Released - November 1966
#1 for weeks of February 18 and 25, 1967.
We begin the year most noted for the hippie movement with a rather non-hippie song. After The Monkees spent about a month and a half on the top of the charts with "I'm A Believer", it was an underdog group that managed to dethrone them. Unless you grew up in the time period, or you are a rock music
I'll be honest, even my personal knowledge of The Buckinghams is lacking. However, I'm a bit surprised to see these guys labeled as "Sunshine Pop". For me, that genre refers to harmony-rich folk/pop music that ranges from hippie-made, (The Mamas And Papas), to hippie-ish, (The Association). Yet, none of The Buckinghams' biggest hits seem to be firmly grounded in this style. Just because a song uses the word "Love" frequently doesn't mean it's sunshine pop. No, perhaps they were something, a bit more unique...
The Buckinghams were a Chicago based band, who were very influenced by artists such as James Brown and The Beatles. In fact, their first two singles, released earlier in 1966, were cover versions of both artists' older material. So already you have a mixture of blue-eyed soul and beat pop, not a bad combination. However, all of their early singles were flops and their record label made them put out one final song as a way of fulfilling a contractual obligation. That last single? "Kind Of A Drag", which surprisingly hit #1.
I was disappointing to learn that this song was written by an outside writer (Jim Holvay). Also, due to this song being a bit more grounded in 60's pop, it has been subject to a re-recording that totally strips the life away from the original. So make sure you find the original 1966 version, otherwise you're listening experience will be...kind of a drag...
There is a very prominent horn arrangement in "Kind Of A Drag" which predates the sounds of Chicago by a couple of years. The song also has quite an urgent feel to it with some rather complex drum fills and an escalating chord progression in the choruses. Outside of the brass, the organ part is very prominent and acts as a mellower alternative to the brass and drum parts.
However, in my opinion it is the vocal arrangement that shines strongest on "Kind Of A Drag". You wouldn't know it by just hearing the verses, but the choruses of this song feature quite a complex vocal arrangement. The lyrics may not be the strongest, with a few too many "Love You's", but there's so much going on in the vocal department, you'll probably pay it no mind. In particular, I really love how the singers ring out the line "Anyway" in a nice and bright major 3rd chord. Hmm...maybe this song is a bit sunshine poppy after all...
The Buckinghams would have their biggest success in 1967 with several equally good top 10 and 20 hits such as "Don't You Care" and "Hey Baby (They're Playing Our Song)". However, 1968 and onward saw their success flounder, and they split up in 1970. Today, their catalog is classified as "Oldies", yet I honestly think they deserved better. Had they taken on a heavier sound during 1968, they could've been a pioneering soulful rock band with a brass section, thus predating Chicago or Blood, Sweat & Tears. What if, indeed.
Final Verdict - "Kind Of A Drag" may be a bit on the poppier side, and its lyrics aren't the strongest. However, it has a compelling enough vocal and music arrangement to keep you entertained. I personally enjoy listening to it, and I'm sure if you give it a chance, you will too.
Coming Up Next - "Ruby Tuesday" by The Rolling Stones.
Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock, hoping that this new year is not at all a drag -
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