SPEED and The Monkees: A Conspiracy
Theory
You're probably asking yourself, "What
does an all-girl Japanese pop group have to do with an all-male band
from the sixties?" Well, not a whole lot, but SPEED and The
Monkees do have quite a bit in common. Spooky things.
Similarities so similar that one can't help but deem it all a conspiracy.
Whether you're a fan of SPEED, The Monkees, both or neither,
you have the right to know that these two drastically different pop groups
are much too similar for me to be comfortable. My only insight to
a possible conspiracy is this: pop music history repeats itself in the
most subtle ways. I don't know who is behind this conspiracy or why, all I know is it creeps me out. These creepy likenesses transcend
distance, language, time, gender, and my own sanity.
So pull up a chair, sit back, and indulge in my madness.
What is SPEED?
SPEED is an all-girl Japanese pop
group from Okinawa. Their reign in the world of J-Pop lasted from
1996 until their breakup in March of 2000. All four members are
maintaining solo careers right now, but J-Pop hasn't been the same since
their departure as a unit.
Who are SPEED?
Hiroko Shimabukuro
Eriko
Imai
Takako
Uehara
Hitoe
Arakaki
SPEED's music was not anything spectacular,
but it was very catchy pop music. Most critics wrote them
off as a teen fad without much talent or staying power. Actually,
the singing was top notch considering SPEED formed when the girls
were ages eleven through fourteen. Part of their popularity
was their dancing abilities as well. They are definitely one
of my favorite all-time groups.
Who are the...wait
a minute, are those The Monkees??!
The Monkees were a popular group/band
from the 1960's. They are notoriously known as the first boy
band. What is notable about them was their television show The
Monkees, which was the first show to combine situation comedy
with the music industry. The show lasted for only two seasons,
but remains legendary. The band still goes on tour now, but I
can't think of any good reason why anyone should go see them.
Who are The Monkees?
Davy Jones
Micky Dolenz
Peter Tork
Mike Nesmith
Even though they scored a number of
chart topping singles, The Monkees will always be ridiculed for not playing
their own instruments. People conveniently forget that on most of
their albums they did. Nonetheless, everything in pop eventually falls
from grace, and only the bad things are remembered. The Monkees are
definitely my favorite vice. They're the closest thing to a drug addiction
I will ever have. I love the boys, but that doesn't stop me from making
endless fun of them.
That's fine
and good, but so what?
Sure,
SPEED and The Monkees are both pop quartets that never got much respect
from musical elitists. And sure, they're both cute teen idol
groups. So what? They have nothing to do with each
other! Right?
Wrong! The Monkees and SPEED are so alike that
I had to go and make a page about it. Because these groups are
so different from each other, I find their similarities unsettling.
However, if you know about one group and not the other, you get to
learn something new today! Hoorah! Enjoy, and please realize,
this is all speculation....or is it?
