Promotional portrait of popular music and television group the Monkees, dressing in tuxedos and they as they sit in folding chair and look over their shoulders, early 1970s. From left, British musician and actor Davy Jones, and American musician and actors Mickey Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith. The chairs are labeled with the band's guitar-shaped logo and the name of each member.

For fans of The Monkees, December 30th is a big day: It’s the birthday of both Davy Jones and Michael Nesmith!

Critics be damned, The Monkees put out some of the best pop songs of the 60s.  (They certainly had some of the best songwriters at their disposal. Looking at you Neil Diamond!)  So, in honor of Jones and Nesmith, we look at six tracks that we think are essentials in the Monkees catalog and should be cranked loudly today.

 

“Last Train To Clarksville”

“Steppin’ Stone”

 

“Daydream Believer”

“I’m A Believer”

The Monkees- I'm a Believer

I'm a Believer from the Monkees episode 'One Man Shy'

 

“Mary Mary”

“Valleri”

GALLERY: Classic Images of The Monkees

Erica Banas is a rock/classic rock news blogger who's well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights

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