"Original Monkees' songs were produced very thinly, on purpose"

Peter Tork, a member of the renowned 1960s pop band The Monkees, offers a revealing insight into the production approach that defined a lot of the band's original songs with his quote, "Initial Monkees' songs were produced very thinly, on purpose". This declaration can be unpacked from multiple angles to value its depth and implication in the context of music production and the band's legacy.

To start with, "produced extremely thinly" suggests an intentional option to use a sparse or minimalist production design. In the era when The Monkees were most popular, the musical landscape was abundant with a wide spectrum of production techniques, from the lush, wall-of-sound method popularized by Phil Spector to more stripped-down, raw recordings characteristic of some rock and folk artists. By choosing a thinner production, The Monkees' noise could have been crafted to stand apart within this diverse auditory environment. This option might have highlighted particular aspects such as catchy tunes, vocal harmonization, or distinct important lines, permitting these features to shine without being eclipsed by heavy important or studio effects.

Secondly, the phrase "on function" suggests that this was a conscious choice, likely made by manufacturers in cooperation with the band and directed by the goals of their management and record label. The Monkees were at first developed as a tv band, formed explicitly for a television program instead of originating through natural musical cooperation. Consequently, the production choices might align with the more comprehensive commercial and visual techniques created to attract the program's audience, mainly teenagers and young adults. The very little production style perhaps made the music more available and relatable to this market, enhancing the band's image as friendly and charmingly simple.

On another level, this quote welcomes reflection on how the authenticity and creative innovation of The Monkees were viewed. The Monkees typically faced criticism for being a "manufactured" band, yet the intentionality behind their production suggests a nuanced understanding and purposeful execution of their musical jobs. This technique could indicate a sophisticated, albeit downplayed, artistry, challenging the narrative that The Monkees were simply an item of industrial whimsy.

In conclusion, Peter Tork's observation about the purposeful thin production of The Monkees' original tunes highlights a tactical creative choice that contributed to their distinctive noise and long-lasting appeal, stressing clearness and melodic focus within the context of their cultural function and the period's musical trends.