They're just not similar enough for the Monkees cover to be a "knock-off". I mean, they're similar only in that both feature head shots of the band members. The Monkees cover lacks the artsy nature of "Rubber Soul", and the poses are different. I just don't see similarities beyond the absolute basic!
i thought the Monkees' first album cover was modeled more after the Please Please Me album. More of the Monkees is the one that I thought seemed inspired by Rubber Soul. Headquarters looks a bit like Beatles VI Both Pisces... and the Birds, Bees... seem slightly reminiscent of Revolver to me. (a stretch, I know) Head = White Album
Interesting catch! My gut says that the similarities are unintentional, as the Gaga release was just kinda thrown out there without much effort. I'm surprised it's even an official release. It looks like a semi-bootleg, one of those "here's a big artist before they became famous!" things like Madonna's "Pre-Madonna". But it's apparently legit, and it might intentionally hearken back to the MP cover. Or it might just be someone who mucked with cheap software for 10 seconds and that's the best they could do!
I've always figured is was a tribute without being too obvious about it, e.g., "Spring Session G" It may well be a coincidence---Spring Session M just popped into my mind when I first saw the Cherrytree Sessions cover. I was a huge Missing Persons fan back in the day though, so I'm biased. The Cherrytree Sessions (Lady Gaga EP) - Wikipedia
I am kind of surprised that I have missed the comparison of Midnight Blue and Blue before after having listened to each for years and liking both very much.
What a bunch of tossers! It's done with no humour, no charm and incredible smugness. They look pathetic too. The Fall did a far better self deprecating take off of the Elvis cover.