Death by vanity.

[troubleagain]

They had some great songs, and yes, it's cool to hear them covered by more recent artists--"I'm a Believer" comes to mind. I've now heard three versions. Theirs, Neil Diamond's (he wrote it, of course) and whoever that modern one is.

[umop ap!sdn]

Smashmouth.

Hmm, I have to wonder then if the Monkees song was an inspiration to Billy Joel.

[Enzo]

The Monkees were swell and all. A lot if not most of their material was written by Boyce and Hart. In fact they themselves brought out an album covering the same songs. I assume trying to cash in on some of the momentum.

COmparing the Monkess to the Beatles is a sin. The Beatles were all musicians, earning a living by it long before fame hit them. John and Paul wrote most of the material themselves. To say they didn't play all the instruments in their recording is silly. They hired side men sure, but those played in addition to the Beatles, not in place of them. Frank Sinatra didn't play all the instruments on his records either. If he wanted violins or french horns, he hired folks to play them, just as the Beatles did.

The Monkees on the other hand were a totally made up group. The only reason they learned to play instruments was so they could go out and perform live. They learned to play AFTER fame. They were cast for the TV show. CAst to LOOK like a rock band. When that show came on the air, the Monkees were not playing the music themselves.


I take nothing from them for that, any more than I fault the cast of Friends for not REALLY being room mates. They produced good entertainment. And if after a while they got to the point of writing their own stuff and trying to make a statement or at least self -expresion, good for them. I like them too.

[troubleagain]

Oh, I agree there's no comparison. But I grew up watching the Monkees shows in the afternoons after school. So they'll always mean more to me than the Beatles. I never really got into the Beatles until I was an adult.

[Dragon Star]

There's nothing worn under the kilt, it's all in perfect working order. :D

Do you know why Scottish wear Kilts?

The zipper scares the sheep...

[troubleagain]

Tha'ts sooooo bad.

[Dragon Star]

:P

[Blue Monster 65]

In keeping with that theme ...

What's the difference between a Scotsman and Mick Jagger?

Mick Jagger sings, "Hey - you - get offa my cloud"

A Scotsman sings, "Hey - McCloud - get offa my ewe!"

Woof! - Scott

[Dragon Star]

Donald McPherson, a very tight man, was looking for a nice girl to marry. McLeod, Donald's best friend got a phone call from Donald. "McLeod!" Donald said, "I finally found the girl I want to marry! Sandy who runs the pub down the street". "Great" said McLeod, "But why her?" "Well, I went for a drink, we got to talking and she told me her birthday was February 29th!" "What the hell does that matter, Donald?" asked McLeod. "Simple" said Donald, "I only have to buy her a birthday present every four years!"

[Squee]

Bahaha.
I am sooo glad I am not one of those people.
I'd only be.... 4.5 years old.

[Enzo]

Yeah, but you could retire on your 16th birthday.

Of course you couldn't buy a drink.

[KLA2]

COmparing the Monkess to the Beatles is a sin. The Beatles were all musicians, earning a living by it long before fame hit them. John and Paul wrote most of the material themselves. To say they didn't play all the instruments in their recording is silly.

Easy, Big Fella. Anyone can be compared to anyone ... but not necessarily called equal! :wink:

With the Beatles, I was thinking particularly of the orchestral additions Phil Spector made to their later albums. I am sure you have heard the "unplugged" version. In my opinion, much superior. The Beatles were amazing musicians, writers and composers. Less enjoyable when others messed with their composition.

[Enzo]

OK, but wanting to maintain the difference between musicians and poseurs.

[KLA2]

Agreed. To clarify my position:

-The Monkees were entertainers, and pretty good ones. Plus four swell guys who tried to do their best in an awkward situation, not really of their making.
-The Beatles were musicians, writers, composers AND entertainers of outstanding ability.
-Talented musicians and song writers contributed to the Monkees success. Their contributions should not be overshadowed by the Monkees fall from grace.

:)

{Edited to Agree.}

[Arneb]

Will both of you now please sign this accord in triplicate and deposit one copy with the site administrator. :wink:

[Heid the Ba]

I can notarise it if required. :D