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**Falstaff13** · Jul 29, '16, 11:00 AM

Another good episode. I got into the Monkees when they had the 20th Anniversary tour and aired the shows on MTV & Nickelodeon.

I liked how they would use actors like Lon Chaney (and make references to Of Mice and Men) or Stan Freberg. I also remember one episode with a never-explained (except that it fit the zaniness of the episode) cameo by Burgess Meredith as the Penguin. He only ever said "wah" and had no lines, but he was watching the action in a night club.

**TrekStar** · Jul 29, '16, 2:38 PM

The Monkees mobile was replaced by Fonzie's car? first thing, I thought the Fonze had a bike?
and anyone with an ounce of intelligence can see just by looking at the box pic, it's a darn Monkees car
should have changed to a hot rod 1950's look to more accommodate Happy Days.

**MIB41** · Jul 29, '16, 4:01 PM

Excellent episode. I have always loved the Monkees and just recently saw them. In fact they played the day of Muhammad Ali's funeral here in Louisville, so getting to the Louisville Palace (which is downtown) was an interesting challenge. Actually that night Peter Tork threw open his jacket to reveal an Ali shirt, so it was very cool. In terms of the Monkees and how some have called them the "Pre-Fab Four" I'm completely clear on my feelings about all that. I think the Monkees' origin is far more fascinating and ambitious than a standard rock band. The biggest difference with the Monkees in terms of their commercial appeal is that the branding was considered during the formation of the show, which allowed them to already have a selling point early on. But all successful bands have to do that. Once labels determine the risk of investment for a group, they bring in industry and marketing specialists to create an image to sell to the public. And for the Monkees that show was their brand, which is why it keeps picking up new generations. But the fact is the Monkees sang and/or played on every album since that first release. The fact that they broke the intended mold considered at the start only, in my eyes, legitimizes them more, because it's a perfect example of a group standing up against the establishment. In this case, the establishment was the hand feeding them and they proved they were not only good, but in most cases better than the cookie cutter format being pushed on them. It was a ballsy move and I think that really speaks to each new generation of kids. They see the band struggling to be recognized and that turned out to be art imitating real life as they went out and proved they were every bit as good as what many thought they were.

In my book they EASILY belong in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Their influence and lasting appeal through the decades is amazing to see. And let's be honest here... If KISS can be inducted for the makeup, outfits, and show which were mostly developed by entertainment professionals in the industry, how are the Monkees any less valid, simply because someone created a show for television as opposed to a concert? What is the difference? The Monkees are incredibly talented artists and if you get an opportunity to see them, you should go. I was BLOWN AWAY by their show. And let me tell you something. These guys play a long show. Where these days many vintage bands only play an hour or maybe 90 minutes, the Monkees play well over two hours of music and even give you a intermission. So when you go the Monkees your there for a while and it's a great time. And to Jason, let me tell you, there were people there holding up the finger puppets, party hats and all sorts of memorabilia. And with Davy sadly gone now, the band plays the video to Day Dream Believer and lets the crowd sing along. But let me say, these guys are entertainers. Mickey especially is just amazing. He plays lead vocalist, drummer, and even pulls out the big drums for the song, "Randy Scouse Git" complete with 60's attire and performs that tune like it's still '67. Amazing energy and talent. And keep in mind...these guys are in their 70's. Here's that song as they are performing on tour this year.

**MRP** · Jul 31, '16, 12:33 AM

Great to have you back-though I just discovered the podcast during your hiatus, I did listen to all 40 some odd previous episodes in the last month or so and was anticipating a new one.

I remember first seeing the Monkees on WLVI Channel 56 out of Boston that was carried by our cable carrier the first time we got cable in the early 80s, so I was in 6th or 7th grade at the time. It used to play at lunchtime or early afternoon on weekdays, so I usually only saw it during summer or school vacations, but it was grouped with shows like the Banana Splits and The Courtship of Eddie's Father. As Brian mentioned about Saturday mornings though, the Monkees usually indicated it was "go outside and play time" when they came on, so I only saw episodes on rainy summer days or when I was home sick from school. I liked the stuff I saw and grooved to some of the songs, but I was never the biggest Monkees fan. I do remember watching my way through most of them when they hit MTV much later, and gaining a greater appreciation for them then though.

But loved the episode despite not being the biggest Monkees fan and gained some new insight and appreciation because of it. Loved hearing the rundown of Jason at SDCC, and have seen commercials for the first season of Hellavator on GSN (I am a sucker for old Match Game reruns early in the morning and a few other classic (and new gameshows), especially Family Feud (I even had the home version of Feud as a boardgame in the 70s and it was one of the few I could get family to play).

Glad things are looking up/returning to normal for y'all, and bring on the minisodes!
-M

**Earth 2 Chris** · Jul 31, '16, 7:29 AM

Great episode! Like many kids of the 70s, the Monkees was a staple on local TV reruns. They were also my first favorite band, and I was the perfect age when MTV began airing the reruns again after they vanished from local syndication several years before. I really got into them, buying the "That Was Then, This is Now" Greatest Hits album (still have it) and taping every TV appearance they were on to promote their tour.

Mike has always been my favorite as well, and since I'm a huge fan of artists who blur the lines between country and rock from Johnny Cash to the Eagles, I guess that makes total sense.

I've been on a Monkees kick lately, listening to many of the original albums on Amazon Prime, and introducing my daughter to the series on You Tube. Last time I checked, the entire series was out there, with the original Kellog's end credits, where cereal boxes are placed around the band's headshots!

Tom, I wish I had seen them while they were in the area. I need to take these opportunities when they present themselves. Unfortunately these fellas are now senior citizens, and they may not be with us much longer. If they come back around, I'm going to have to go for it.

Chris

**jacoblb** · Aug 3, '16, 10:36 PM

This was another cool episode. And for anyone that isn't a hardcore Monkees fan I think there's a lot said before the topic unfolds to listen, educate, and enjoy so listen in.
I haven't bought the figures from FTC, but I'd like too. I like some of the their songs and have seen episodes here and there, but I wasn't a fan I suppose. I'm trying to get my wife to listen to the PS podcast. She was a big Monkees fan and owned CDs of the band, but ever since she got involved with me she hasn't listened to them or country music for that matter. I converted her with the GSI podcast a long time ago, but so far with school not quite in session...our children take away personal free time. I think this episode would be an outstanding jumping on point.

**palitoy** · Aug 4, '16, 8:53 AM

Thanks for all the wonderful feedback guys, I sometimes worry about shows like this.

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Pod Stallions 45 : The Monkees

Pod Stallions 45 : The Monkees

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