son of Michael Nesmith). I am finally complete”, Stipe said.
Back in July, Michael Stipe revisited his cover of Sinéad O’Connor’s track ‘The Last Day Of Our Acquaintance’, in tribute to the late singer.
Reacting to her passing, Stipe did say there were “no words”.
More on this story from Nova here.
