The Monkees' fourth studio album, "Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones, Ltd.," is set for a major reissue on October 2, 2025. The 1967 record will be available in two distinct formats: a limited-edition audiophile vinyl pressing and a comprehensive super deluxe box set containing four CDs and a 7-inch single.
This release provides an in-depth look at a pivotal moment in the band's career, featuring over 100 tracks, many of which have never been released before. Both formats aim to present the album with enhanced audio quality and historical context.
Key Takeaways
- The Monkees' 1967 album "Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones, Ltd." will be reissued on October 2, 2025.
- Two formats are available: a 4CD/1-7" super deluxe box set and a Rhino High Fidelity audiophile vinyl LP.
- The box set includes over 100 tracks, featuring remastered stereo and mono mixes, session outtakes, demos, and previously unreleased material.
- The vinyl is the first edition sourced directly from the original 1967 analog stereo master tapes, limited to 5,000 copies.
- The album was notable for its use of the Moog synthesizer and its early blend of country and rock music.
A Landmark Album Revisited
"Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones, Ltd." was recorded in 1967, a period of significant creative growth for The Monkees. Following their successful effort to gain artistic control for the album Headquarters, the band—Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork—continued to steer their own musical direction.
Sessions for the album began in April 1967, just two weeks after completing Headquarters and while filming the second season of their television show. The resulting record was one of their most musically diverse, combining songs from established writers like Carole King and Gerry Goffin with contributions from emerging artists and their own Michael Nesmith.
Astrological Inspiration
The album's unique title is a direct reference to the astrological signs of the band members. Micky Dolenz is a Pisces, Peter Tork was an Aquarius, and both Davy Jones and Michael Nesmith were Capricorns.
Creative Control and Musical Innovation
The album demonstrated the band's growing confidence and experimental spirit. All four members played instruments and had a direct hand in selecting the songs. The record is recognized for being one of the first in pop music to feature the Moog synthesizer, which appears on the tracks "Daily Nightly" and "Star Collector."
Additionally, the song "What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round," featuring Nesmith on lead vocals, is considered an early example of country-rock fusion. This sound would later be explored by Nesmith in his solo career and by bands such as The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers.
The album's lead single, "Pleasant Valley Sunday," written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, became a major hit. It reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting the stage for the album's success.
The Super Deluxe Box Set
For dedicated fans and music collectors, the super deluxe edition offers an exhaustive exploration of the album. The set is structured across four CDs and includes a bonus 7-inch vinyl single, containing over 100 audio tracks in total.
This expansive collection follows the format of previous deluxe reissues for the band, such as the one for Headquarters in 2022. It is designed to provide a complete picture of the album's creation, from initial demos to final mixes.
What's Inside the Box Set
- CD 1: The original stereo album, remastered, plus a new 2025 stereo remix and bonus tracks.
- CD 2: The original mono album, remastered, along with twelve alternate versions, including previously unreleased mono mixes.
- CD 3 & 4: A deep dive into the recording sessions, featuring backing tracks, demos, TV mixes, and session takes.
- 7-inch Single: Features previously unissued alternative mono mixes of "Love Is Only Sleeping" and "Goin' Down."
- Booklet: A 32-page booklet with new liner notes by music historian Andrew Sandoval, filled with photos and memorabilia.
The entire package has been designed by Steve Stanley with period-appropriate detail, including CD labels that replicate the original Colgems record label design.
High-Fidelity Vinyl Edition
The new vinyl release is part of Rhino's High Fidelity series, which focuses on premium audio quality. This marks the first time a vinyl pressing of "Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones, Ltd." has been created directly from the original 1967 analog stereo master tapes without alterations.
The record was cut by renowned audio engineer Kevin Gray at Cohearant Audio. According to the release notes, this AAA-cut (analog tape to analog lathe) preserves the original sound of the recordings, avoiding the extra reverb and compression that were added to the original 1967 pressings.
Technical and Physical Specifications
The vinyl is a limited edition, with only 5,000 copies being produced. It is pressed on 180-gram black vinyl and housed in a heavyweight jacket. The package also includes a four-page color insert with Andrew Sandoval's new liner notes, which place the album in the context of its time and the band's career trajectory.
This audiophile edition is aimed at listeners who want to experience the album as closely as possible to how it was originally recorded, highlighting the detailed and increasingly psychedelic production of the band's work from this era.
How to Purchase
Both the Rhino High Fidelity LP and the 4CD/1-7" super deluxe box set are scheduled for release on October 2, 2025. They are available for pre-order directly from Rhino.com and Monkees.com.
This reissue campaign offers a comprehensive look at a key album from The Monkees, celebrating its musical innovation and lasting influence on pop and rock music.