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In this video we break down the Monkees' 1967 top-ten hit "Pleasant Valley Sunday," with some background on the group, some musical and lyrical analysis, and a look at the song's broader context.

The Monkees had six top ten hits and sold millions of records, but they were (and still are) mocked relentlessly. But they were too busy singin' to put anybody down. Even so, they weren't above a bit of biting social comment. Let's take a closer look at one of their biggest and best singles: 1967's "Pleasant Valley Sunday," written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. First we'll explore the origins of the Monkees and their rise to stardom, and then we'll dig into the song itself: its signature Mixolydian riff, its key changes, its dual nature as both exemplar and critique of the American dream and the disposable culture of pop. Check out the links below for more information on some of the subjects discussed in this video.

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Introduction
1:42 - Background
4:32 - The Music
5:51 - Personnel
6:30 - The Riff
8:43 - Tool Sunday
9:13 - Modulations
12:22 - The Message
14:34 - Conclusion