One of my colleagues asked me today, "Beatles or Elvis?"

This was a complete non sequitur considering I work in a television newsroom, but it's just the type of pop culture question I love. I told him without hesitation, "The Beatles," and I further commented that "I'm not much of an Elvis person."

Doesn't mean I don't like Elvis or appreciate his work, slim or fat. It just means that in general, I'm not buying the guy's CDs or memorabilia or even really ever listening to him except on accident.

However, my colleague then asked, "Beatles or Led Zeppelin?"

To me, this was a much more palatable selection. I really, really respect Led Zeppelin, and their music is more sophisticated than Elvis' ever was, which means I was faced with the choice between The Beatles' pop brilliance or Zeppelin's avant garde originality.

Slight edge to The Beatles on that one. However, I should note that I am no Beatles worshipper. Like them, even come close to loving some of their music, but I don't think they're the greatest thing since sliced bread, although I would acknowledge they are the greatest band of all time.

No doubt. The hits, the respect, the longevity, the collection. As a band, they're unmatchable.

However, for me, how do they stack up against other classic rock and pop greats?

Now, I can't rightly compare apples and oranges here. For example, I would much rather listen to a new John Mayer disc than an old Beatles album, but I'm not silly enough to say I'd pick Mayer over The Beatles. To me, that is a non-sensical comparison.

But what if I visited a random Web site and used its collection of 2,500-plus classic rock songs to put a little Web meme together.

It's The Beatles game. I'll pit The Beatles against the artist in the list on that Web site, and I'll pick my preference straight up. If I had to spend the rest of my days listening to one act, which would it be -- that is how I base this.

Feel free to comment and let me know how you'd pick, unless you're a Beatles fanatic, which would take some of the fun out of it.

Beatles vs. John Lennon (solo) - give me John Lennon

Beatles vs. Gin Blossoms - can't stand Gin Blossoms

Beatles vs. Elvis Costello - Elvis Costello by a mile

Beatles vs. Nelson - are you crazy?

Beatles vs. Rod Stewart - man, if Rod hadn't done so much crap to accompany the greatness, I might have picked him, but I have to go with The Beatles.

Beatles vs. Van Halen - only a slight, slight edge to The Beatles

Beatles vs. Dan Fogelberg - I revere Dan Fogelberg. This is no contest.

Beatles vs. The Kinks - Beatles, buddy

Beatles vs. Smashing Pumpkins - can't stand the Pumpkins

Beatles vs. Paul McCartney & Wings - I was a child of the 70s. Give me Wings.

Beatles vs. Prince - slight edge to Prince

Beatles vs. Rolling Stones - slight edge to Beatles

Beatles vs. King Crimson - Beatles

Beatles vs. Chicago - Chicago, although only slightly

Beatles vs. Jefferson Airplane - Beatles

Beatles vs. Humble Pie - Beatles

Beatles vs. X - Beatles

Beatles vs. The Who - The Who is brilliance.

Beatles vs. Paul Simon - Give me Edie Brickell's husband.

Beatles vs. David Bowie - Bowie, Ziggy, etc.

Beatles vs. Billy Joel - old Joel, you bet

Beatles vs. Yes - Beatles

Beatles vs. Moody Blues - Beatles

Beatles vs. Elton John - tie. I tire of both pretty easily.

Beatles vs. James Taylor - JT all the way

Beatles vs. Loggins/Messina - Beatles

Beatles vs. Kenny Loggins - Kenny Loggins

Beatles vs. John Mellencamp - I'll take Johnny Cougar

Beatles vs. Leon Russell - slight edge to The Beatles although I worship some of the work Russell has done.

Beatles vs. Pink Floyd - can't stand Floyd

Beatles vs. Judas Priest - I do have a thing for Priest, but I'll give a slight edge to The Beatles

Beatles vs. Carole King - Carole King

Beatles vs. Ambrosia - I dig Ambrosia but will pick The Beatles

Beatles vs. Steely Dan - no contest. Give me Becker and Fagen

Beatles vs. Linda Ronstadt - Linda is my wife. Young Linda. On roller skates.

Beatles vs. Carly Simon - Sorry, give me Carly. Told you. I am a child of the 70s.

Beatles vs. Queen - Mercury, May and Co.

Beatles vs. The Cars - Beatles

Beatles vs. Bob Seger - Give me Detroit's finest singin' a little "Turn The Page" or "Night Moves"

Beatles vs. Tom Petty - Not to be too Petty, but I strongly prefer the American among these two.

Anyway, just killing time. If you have a Beatles vs. Group you'd like to offer, just comment below. I should probably be clear that I prefer The Beatles to almost any group popular today.

In terms of bands -- active bands -- is there anybody I'd prefer over The 1960's supergroup? I'd take The Beatles over U2. Definitely over Coldplay. But, give me Bon Jovi over The Beatles, and for that matter most of the metal bands of the 80s. I was kind of a strange metalhead, who enjoyed everything from Accept to Zebra.

Have a great weekend.