Part 2 does sound a bit like early Moody Blues. Every time I hear the lyrics "We Are The Moles" being sung I "hear" them being sung by Ray Thomas of TMB's - it fits Ray's voice. The lyrics references to "moles" I believe are an expression of the frustration the group felt about their lack of success. I think in parts of what we are hearing in the "We Are The Moles" song are fans cheering they added because it was what at this point in their career the group was wishing for but wasn't happening much. This song seems to be a sarcastic comment on the lack of the group's popularity. I'm so glad these guys went on and the music of GG is captured on lp and live performance videos and they are now being discovered and the members are finally receiving the recognition, accolades and greater fan base they deserved all along.
This is so divine and so psychedelic, it's hard to believe some people felt threatened by this music and the 'subculture'. The innocence of it all is endearing. Listen to 'Mole from the Ministry' from the Dukes of Stratosphear (aka XTC) and hear the logical extension of this beautiful record.
You know that this is in fact Simon Dupree and The Big Sound just before the three Shulman brothers and Martin Smith went to launch Gentle Giant with Kerry Minnear and Gary Green.
Simon Dupree and The Big Sound recorded this song and sent it to BBC when they were sick of playing pop music. I think it's great how people thought it was The Beatles, I can totally see that. Syd Barrett from Pink Floyd was actually the one who told the media who the real band was.
Glad Pink Floyd dropped Syd Barrett like a stone(d). He was obviously an asshole. WTF would he have said anything; not his f'ing business... He was probably jealous The Moles were impinging on "his" sound. RIP, Syd ... Floyd went on to be the greatest rock band in their short history, no thanks to you!
In late 1968, they released a single "We Are The Moles (Part 1)/(Part 2)" under the moniker The Moles. Released on the Parlophone label, the single did not give any hint towards the identity of the artists, claiming that both songs were written, performed and produced by The Moles. Rumours began to spread that it was an obscure output by The Beatles, who also were under contract at Parlophone, with Ringo Starr on lead vocals. When interest began to rise concerning the release, Syd Barrett stated that Simon Dupree & The Big Sound were the faces behind The Moles. Confronted with this, the band admitted.[6] Source: Wikipedia
I still have the original record from the 60s,but in poor condition, i was surprised to find this anywhere, so well done to who ever is responsible,also thanks to jcfialho for saying that they were Simon dupree and the Big Sound in the making, i often wondered.
The Moles were actually Simon Dupree and the Big Sound under another name. This song was produced by George Martin. Three brothers Derek, Phil & Ray Shulman were in the band. Later they were better known as the ones who started the band Gentle Giant.
Always reminds me of the bloke down the pub, we all called him "Fudpipe" He would always select this song on the jukebox, then sing "We are the Moles, you won't believe what comes out of our holes", he would then let off the most frightful cheese cutter whilst laughing like a drain
He did indeed! When he announced to the band that he was leaving to pursue a solo career as 'Elton John,' they just laughed, thinking it was a ridiculous name but wished him well. I wonder what happened to the guy..?
There was a mole who lived in a hole, who dug up the local bowling green, which made the club members very mean, so he found pastures new, the local cricket pitch, which wound them up too. Written by Andrew Williams in 2010.
Just treated myself to a copy of this for my 69th birthday. Brilliant record.
Part 2 does sound a bit like early Moody Blues. Every time I hear the lyrics "We Are The Moles" being sung I "hear" them being sung by Ray Thomas of TMB's - it fits Ray's voice.
The lyrics references to "moles" I believe are an expression of the frustration the group felt about their lack of success. I think in parts of what we are hearing in the "We Are The Moles" song are fans cheering they added because it was what at this point in their career the group was wishing for but wasn't happening much. This song seems to be a sarcastic comment on the lack of the group's popularity. I'm so glad these guys went on and the music of GG is captured on lp and live performance videos and they are now being discovered and the members are finally receiving the recognition, accolades and greater fan base they deserved all along.
Very much agreed.
This is so divine and so psychedelic, it's hard to believe some people felt threatened by this music and the 'subculture'. The innocence of it all is endearing. Listen to 'Mole from the Ministry' from the Dukes of Stratosphear (aka XTC) and hear the logical extension of this beautiful record.
Oh man!! I'm glad I'm not the one who loves The Dukes! Spent many a come down from acid listening to it! Purple Ohms were my best friend!😂
You know that this is in fact Simon Dupree and The Big Sound just before the three Shulman brothers and Martin Smith went to launch Gentle Giant with Kerry Minnear and Gary Green.
About a year and a half or so before GG.
First heard this on the cassette comp My Generation on the EMI label. Issued in the seventies and it's always great to hear it
Simon Dupree and The Big Sound recorded this song and sent it to BBC when they were sick of playing pop music. I think it's great how people thought it was The Beatles, I can totally see that. Syd Barrett from Pink Floyd was actually the one who told the media who the real band was.
Interesting that people thought that. This was maybe almost ten years before people thought the Canadian band Klaatu were the Beatles.
@@mikereiss4216 Well if John (or is that Paul?) can be a Walrus, singing "pyschedelic" music, Ringo can be a Mole, singing "underground" music.
Glad Pink Floyd dropped Syd Barrett like a stone(d). He was obviously an asshole. WTF would he have said anything; not his f'ing business... He was probably jealous The Moles were impinging on "his" sound. RIP, Syd ... Floyd went on to be the greatest rock band in their short history, no thanks to you!
Even has “helter skelter” in the lyrics. Cool coincidence, I guess.
In late 1968, they released a single "We Are The Moles (Part 1)/(Part 2)" under the moniker The Moles. Released on the Parlophone label, the single did not give any hint towards the identity of the artists, claiming that both songs were written, performed and produced by The Moles. Rumours began to spread that it was an obscure output by The Beatles, who also were under contract at Parlophone, with Ringo Starr on lead vocals. When interest began to rise concerning the release, Syd Barrett stated that Simon Dupree & The Big Sound were the faces behind The Moles. Confronted with this, the band admitted.[6]
Source: Wikipedia
Yeah I never thought they sounded like The Beatles
annie482000 could have been Tuesdays Children as well. would have loved more conjecture for the sake of history
Oh cool I know of Saturday's Children who had a very Beatley sound but not Tuesday's Children :)
paisleybabee Tuesdays Children UK group from Enfield
Yeah, read that on '' A very irregular head'' biography on Syd, by Rob Chapman
Love it. Nice band picture also.
love the 15 second intro. You can hear the future Gentle Giant connection
I still have the original record from the 60s,but in poor condition, i was surprised to find this anywhere, so well done to who ever is responsible,also thanks to jcfialho for saying that they were Simon dupree and the Big Sound in the making, i often wondered.
Just found a copy of this single in a charity shop this afternoon for 50p ..it's in a pretty ropey condition but it should still play ok
This inspired The Dukes' (XTC's) inspiring "Mole From the Ministry". And Gentle Giant inspired The Wombles' "Wombling Free."
ruclips.net/video/X-fL68DbcQ0/видео.html
The Moles were actually Simon Dupree and the Big Sound under another name. This song was produced by George Martin. Three brothers Derek, Phil & Ray Shulman were in the band. Later they were better known as the ones who started the band Gentle Giant.
I had never heard part 2 before this! I've often wondered if part 1 may have inspired The Dukes Of Stratosphere
Always reminds me of the bloke down the pub, we all called him "Fudpipe" He would always select this song on the jukebox, then sing "We are the Moles, you won't believe what comes out of our holes", he would then let off the most frightful cheese cutter whilst laughing like a drain
Didn't think to ever hear this again!
Picture at 4:40. Shulman brothers with Reg Dwight (Elton John)? I believe Elton played organ for Simon Dupree briefly.
really? that's cool if so!
He did indeed! When he announced to the band that he was leaving to pursue a solo career as 'Elton John,' they just laughed, thinking it was a ridiculous name but wished him well.
I wonder what happened to the guy..?
Rumours at that time pretended Ringo was the singer. It is Syd Barrett who cleared the rumors...G.G. was then playing in the big league.
I remember it being released and the secrecy about the band. Just found now it was Simon Dupree.
It wasn’t Syd- that’s a miscommunication
Freakin' well underground. Ace!
best song ever
Simon Dupree and the Big Moles
Side two sounds very much like the Moody Blues, whose In Search of the Lost Chord album came out in July 1968 - before the Moles.
Derek, Phil & Ray Shulman: This isn't even our final form
I understand why people thought they were the Beatles, this sounds like something out of magical mystery tour haha
Soon to become Gentle Giant !
Geniuses.
A psychedelic classic!
for a brief second I thought of the Moody Blues in part 2
There was a mole who lived in a hole, who dug up the local bowling green, which made the club members very mean, so he found pastures new, the local cricket pitch, which wound them up too. Written by Andrew Williams in 2010.
Who's having a good laugh at the end of Part 2?
this is great ...bro!
This is cool. Love Gentle Giant as well.
yeah the moles!!!!!
yes!
Luv it
first time i hear side 2 as well
Pre Gentle Giant.
A true classic, though a bit harsh on the ears. Are the full lyrics available anywhere?
You can hear Gentle Gian on part 2.
This totally fucking rocks!
This has got to be the hardest song to find on disc, but i found it! This song is rare and so freaking crazy cool its unfreaking believable. Thanks
I have it on a 45 from the 60s
bängeri
Is this the beginnimg of "underground" music? Can't believe people thought this was the Beatles moonlighting
I am the walrus.
The Walrus is Paul
:) Thank you!
Phil Shulman lead vocals and laughing at the end. I don't think he sounds anything like Ringo.
it went all downhill from here :(
It really did not?