Introduction:
“How Many Birds” is a song by the Bee Gees, and it was released in 1966. The song is part of their second studio album, Spicks and Specks. This album was a significant release for the Bee Gees, particularly in Australia, as it marked a key moment in their early career.
The Bee Gees, consisting of brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, began their musical journey in Australia in the late 1950s. Their early work, including the Spicks and Specks album, showcased their raw talent and potential, and laid the foundation for their future international success. The album Spicks and Specks was released in November 1966 by Spin Records in Australia.
Spicks and Specks is primarily a beat album, a genre popular in Australia in the 1960s, and “How Many Birds” fits within this genre. The album also has elements of pop and rock, and it highlights the Bee Gees’ early vocal harmonies and songwriting abilities. Most of the songs on the album were written by Barry Gibb, but Robin and Maurice also contributed to the songwriting. “How Many Birds” itself was written by Barry Gibb.
The album’s title track, “Spicks and Specks,” became a major hit in Australia, which helped boost the album’s popularity. The success of the album in Australia was a crucial step for the Bee Gees, as it helped them gain recognition and establish themselves as a prominent musical act.
“How Many Birds” is a relatively short song, clocking in at under two minutes. It is known for its simple yet effective melody, and Barry Gibb’s vocals. The lyrics of the song are somewhat melancholic and reflective, which was a common theme in some of the Bee Gees’ early songs.
The Spicks and Specks album was produced by Nat Kipner at St. Clair Studios in Hurstville, Sydney. This studio was a small one.
While the Bee Gees would later achieve greater international fame and success with their later disco hits in the 1970s, their early work, including “How Many Birds” and the Spicks and Specks album, is an important part of their musical history. It provides a glimpse into their early sound and demonstrates their development as songwriters and performers. The Spicks and Specks album was a commercial success in Australia, reaching number 3 on the Kent Music Report in 1967.