THE MONKEES - THE GIRL I KNEW SOMEWHERE

Released: March 8, 1967

Charts: US: #39 

“The Girl I Knew Somewhere” is a 1967 song by The Monkees, written by Michael Nesmith and originally released as the B-side to “A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You.” It was recorded during a period when the band gained creative control. The track reached #39 on the Billboard Hot 100, while the A-side peaked at #2. It later appeared on reissues of their third album, “Headquarters”. 

After major success with their first two albums, The Monkees grew frustrated with being restricted to vocals while studio musicians handled the instrumentation under music supervisor Don Kirshner. Led by Michael Nesmith, they pushed for creative control, eventually leading to Kirshner’s dismissal. This marked a turning point, as the band gained the freedom to play their own instruments and produce their own music, beginning with the “Headquarters” sessions. Nesmith likened their collaboration to skilled athletes from different sports coming together to try making garage-band music.