1966 single by the Bee Gees

"Spicks and Specks" is a song by the Bee Gees, written by Barry Gibb. When the song was released in September 1966, the single reached No. 4 on the Go-Set Australian National Top 40[3] (No. 1 on other Australian charts),[4][5] and when the song was released in other countries in February 1967, it reached No. 28 in Germany, No. 2 in the Netherlands and No. 1 in New Zealand.[2]

Recording

"Spicks and Specks", a ballad built around a strong piano beat, is dated to early July in the memory of Geoff Grant (Geoffrey Streeter), who played the trumpet. Grant recalls working three nights in a row on four songs: "Spicks and Specks", "I Am the World", "All by Myself", and "The Storm". There were no charts, so Barry sang what he wanted live, and Grant copied it. Some other artists whose disks came out in August recall hearing "Spicks and Specks" being worked on or completed, further confirming that early July is the approximate date of the song`s recording.[5]

Release

The single entered the Sydney charts at the end of September and stayed in the top 40 for 19 weeks, peaking at number 3. It appeared on the Go-Set National Top 40 for sixteen weeks, where it reached number 4 early in November.[3]

Personnel

• Barry Gibb – lead and backing vocals
• Maurice Gibb – piano, bass, electric guitar
• Russell Barnsley – drums
• Geoff Grant – trumpet
• Steve Kipner – backing vocal
• Robin Gibb – backing vocal
• Nat Kipner, Ossie Byrne – producers

Charts