Kites

I'm obsessed with the Lee Pockriss, Hal Hackaday pop standard, "Kites." I think it's one of the corniest songs ever recorded but at the same time one of the most beautiful. It's relatively simple -- two parts really -- but it's soaring chorus makes it special. A number of artists have released versions. Most of them are interesting at the very least. I find inspiration in the subtle nuances given by such singers as Billy MacKenzie and I think Lena Zavaroni even has a lot to bring to the table -- except for her completely daffy video. Hey, at least it's good for a laugh. Here's a sampling of some of the better versions I tracked down on YouTube...starting with the psychedelic, chart-topping "original" from Simon Dupree and The Big Sound. Enjoy.

Tomorrowpeople, Radiohead

Wow. What a weekend. There was certainly no shortage of things to be done and did, not the least of which was the return -- after an eight year absence -- of my rock and roll group, Tomorrowpeople. We had a well-attended and, if I might say so, artistically successful gig at Doublewide on Saturday. It was great to see so many faces. Some of which I hadn't seen in years. My one regret is that I didn't get much of a chance to spend quality time with anybody! The show itself was fun and I think everyone had a good time. Made a little pocket change as well. Turned out to be useful during the Radiohead show the following evening. We scored VIP tickets and box seats dead center, almost stage level, at *gulp - here I go* Superpages.com Amphitheater. Aww...let's just call it Starplex, shall we? The pricey beers and cocktails -- not to mention a general air of douche-baggery emanating from the crowd -- sort of stressed me out but Thom Yorke and co. delivered the goods with a hi-tech presentation and a lot of tunes culled from their most recent release, In Rainbows.

I promise to post the live recording we made of Saturday's show up here and on the Tomorrowpeople Myspace page.