SIMON DUPREE AND THE BIG SOUND - Kites REACTION - First time hearing

[@karencrookshank4971]

I love this song. Part of my childhood. Made me quite emotional actually ❤

[@brucster99b2]

A bit surprised some of the other commenters haven't heard, or don't remember, this. They were a one-hit-wonder band really, and not their usual style, as they were more a blue-eyed soul outfit. They also released the psych single gem, "We Are The Moles", as The Moles for some unknown reason about a year after this.

[@rogereveratt2018]

It's the very discreet use of the mellotron that anchors this so firmly to the late sixties - its dreamy, slightly eerie tone was used a lot by psychedelically-minded groups such as the Moody Blues and King Crimson. One of the best ever one-hit wonders too. A beautifully constructed pop song.

[@marygriffiths2950]

First time hearing this song and I am a child of the 60's.

[@John_Chu]

The 3 Shulman brothers who were the core of this British group (from Portsmouth) later re-formed as the progressive rock group Gentle Giant. That's a catalog worth looking into. Fun fact: Elton John auditioned for Gentle Giant but the Shulman brothers didn't think he passed muster. I think it turned out well for both parties. Thanks Paul and Harri.

[@mikemicrael5749]

Elton John was a member of Simon Dupree and the Big Sound for a few months before the band evolved into Gentle Giant. He changed his name from Reg Dwight and continued his solo career. I always wanted to ask Elton if he regrets leaving the band before they became Gentle Giant. 😀

[@John_Chu]

@@mikemicrael5749 Derek Shulman: "He played "Your Song" and "Skyline Pigeon." And that was right when Bernie arrived in the living room of his house. We didn't say it, but we thought, "This isn't really where we want to go," and thank God for him! He said, "I'm changing my name to Elton John," and we said, "Well, that won't work."

[@mikemicrael5749]

@@John_Chu Thanks John. I never saw that quote. Sounds like Derek (who as an A&R exec discovered Bon Jovi, among others). Good thing history turned out as it did. Elton has a fantastic catalog, and there would be no Gentle Giant without Kerry Minnear, an unheralded genius. Harri, please be the first reactor to listen to Elton's "Ticking," which has his best piano playing and wonderful storytelling from Bernie Taupin. Also, "Talybont" from Gentle Giant is their must fun song and is fairly short for a Gentle Giant song.

[@pauldover1403]

John Chu is so irritating. Mention an obscure band and not only has he heard of them, he's probably seen them as well. I haven't found one yet that he doesn't know although I haven't tried him yet with Spriguns of Tolgus but he probably knows all about them too. He's ably abetted by too by Mike Micrael. You're lucky to have followers like them who know what they're talking about, Harri. It makes up for me, who only pretend. BTW, is there any man who likes the song who hasn't dreamed of flying a snow white kite with "I love you" written on it to show his love for his wife or loved one to the world?

[@DonGill-cu5mo]

So beautiful.

[@dandean2345]

I found this on The Nuggets album, the US and UK collections are superb

[@brianparker663]

Bought this when it came out. As others mention, the band morphed in Gentle Giant and I'd love to hear your reaction to that amazing outfit. Check out "Free Hand" for starters!

[@stevegibbons8941]

Go with the flow, does it make sense ? Absolutely : )

[@pauldover1403]

To my mind this was a wonderful example of romantic psychedelia. They started out as a soul band doing cover versions but when they signed for Parlaphone and their first singles failed to chart, they were made to record a version of "Kites." The song was written by Hackaday and Pockriss, teo American songwriters whose work was mainly for musicals (although Pockriss had written "Catch a Fallin' Star" and "Itsy Bitsy Teeny-Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini"). The first version was by the Rooftop Singers and features vocal harmonies, xylophone and trumpet and frankly is a much worse version. I don't know who arranged this for SDatBS but quite honestly, they were a genius and to my the song is a triumph with the Oriental feel, the mellotron and guitar and the Chinese part which was added to the end of the song. The song got to number 8 in the British charts. The follow up single is also very likeable but only got to 43 in the charts. Several people have given translations of what the Chinese lady said, but Peter O'Flaherty said, "I was the bass player with Simon Dupree in the sixties. Her correct name is Jacqui Chan. I would very be interested how these translations were acquired as I don't know myself what Jacqui is saying. (she didn't either ..!)" Strangely to me, the Shulman Brothers hated the song and Derek Shulman (Simon Dupree) said that it was shit (his word, not mine) but then, they were a famously grumpy family and also said that the rest of the band were rubbish and they could play all the instruments better themselves. One for Harri, they recorded in Abbey Road at the same time as the Beatles and used to use the Beatles instruments (without permission) in their recordings. If you get the chance, buy the compilation "Part of My Past" which contains 55 of their tracks (including the Moles) and is a great listen. On to Gentle Giant!

[@Cynthia...]

Not familiar with this but it's very nice. Thanks Paul and Harri.

[@roybramley688]

Under-rated song. 💚

[@Able-Man]

Well, it's entirely brand new, to me; and I lived THROUGH the 1960's... But, I'm sure that there's plenty I have never heard. ... NOT, "my new favorite song"!

[@reallymysterious4520]

Very early on in the song I almost got some very faint early Pink Floyd vibes