For many of us, though, it's like arguing Star Trek vs. Star Wars - while similarities and overlaps abound, they're separate things, comparing Science Fiction and Space Opera.
In truth, there's #1 spots for both.
When it comes to The Monkees and The Beatles, the boys themselves didn't seem to be bothered by the perceptions and expectations of others. Whether it's The Monkees checking out the latest release from The Beatles...
...boys from the bands hanging out together...
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| Micky & Paul hanging out at the time of the Sgt. Pepper sessions. |
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| That's Paul's dear Martha, folks. |
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| Cynthia Lennon, Phyllis Nesmith, Mike Nesmith, and Ringo Star. (Francoise Hardy in back) |
Oh, hey! Let's not forget working together, even. Here are Mike Nesmith and John Lennon from the legendary A Day In The Life recording session - Monkee on Beatle action! (Sorry, Snell)
And remember that Peter Tork played guitar on George Harrison's solo album , Wonderwall...
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| George Harrison tries to convince Ringo Starr to let Mickey Dolenz use his drum kit while Peter Tork checks out his guitar. (It doesn't weep) |
Heck, by the time all was said and done, The Monkees were even signed with Beatles' manager Brian Epstein -
John Lennon considered The Monkees to be “the funniest comedy team since the Marx brothers,” and George Harrison contemplated “When they get it all sorted out, they might turn out to be the best.”
The music is littered with references, no surprise. Whether Mickey commenting "I was going to buy a raccoon, but John's already got one" on Gonna Buy Me A Dog or referring to the "Four Kings Of EMI" on Randy Scouse Git, or Paul singing "Hey, Hey! We're The Monkees!" in his Back In The US concert film.
Of course, The Monkees tv show was inspired by the Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night. And it all comes full circle...
...and so it went...
(Sorry, Davy - I couldn't find my pics of your recording session)
A Hard Day's Knight from The Monkees Annual #3 (UK) (1969)
