Spicks and Specks

Spicks and Specks (1966) is the Bee Gees’ second studio album, recorded at St. Clair Studios in Hurstville, Australia. Those familiar with the Bee Gees’ 70s hits may be surprised to hear these earlier tracks, laden with rich harmonies and bittersweet lyrics, backed by delicate, predominantly acoustic instrumentation.

Originally presented as ‘Monday’s Rain,’ the album’s title was ultimately changed to capitalize on the success of single “Spicks and Specks.” Described by Dig: Australian Rock and Pop Music, 1960-85 author David Nichols as “a classic pop song of the once-heard-never-forgotten variety,” the song is instantly recognizable for its upbeat piano riff. “Spicks and Specks” was the first hit for the Bee Gees in Australia, and was cited as “one of the fastest rising records on the charts” by Australian music magazine Go-Set in October of 1966. Yet by that point, the Bee Gees had already decided to uproot and move their career to the U.K. “Spicks and Specks” would also become the title of an Australian music quiz show, which ran from 2005 to 2011, and utilized the melody as its theme song. Other singles include the soulful “Monday’s Rain,” and the bluesy “Born a Man.”