I don’t mean the two groups were separated at birth…..just that these two rather good songs have much in common when it comes to guitar riffs.
mp3 : The Monkees – (I’m Not Your) Stepping Stone
mp3 : The Hives – Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones
The former is from 1966 and the latter from 2004. Both really good examples of the two-minute pop song, but if forced to choose between them, I’d go with the older song. Oh and according to wiki, Mickey Dolenz, via his lead vocal, was the only member of The Monkees to actually perform on the track.
THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN 
First recorded by Paul Rever & Raidera, I think. But I like the Monkees version better. I also like a version by Los Angeles-based ska/soul band The Untouchables circa 1986 or so.
+1 on the Untouchables version — good call, Barry!
Love The Monkees