SO MUCH FUN!| FIRST TIME HEARING The Monkees - Hey Hey We're The Monkees REACTION

[@robertwalko2904]

“Pleasant Valley Sunday “ is a great pop tune. The Monkees have a big catalog of toe-tappers.

[@jgsrhythm100]

Written by Carole King!

[@RusstheTroubadour]

Written by the legendary Carole King and Gerry Coffin.

[@mottknil1372]

Toe tappers? Are u from the 1920s?

[@pfjk47]

The porpoise song 👍👍👍

[@Chris.Davis.2]

@@mottknil1372 be nice, we have enough ugliness in the world.

[@reesebn38]

Their Tv show was ground breaking at the time and won the Emmy for best sitcom. The group was formed by tv networks, but they hired super talented people. So talented they couldn't be controlled. The 4 guys fought to take control of the band from the producers, and they won. In 1967 The Beatles loved The Monkees and when The Monkees visited England The Beatles held a party for them. They also let The Monkees sit in on recording sessions.

[@gregoryeatroff8608]

If you watch the promotional video for "A Day in the Life" you'll see several members of the Rolling Stones visiting.. and also Mike Nesmith of the Monkees. The Monkees started out as bubblegum pop aimed at tweens, but they expanded into more complex and ambitious forms. Strong jazz influences in "Randy Scouse Git" and "Goin' Down," a lot of country in the stuff Mike Nesmith wrote for them, they explored psychedelia in some of their later albums... They started out as "The Pre-fab Four," a fictional band for a TV show, but they turned into a real band that did live concert tours within the first year. Drummer Mickey Dolenz said it was like Leonard Nimoy turning into a real Vulcan.

[@mrandisg]

@@gregoryeatroff8608 I remember hearing Micky say that in a bunch of interviews, and that is a pretty accurate way to describe how they came to be! Also, If I remember right, on the VH1 Behind the Music episode, right after Micky said that, it cut to Peter saying "That Vulcan line. Micky, give it up already!" 😂

[@reesebn38]

@@gregoryeatroff8608 One of the things I loved about them is they had 3 lead singers. Who ever took the lead the song had a different feel. When Micky sang it had a California feel, when Davey sang it had that british feel, when Mike sang it had a Country feel. I keep telling them to listen to a song lead by Mike. I want them to listen to "You Just May Be The One" [Version One - Session & Master Stereo Take]. Love this song by Mike, but this version is so awesome because the first part is Mike getting the sound of the song down in the studio. It is so cool to hear an artist work his music out.

[@gregoryeatroff8608]

@@reesebn38 Mike's solo work is fantastic too. "Running from the Grand Ennui" is a particular favorite of mine, though it doesn't have the same mass appeal as a lot of the work he did with the Monkees.

[@kenhenderson1762]

@@gregoryeatroff8608 John Lennon said a better comparison for the Monkees was not the Beatles, but the Marx Brothers. Micky always replied "He was right!"

[@DianaJG8]

This was the theme song for their weekly show. 😊 It's also a song EVERYBODY knew!! **YES, the girls would LOVE IT! ❤️

[@sirecoke]

They are my all time favorite band, I listen to them often!!!

[@compostcorner5934]

Absolutely loved the Monkees I'm old enough to remember looking forward to the show on TV in the UK.. Davey Jones was the only English member the rest from the US .. They were all the perfect match of guys 😁👍🎶. Sadly Micky Dolenz is the only one living now😕

[@scottromer8584]

Too bad they didn't play the video which was funny. Used to love that show as a kid.

[@Serai3]

Fun Monkee anecdote: When Mike Nesmith auditioned for the show, the guy interviewing him said, "Okay, show us happy." Mike stared at him. "Now show us angry." Mike just stared again. The guy said, "But they're the same!" Mike answered, "That's your hangup." He got the job. 😆

[@williecoulter1091]

Everyone who enjoys watching music vids should thank Mike (May He R.I.P) as he was the one who came up with it! His Rio vid was the first ever music vid of its kind👏👏👏👏👏

[@larrywakeman4371]

YES!!! LOVE NEZ! @@williecoulter1091

[@paulcallaway71]

I remember watching them on TV, they were a hoot. One of my favorite songs by them is STEPPIN' STONE. A real banger definetly worth a listen!

[@kathyastrom1315]

My favorite song of theirs!

[@Brenda-ho5hw]

One of my favorite shows as a kid!!

[@cynthiableam8926]

Loved Paul Revere and the raiders too. Stepping stone and so many others.

[@MichaelSSmith-hs5pw]

The song Stepping stone was originally done by Paul Revere & the raiders, but I liked the Monkees version too.

[@kazheadrest3626]

Yeah. Steppin Stone.

[@arthurrubiera8029]

There is a interesting back story to this group. They are far more influential than people realize. Michael Nesmith mother invented white out. He inherited the wealth from that and created what was become MTV. They were the first group to have a full video of just music. Every music video we all watch will can thank them for it!!!!

[@straycatttt2766]

Nesmith created a precursor to MTV entitled “Pop Clips.” However, he declined to become involved in the launch of MTV and his inheritance was not invested into MTV.

[@santanamauricio]

the beatles and other groups had videos of just music way before they come on the scene,

[@shanegraham2500]

@@straycatttt2766 Nesmith once owned substantial interest in MTV, VH1, CMT, and Gaylord Entertainment (Grand Ole Opry). He also outlined the plans for streaming services back in the 80's.

[@warrenhughes911]

Wow..no shit .good one...

[@straycatttt2766]

@@shanegraham2500 , I never read of his financial interests in those music companies but I’d be interested in reading a link to that information.

[@joiedevivre2005]

When my son was about 4, he discovered reruns of The Monkees on TVLand. For the next year or so, at random times in public, he would just yell "Hey Hey! We're the Monkees"! It was fun to see how many adults would join in singing the theme song with him.

[@pauld6967]

My mother used to love to tell a similar story about me. The difference being that I was one of the original audience when the episodes first aired. :-) It is still one of my favorite songs and yes, I do occasionally rewatch the episodes all these decades later.

[@carolmartin4413]

Hilarious 😂

[@chipdamutt108]

But did they do the walk with him?

[@squintygirl]

We used to do the walk all the time!!!

[@joiedevivre2005]

@@chipdamutt108 I usually did, but a couple of times, others joined in.

[@torpedoboy4]

I’m a second wave Monkees fan. I was 12 in 1986 when Nickelodeon started re-airing episodes, and I became obsessed! “Daydream Believer” will always be my favorite.

[@bradparnell614]

I'm a 1.5 generation Monkees fan. I was a year old when the show started in prime time on NBC, but in the early 1970s when the first of the GenXers were kids, the Monkees were rerun on Saturday afternoons on both CBS and ABC, making them a show that was on all three networks. I was 20 when MTV played a Monkees marathon that helped reignite their career.

[@alrivers2297]

​@@bradparnell614 same here

[@lynnhettrick7588]

I guess I’m a 1.75 wave Monkees fan? I watched them when MTV did the marathons of The Monkees. I’m a ‘70 Gen Xer.

[@bradparnell614]

Yep. I was born the first year of GenX in 1965 so just like we were too young to watch the original run, you were too young to catch those Saturday reruns in the early 70s. Interestingly I didn't know until I bought the DVDs that they changed the music played in those rerun episodes from the original run. The DVDs have all the info on what changed.

[@TheKyrix82]

That's where I knew them from

[@davidaquarius9089]

You should look at their TV shows. Campy, ridiculous, silly and wonderful! Maybe a bit dated but very, very wholesome. Davy would fall in love... or Peter would pine over a girl...or Micky would find a pirate's map. Always with lots of music! I watched them religiously back then. Thanks for the look back! Love you guys!

[@bobbuethe1477]

My favorite episode was the one where Peter went job hunting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4SzdmaboNGdkKM

[@FUBAR1986]

I’ll take those over today’s garbage any day❤❤❤❤

[@WolfStarbuck]

@@FUBAR1986 Apparently you're watching the wrong things. There's decent programming out there, but with so many channels it can be hard to find - but it does exist. There are some incredibly talented people out there, just as there's always been - but just like panning for gold, you have to go through a lot of mediocrity to find those nuggets.

[@magneto7930]

I never missed an episode when I was a kid. Yes, of course I look back on it now and see that it is silly but we got to listen to music on television, before MTV or KZbin.

[@scottcabler5843]

Thanks for playing this. All I've ever heard is the edited version that played at the beginning of their show.

[@timreed8876]

They were "made for tv", but really talented guys. Mickey Dolenz, the only survining Monkee, has a very under rated voice. One of the best lead singers in early American rock.

[@Wungolioth]

He was also the one amongst them that had the least experience musically, he actually sang lead on an impressive number of their hit songs, and did a fine job learning to play drums.

[@gfaithowens1790]

Mickey was my favorite Monkee. I loved "Stepping Stone"

[@kimmycook2698]

Mickey was my fav...that smile!

[@invisigoth510]

@@AL-jb1mh i forgot he was a child actor too. Davy Jones was a child actor in the UK & was known for musical theater in the US. I think he had just finished a stint on Broadway as The Artful Dodger in Oliver! when he was hired for the Monkees

[@GC-nb5gf]

"Shades of Gray" is so beautiful. You would truly love it. The song and lyrics mean so much to me, even more, now that i am old. You can't go wrong with any of their songs. Love them.

[@JustMe-vk4fn]

The Monkees were a creation of American Marketing. Auditions were done, the group was put together, a 30 minute show was filmed and advertising sales *soared.* It was fun.

[@lisakaz35]

And they had great songwriters.

[@HiramLoki]

@@lisakaz35 Boyce and Hart among others

[@redarmysoja]

@@lisakaz35 And they did not play the instruments on their recordings, that was all Wrecking Crew.

[@redarmysoja]

Yep, they were supposed to be America's answer to The Beatles.

[@RusstheTroubadour]

Sponsors were Kellogg's and Hai Karate aftershave/ cologne.

[@susanmaule9268]

I was 5 or 6 when The Monkees first appeared on our TV and my world became all Monkees. That little girl would never have believed that 30 years later she would be saying goodbye passengers, as an airline pilot, and one of them would be Davy Jones❤ It was amazing😊

[@jussinamortl6832]

The Monkees and the banana splits were both part of my groovy psychedelic childhood! 😊smiles for miles robsquad family ❤

[@nelsonhemstreet3568]

One banana, two banana, three banana, four. Four bananas make a bunch and so do many more. LOL

[@BrenJen86]

Loved Banana Splits!

[@jackbrooks5487]

Growing up in the 1960s and 70s, we had the best Saturday morning TV shows. Music was, of course, a big part of it. Do they even have Saturday morning kids' shows anymore? I used to watch with my daughter, until they got watered down garbage that would put you to sleep in two minutes. The last really good Saturday morning cartoon I remember was Biker Mice From Mars. They always had some great classic rock including CCR.

[@nanner3200]

Still have 2 Banana Splits 45's! And of course a Monkee album or two. Never hear about the banana splits after our generation. Sort of our generation of The Wiggles???

[@reesebn38]

@Sharon Martinez Me too!

[@matthewhildebrandt1901]

I love the Monkees! You've done 4 of their top ten biggest hits. Most of their songs are great, but if you want to round out that Top 10, here are the other 6 you'll want to react to... Pleasant Valley Sunday, (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone, Valleri, Words, She, and A Little Bit Me A Little Bit You. Thanks for reacting to The Monkees. Enjoy!

[@ronbruno5942]

"Words" is a very under-rated as song. I think it did not get its due praise because it was a Monkees song.

[@StevesFunhouse]

I always like Michael Nesmith on What Am I Doing Hanging 'Round and I Wanna Be Free. I also like the Harry Nillson song, Cuddly Toy.

[@REMEMBER1776]

"Take a Giant Step", "Sometime in the Morning", "Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)", "You Just May Be the One", "Shades of Gray", and "What am I Doing Hangin' Round" are all awesome...

[@mtinta2000]

Sometime in the Morning I still sing.

[@terineedham7967]

@@mtinta2000 yep, Sometime in the Morning is probably my favorite song

[@robertschiavone5159]

Reliving my youth..still love this music 🎶

[@brendashearer2497]

This song was the theme song for their television series. They started as a made for tv band, and they fought to have their musical abilities recognized. You also should look into Donny Osmond's (the littlest Osmond) singles. Puppy Love is a good one. Also, he recorded several hits with his sister, Marie Osmond.

[@kajpagan]

You forgot about Jimmy....🙁

[@LiberalsArePoop]

Don't forget The Donny and Marie Show! "I'm a little bit country, he's a little bit rock and roll..."

[@Stacey7742]

I was never a big Donny Osmond fan but I do love Go Away Little Girl.

[@chuckragland9972]

Go away Little girl, is it Donny Osmond song I would recommend.

[@chuckragland9972]

From Marie, of course it's Paper Roses!!

[@danielbenincasa770]

They even took the top spot in the charts at one time , knocking out the Beatles....They toured and packed stadiums

[@kbusby4824]

Pleasant Valley Sunday is a must by The Monkees. If I am not mistaken, Carole King wrote it.

[@randy6081]

R I P Davey Jones, Peter Tork and Micheal Nessmith i watched the tv series over and over again over all the yearsyou have entertained us all, you guys are missed.

[@marybaillie8907]

This was the theme song from their TV show which ran from 1966-1968. It was written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart who wrote 3 songs for the pilot. A back up band was brought in at the beginning to play the instruments. The finger snapping accompanying "Here We Come" was influenced by The Dave Clark song, " Catch Us if You Can". I Wanna Be Free Mary, Mary She Love Is Only Sleeping The later songs had The Monkees singing and playing their own instruments. Great tune. Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 🇨🇦

[@mikenutter9418]

How have we not heard any reaction to the Dave Clark 5.

[@jdw5678]

Not just any back-up band -- the legendary "Wrecking Crew" musicians out of Los Angeles provided backing music for the Monkees. They backed so many other great artists too, including the Beach Boys, the Mamas & Papas, the Fifth Dimension, Simon & Garfunkel, Sonny & Cher, Glen Campbell, and many more. They even backed Frank Sinatra once in a while.

[@bloppysloppy2283]

Yeah, the Monkees songs were written to "ape" (pun intended) current radio hits from that time. I heard "Last Train To Clarksville" on the radio tonight and I noticed how it sounded like a combination of "The Last Time" and "Nineteenth Nervous Breakdown" by the Rolling Stones and "Paperback Writer" by the Beatles.

[@Wungolioth]

All great suggestions, especially She is one of my favorites, I'd also add Papa Gene's Blues Randy Scouse Git

[@patticrichton1135]

@@mikenutter9418 YES!!! I have NOT seen ANY ONE react to the DAVE CLARK 5 at all! They had so many great songs and were another British Invasion group that started with the Beatles. MY favorite member of THE DAVE CLARK 5 was MIKE SMITH, RIP.

[@BRIDINC1972]

Their tv show was played on Irish tv on Saturday morning in the 70s so I grew up watching them. Great fun. Love the songs

[@PatrickExcelsior]

I love the Monkees. I watched the show as a child and still to this day listen to their records. Two of my favorite songs by them are "She" and "(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone"

[@Paldasan]

Love both of those songs. Also a big fan of Last Train to Clarkesville I'm far too young to have ever seen an entire show, much less when it premiered. I've gotta thank my father for the music though.

[@KlippityKlop1]

Me too!

[@JenniferFutch]

“We need more of the Monkees.” That’s some truth right there!

[@jooleepadoolie]

Mike Nesmith wrote a lot of songs for other artists. Different Drum was a hit for Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Poneys. The Monkees set a record in 1967 that still stands, becoming the only act to have four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 in a calendar year.

[@rosemarymagrino772]

Mike Nesmith’s mom invented White-Out!

[@Paimomona]

When I'm down and have the blues the one thing that guarantees me happiness is The Monkees!! It brings back a time of life that was happy and free. It's the most wonderful feeling. I was probably 8 when they came to Tues night TV. Amazing. I saw them live in the 80s. So fun. So sad that only Micky is still with us but their music lives on at my house for sure.

[@KimSimful]

I never missed an episode!

[@HandleTakenlol]

Same

[@jimiewilliams7623]

This was the theme song to the TV show, and all us kids of the late 60s, and the 70s, knew it by heart. Jimi Hendrix opened for them , on their 1967 tour. The Monkees loved Jimi, but the fans and parents didn't understand. He would hump his guitar up against the speakers and freak them right out.

[@mikecunningham6154]

Didn't Jimi play lead guitar on some Monkees songs? I believe he did.

[@jimiewilliams7623]

@@mikecunningham6154 I've got three Hendrix biographies, and not one of them says that Jimi recorded with the Monkees. He liked them, but he wasn't into their scene, and was pretty busy recording and touring during his four year reign as a guitar god. By the way, Neil Diamond wrote just about all of their hits.

[@mikecunningham6154]

@@jimiewilliams7623 just something I thought I heard 45 years ago.

[@jimiewilliams7623]

@@mikecunningham6154 Yeah, there are rumors about Jimi's manager killing him, in a couple of the biographies I've read. Rumors abound.

[@AmericanShia786]

This was the Monkeys theme song 1966. I watched it at age 6. As an adult, I thought the drummer is an excellent lead vocalist (Mickey Dolenz). This song was not a single, but was popular nonetheless. The flip side of I'm a Believer was also a hit: I'm Not Your Stepping Stone. If memory serves, For Pete's Sake, written by the tall guitarist Michael Nesmith, was the psychedelic closing them from season two of the Monkees. I think that deserves a reaction video. Once again, Mickey Dolenz sings lead vocals.

[@christinedorman3383]

@PhilipVoerding I second everything you said except one thing. Peter Tork wrote "For Pete's Sake" (along with Joseph Richards), not Mike Nesmith. BTW, I was 6 in 1966 too. 😄

[@reactormator]

I was only 3 in 1966 but...CAN I PLAY WITH YOU GUYS?!?! I have colored blocks and some Shake-a-Puddin'!

[@davidogg5269]

Not Your Stepping Stone is great.

[@Sweetish_Jeff_]

There is a Monkees song called “For Pete’s Sake” which is from their “Headquarters” album and it’s great. They later used it in the closing credits for the second season of their TV show.

[@gkiferonhs]

The Monkees were formed to be Beatle-like on a TV show, but the people they hired were serious musicians and made good contributions especially to the genre of bubble-gum. Any bubble-gum songs will be suitable and enjoyed by your kids. Really catchy tunes and simple straight-forward lyrics.

[@markallen2984]

Actually, only Peter Tork and Mike Nesmith were musicians. Davy Jones and Mickey Dolenz were actors ( even though they could sing) Dolenz was the star of a TV show called Circus Boy and Jones head been on the London stage in a musical production of Oliver Twist.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

Jones had also been a jockey.

[@davidmarsden9800]

@@markallen2984 Davy Jones had been a jockey and then as an actor he starred in the TV soap series "Coronation Street" still playing today as Ena Sharples's, (a major main character), grandson.

[@bradparnell614]

They weren't just bubble gum either, they started just as psychedelic rock was getting going so they had those kinds of songs too.

[@richruksenas5992]

@@bradparnell614 Yup. Check out "Randy Scouse Git."

[@CleverMonkeyArt]

Did you say, "I really DIG this song"? Groovy, baby!

[@blubeetle3]

I think Amber would love "What Am I Doing Hanging Round?". It's a story song with a little bit of country flair.

[@cherylwaclawczyk9098]

Jeff Novak and written by Michael Martin Murphy of Wildfire fame. 🔥🐴

[@shemanic1]

as a young Brit who had not had T.V. until my Gran got one, "The Monkees" series was a saving grace for me. The music lively & the characters fun. I still spin their single releases on vinyl 45. The other program I watched with awe was "Monkey Magic"

[@StoptheInsanityofRegressivism]

From this same album there were so many great songs. "Gonna Buy Me a Dog" is hilarious! It's the Monkees monkeying around in the studio and it was recorded and released. I don't think they ever got that song recorded without the hilarity and in-sudio goofing. You'll love it and laugh! It will also give you a crystal clear view into why the Monkees were just fun and awesome. They were fun!

[@tigristhelynx7224]

When Micky and Davy were handed "I'm Gonna Buy Me A Dog", they hated the song and thought there was no possible way to sing the song straight without sounding corny. So they decided to be silly with Davy adlibbing throughout. It made the song so much better. They even poked fun at how awful the song was when read outloud during the Monkees episode "I've Got A Little Song Here." lol

[@danbarrasso2253]

Zulus? Lol

[@StoptheInsanityofRegressivism]

@@danbarrasso2253 LOL, no... I usually won. LOL!

[@danbarrasso2253]

@@StoptheInsanityofRegressivism 😂 🐵 🐵 🐵 🐵

[@susanpolice8465]

I just heard that song the other day! How in the world do I know that whole song and can't remember what I ate yesterday? Musical Memory is a Strange and Wonderful thing!

[@paulwagner688]

Next Christmas listen to them singing "Riu Riu Chiu" at the end of their Christmas episode. ONE take. Perfect harmony.

[@carolyncappitelli1460]

Don't wait for Christmas. It's that awesome!!

[@terri2494]

I LOVE that song!

[@xzonia1]

I had no idea that was the Monkees, but love that one!

[@1177kc]

I only discovered that song about ten years ago and it blew me away. Fabulous harmony!

[@cmsilva534]

My favorite song from the Waverly Consort Christmas album. I had no idea the Monkees sang it, and I watched the show! What a great version. Thanks for the rec!

[@johnnymullins4144]

Thr door into summer is a must by The Monkees

[@Proud.American58]

Definitely check out their songs “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone”, “Mary, Mary”, “Look out (Here Comes Tomorrow )”, “She”, “I Wanna Be Free” and “The Kind of Girl I Could Love” #themonkees

[@christinedorman3383]

So much to be said about the Monkees and so many songs to recommend! Here are three songs that reflect the generation's values and the '60s culture. First, "For Pete's Sake." It is the closing theme for the tv show ("Hey, Hey, We're the Monkees" was the opening). This song, co-written by band member Peter Tork, has lines such as "Love is understanding," "We were born to love one another," and "All we need to be is free." Definite Flower Power vibes. Second, one of my favorite Monkees songs: "Door Into Summer." Its lyric focuses on the toxicity of materialism and takes shots at other cultural hot topics. For example, the song's protagonist dies surrounded by "fool's gold...from a killing in the market on the war [Vietnam, of course]." He doesn't die happy, though, despite the money. On his desk are brochures of "maybe-next-year places" which he's traded in "for a name upon the door." Finally, check out "Zor and Zam," a fun story song that doesn't reveal 'til the very end that it's an anti-war song. The Monkees' tv show only lasted 2 seasons, but the music--and the band--have continued to win new fans in successive generations. Sadly, three out of the four members have passed on, but the music and the joy they brought continue.

[@BadHairdayKimmie]

I LOVE THE MONKEES!!! Their show was madcap adventures of the group doing crazy things about town and of course they sang. They did provide the singing and the legendary musicians, later known as the Wrecking Crew, provided the instrumentals as they did for most artists from the 1950's-early 1970's. The Wrecking Crew taught The Monkees how to play their instruments decently enough that they could play in concert. Concerts were easy to not play perfectly because the fans were screaming so loudly that nobody could really hear the music anyway. RIP Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith, and Peter Tork

[@nickface55]

I was 10 years old when the Monkees first appeared. What was funny about that time was that all of the little girls my age were completely in love with them and us boys, well we weren't so blown away, in fact I hated them. Now looking back I feel some very strong nostalgia and even a connection to their music that I never thought possible.

[@richwagener]

You should do “For Pete’s Sake” which in later episodes was the end theme. It’s very 60s piece and love. Co-written by one of the members, Peter Tork.

[@magnificentfailure2390]

"Papa Nez's Blues" and "Randy Scouse Git" are a couple of real rockers they wrote and performed themselves. They actually did a lot their own stuff after the second season of the show.

[@bradparnell614]

They started writing and playing instruments on their records with their third album, Headquarters.

[@hankamania]

"Papa GENE's Blues." Great tune.

[@susanliltz3875]

You’ve heard Davy and Micky sing now you’ve got to react to: Mike 1. You Just May Be The One 2. Papa Gene’s Blues 3. Sweet Young Thing 4. What Am I Doing Hangin Round? 5. You Told Me 6. Good Clean Fun

[@melibabe]

Because the Beatles were known as the “Fab Four,” the Monkees weee dubbed the “Prefab Four” since they were created for the series. But they outgrew that nickname quickly! Very talented individually and together.

[@mokumboi19]

I used to love their sitcom as a kid. The Monkees Greatest Hits was the first album I bought with my own money (from a holiday gift).

[@cherylinman5873]

Osmonds were a family singing group who later had TV shows. The Monkeys and the Partridge Family were actors and some singers who were put together for TV. :)

[@bernardsalvatore1929]

OKAY ROB SQUAD NOW YOU GUYS ARE BRINGING BACK MY CHILDHOOD!!! IF YOU GUYS WANT A REALLY FUN SHOW TO WATCH WITH THE KIDS THEN YOU DEFINITELY HAVE TO LOOK UP EPISODES OF THE MONKEES TV SHOW FROM THE 1960S!!! AS FUN AS THIS VIDEO IS THE SHOW IS JUST AS MUCH FUN IF NOT MORE!!! I WATCHED IT EVERY SATURDAY GROWING UP!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kenpaden]

My thoughts exactly!!

[@promontorium]

Their greatest, most underrated, hardest hitting Monkees song is "Goin' Down" .

[@vicprovost2561]

Whoo-hoo, those guys were a hoot back in the day. They did great vocals and also had plenty of help with their sound with awesome musicians backing them. They always bring a smile to your face, try Daydream Believer for more 60s fun! Enjoy. 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶

[@VicEclectica]

Michael Nesmith, the one with the knit cap, wrote many songs and produced a film short called Elephant Parts, consisting of skits and songs, which won the first Grammy in the Music Video category. It's a lot of fun to see what music videos looked like just as MTV was getting ready to launch.

[@blueBlackpurple]

I knew this was the theme song to their television show, but I did not realize it was a standalone song on its own. This is the first time I heard this full version of this song.

[@kona883]

Fun Fact Steven Stills yes of Crosby Stills and Nash auditioned for the The Monkees! He was a friend of Peter Tork!

[@PlumbPitiful]

Very true! He suggested Peter after they asked him if he someone who looked like him but with better hair and teeth!

[@StarGeezerTim]

This was the intro/outro to the weekly show. Of course, this version you listened to is an extended version to pad it out for radio play, since the show intros back in those days were only about 30-60 seconds. It's rather simple musically, which belied the actual talent in the group and is on display in later songs. We need a "Monkees" type show today, just fun and no drama (unless it too is fun!) Great stuff, folks! Keep it comin'!

[@BobSurunkel]

This was the intro. The outro was "For Pete's Sake" which is also a great song.

[@StarGeezerTim]

@@BobSurunkel I believe you are correct, I wasn't quite as confident on the outro even when I typed it, but then again it's been an age and a half since I last watched a full episode of the show, top to bottom. Thank you for the correction!

[@johnd8892]

A lot of the best Monkees songs were written by Neil Diamond in his early days. Even the minimal credit he got for the songs started getting him noticed at the start of his massive career.

[@BeckyLStoutWriter]

Personally, my favorite Monkees song is "Love Is Only Sleeping". I find it to be quite underrated. Much like The Monkees themselves. 😌

[@garyarnett1220]

Great one Becky.

[@carolyncappitelli1460]

YES! That one, and Shades Of Gray.

[@garyarnett1220]

@@carolyncappitelli1460 Shades was actually stuck in my head a few days ago...had to play it of course.

[@PlumbPitiful]

They played it live for the first time on their final tour in 2021 but by then it was too late. Mike couldn't really sing it anymore so Micky mostly took the lead vocals

[@gogokrista]

Phenomenal song. One of my favorites, too.

[@thomashesson7058]

This song was the intro song for their TV show

[@charlenecross28]

They had A variety show. It was awesome. Always getting into trouble. It was so cute

[@PlumbPitiful]

It was a sitcom, not a variety show. Ironically they did want to make the 3rd season of the series a variety format but the network said no so they got cancelled

[@subwaygoddess1]

I was an adolescent when the Monkees had their TV show. All of us girls were madly in love with them!! My favorite was Peter!

[@paulwalker9421]

Theme song to the series the Monkees ! The Partridge Family was modeled after The Cowsills a real family band.That tours today and had hits like "The Rain The Park And other Things" They were also apart of the musical" Hair".and had other hits . The family had problems and disbanded and later started playing again. ..

[@bradparnell614]

They do play now but there aren't that many of them left that still tour. I think there are only three of the siblings that are still in the act.

[@jwine4145]

This was the theme song to their tv show

[@wompa70]

I’ve never heard this longer version. It’s wonderful!

[@jad4680]

" A LITTLE BIT OF ME A LITTLE BIT OF YOU" is a great song well worth listening to. ; )

[@jamiedianne6778]

This song always puts a smile on my face! 😆 Davy Jones was my first ever childhood crush and The Monkees TV show was just the best as far as I was concerned 😂🥰

[@oldcdog91]

Glad you’re giving The Monkees another try. “Take a Giant Step” is a bop and has a really nice message about getting over heartbreak.

[@KenRoerden]

and written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin who also wrote another of my favorite Monkees songs Sometime In The Morning. They also cowrote Sweet Young Thing with Michael Nesmith.

[@stevenblock9712]

This, of course, was the show's theme song. With all kinds of good writers and production help, they had really good hit records like I'm a Believer (#1), Daydream Believer, Pleasant Valley Sunday, and A Little Bit Me. The show came about because of the success of the Beatles' Hard Days Night.

[@robinhood2524]

Under rated Monkees songs worth checking out, What Am I Doing Hangin'Round or Shades Of Grey.

[@mersmyth5280]

"Listen to the Band"!!! Oh please please, it's my favorite and has a very different rockin' sound from their other songs. Because most of their hits were written for them and for the TV show. But "Listen to the Band" was written by the late Michael Nesmith. It really rocks and it will surprise you! 💙

[@sherigrow6480]

They're the Velveteen Rabbit of 60's rock, so loved by all of us that they became real!

[@LeslieMcHugh]

I heart this comment

[@christinelegate8137]

I think this was the theme to their TV show “ The Monkees” . Even though they were a TV band, they had some great hits.

[@jenniferfoster1692]

Watched them and their tv show as reruns in the early 70s. This was the theme song so it meant you were going to get a hilarious, ridiculous, trippy show. Loved it.

[@daveowens9849]

One interesting side note: Mike Nesmith's mother is the inventor of Liquid Paper. Used that a lot in the Army when I was typing in the Orderly Room. Nesmith is the one wearing the cap. Mike inherited his mother's fortune when she passed. 50 million bucks from Liquid Paper! (We called it white out, but what the heck).

[@Paladin70]

I remember as a very young child watching Mickey Dolenz as a child actor in a tv show called Circus Boy. He played the son of circus performers killed in a circus accident who was then informally adopted by the circus people. Then in later years, I got to know Davy Jones pretty well as he used to fly regularly through an airport where I managed a couple travel stores and he would stop in to buy drinks, snacks and reading materials for his flight and we would always chat a while. I would see him several times a year for several years right up til his passing. Extremely nice man with absolutely no “celebrity ego” who was gracious to everyone who recognized him. RIP

[@martic51]

I loved The Monkees as a kid and still like hearing their music!

[@marshanall2695]

They have so many great songs. Some of my favorites are Sweet Young Thing, Papa Gene’s Blues and Shades of Gray. Become a huge fan as a teenager when Nickelodeon aired reruns in the mid 80’s. Was able to see them in concert twice, it was so much fun.

[@greg2976]

The Monkees have so many hits! Their TV show was hilarious!!!!

[@Musicvegan01]

Mike Nesmith is one of the originators of country rock. After The Monkees broke up, he had another band called Michael Nesmith & The First National Band. Mike is also indirectly responsible for the creation of MTV. Warner Brothers bought his TV program "Pop Clips" and turned it into MTV. Mike was a producer for Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" music video and his mother invented Liquid Paper. Before The Monkees was created Nez released a few singles under the name "Michael Blessing". Micky Dolenz was on a TV show called "Circus Boy" as a child and his father George Dolenz was an actor in old movies. Peter Tork was a folk musician and was recommended to try out for The Monkees by Stephen Stills (CSNY). Davy Jones started out in stage musicals. In their movie called "Head", there's a part where Davy is dancing with Toni Basil, who was later in the dance crew The Lockers who appeared on "Soul Train" in the 1970s. Toni Basil also had the early 1980s hit "Mickey", which Weird Al did as "Ricky". Fred Berry, who was later on the 1970s sitcom "What's Happening!!!" was one of the original Lockers, you can also see Fred briefly in the 1973 concert film "Wattstax" dancing in the audience. The Doobie Brothers appeared on a 2 part episode of "What's Happening!!!". There's some footage of The Beatles recording "A Day In The Life" and The Monkees & Mick Jagger can be seen. The 3 then living Monkees (Davy had already passed) released a new album in 2016 called "Good Times". The only one living now is Micky. Their song "Mary Mary" has been sampled several times. The most known uses are probably "Mary Mary" by Run-DMC & "Way Out" by J.J. Fad. Charlie Smalls, who later wrote the music for "The Wiz" Broadway play & movie was in an episode of the sitcom and Frank Zappa appeared on the show and "Head" too. You recently reacted to Fats Domino, he appeared on their TV special "33 1/3" with Little Richard & Jerry Lee Lewis.

[@laurakali6522]

Pleasant Valley Sunday is a great one to check out.

[@jackmandu]

I grew up watching them on reruns in the 70s. One of my favorites is The Girl That I Knew Somewhere, written by Michael Nesmith.

[@heatherqualy9143]

As others all said, this was a theme song, not a traditional radio song. They have legitimately legitimate songs, too, that aren’t known as well: Saturday’s Child, Papa Gene’s Blues, and Randy Scouse Git are three of my favourites.

[@Shadele1969]

I was lucky enough to see them in concert twice ❤❤❤

[@lt6134]

I remember sitting on my grandpa’s lap to watch every new episode. He would laugh as hard as me.

[@ckobo84]

The best part of the show was always the Fast-Forward part where the bad guys chased them around.

[@joannhunter1034]

I was 10 years old when I started watching The Monkees. Loved them ! Sadly, Micky is the only one left. Its his voice you hear in this song.

[@albertsmith9315]

This was the song used in the opening credits for the show. I remember my brother and I fighting over which show to watch, the Monkeys or Gilligan's Island which played at the same time. There were no VCRs, DVRs or on demand in the '60s, you saw the show or you didn't.

[@shelleybleu4903]

And no repeats of shows for 6 months

[@Doggeslife]

Always good to have that B&W 13" portable in the bedroom for such instances. ;-) I admit though that I was too young and was more hooked on Batman at the time. My older brother at 12 was the big Monkees fan in 1967.

[@garywheeler9855]

A little background for you guys. Mickey Dolenz was a Hollywood vet, having been in a series called Circus Boy earlier in his young career. Peter Tork was really the only “musician” in the group having been a folk singer previously. Mike Nesmith could play guitar a little and had a big personality, and last but certainly not least, Davy Jones, who was known for playing the “artful dodger” in the stage musical version of “Oliver Twist”. He was a little guy with a gigantic personality. I was fortunate enough to meet and talk to him for maybe a minute at Marina Towers ice rink in Chicago.

[@vintage_gal64]

You should do The Door Into Summer! It's my favorite Monkees song sang by the late Micheal Nesmith and an amazing tune!

[@bradparnell614]

That was my late wife's favorite Monkees song. ❤

[@JamesSmith-ti5jc]

Hey, this was, “afternoon TV”, when U got hom from school 😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍

[@annewoodard6803]

Do yourselves a favor, check out the video to this! It’s the theme song to the tv show and by watching it you’ll see why we tuned in every week. The show was silly, but they performed at least one song and for this pre-teen it was everything. 😁❤️

[@Musicvegan01]

If you're interested, Micky Dolenz did an interview on Jimmy Fallon's show last night (Monday - February 27, 2023). The clip has been posted on KZbin on "The Tonight Show" channel.

[@rwschumm]

Glad to hear the Monkees! Everyone in High School liked their music, but in some ways (esp. TV) they were young Teen, I feel. They were Fun & Wholesome. Good clean Tunes! :) Unfortunately, we're now the 'Old' Generation... Ha! :) Fun Reaction Guys

[@Doggeslife]

Sad to think only one is left. :-(

[@walterrutherford8321]

The Monkees were a novelty group, like The Partridge Family and The Archies, created to sing light pop songs. The teacher in elementary school had this on a record, because I remember the class goofball, pretending like he was shooting a machine gun with the rapid drum beat. Their TV show was the same: light safe, silly entertainment. I’d say I wasn’t a fan but I probably know the words to all their popular song.

[@jeffreyweaver9729]

This was the intro song to their TV show. It has a funny video to it and you guys should watch some of their episodes. Please do 'I'm not your Stepping Stone' by them.

[@surlechapeau]

tv show intro kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2ekYaive7yEftU

[@jvsmith7888]

The Monkees were indeed what was called a "Manufactured" band. The 4 members auditioned along with dozens of other musicians and actors and were the lucky ones selected. In spite of this they did indeed become a real band. They were initially guided/controlled by the organization making the TV show, but they eventually asserted themselves and took control of their own careers. The TV show only lasted for 2 years but The Monkees lasted much longer than that. In addition to the TV show, they had a lot of hits and sold millions of records and were a very successful live act (both in their heyday and years later when they reunited for several years of tours). Sadly, only Mickey Dolenz (Drummer, Lead Singer) is still with us.

[@stevenlgreco]

Hard to hear this without watching the opening credits on their TV show.

[@carlaharrington5120]

I'm seeing that classic red dune buggy like car!!

[@WilliamCooper-l6f]

Talking about nostalgia ! This song is an all time classic, was their top ranked song, their band theme song and it was used for the cartoon series that was produced in their likeness.

[@keymack2477]

Enjoy your reactions as always!! You two are YT superstars now, so please please please use your platform to react to Walk Off The Earth doing "Hello" to help expose this extraordinarily creative group to your many followers! The version with Myles and Isaac is best by far, and since Sarah Blackwood is part of the band you can even do it on a Female Friday, and ding the imaginary bell at the same time!

[@olsonbee1]

I never see reactors react to any Walk Off the Earth! Good idea!

[@labyfan1313]

The Monkees are my favourite band since I first caught their tv show when I was 12 in 1998. Saturday's Child, For Pete's Sake, She, Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow), (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone, The Kind of Girl I Could Love, Sweet Young Thing, You Just Might Be the One, She Hangs Out, Pleasant Valley Sunday, A Little Bit Me A Little Bit You, Valleri . . . I could go on.

[@TonyM1961]

I remember them opening their show every Saturday with this song. If you can find the video, you might find it a lot of fun to see the opening credits of their show. (Edit: I found it for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2ekYaive7yEftU ) later, I had the opportunity to meet Mickie Dolenz. Such an incredibly kind and humble man. It really took me by surprise since we hear these stories about snobby celebrities

[@LeslieMcHugh]

Yes, this! Bonus points if you do the Monkee walk while singing the theme song.

[@TonyM1961]

@@LeslieMcHugh indeed... I remember almost everyone trying (along with lots of trips and falls, but laughs too) to do that. It was practically a rite of passage