"Coming From The Ground" vs "Bird Has Flown" (1967)

[cameron]

"Coming From The Ground" (CFTG) and "Bird Has Flown" (BHF) were two 'Hollies LTD' productions in 1967, the former by the Swedish group the Lee Kings, and the latter by an unknown Scottish group called The Soicietie. It's long been rumoured that the Hollies played on BHF, but it's only got a solo Allan Clarke producer credit. And you can definitely hear his vocals on the chorus. 

However, I actually believe that the track the Hollies moonlighted was CFTG. Allan and Graham co-wrote and co-produced the song. They also appear in the photos in the studio on the original picture sleeve, showing them recording acoustic guitar and adding vocals. 

But to me, there's something more. Those drum fills linking the chorus to the verse are textbook Bobby Elliott. Listening to other Lee Kings records, their drummer is nowhere near as enthusiastic or even as rhythmic. Also that rather crudely overdubbed guitar solo is very much in Tony Hicks' style - lots of use of scales, lots of pull offs to help cram the notes in. Very reminiscent of his solo in "Frightened Lady" a few years later. It even features a little bit of Tony's Vox fuzz-box, which he famously bought in early 1967 and hoped to be the first guitarist to use on record. Even the bass has the very heavy laboured sound that Bernie was known for.

In contrast, BHF is too jarring and not slick enough to be the Hollies. I know there's some reversed drums on it, but the bass wanders out of time in parts. 

I'm convinced of the two songs, CFTG is the one actually featuring the Hollies, not BHF, which is commonly suggested. 

Has anyone else heard anything to back this up? Have the Hollies themselves ever elaborated on this? Does anyone have any more info on the recording sessions for either of the tracks? 

Make your own mind up... 

[moorlock2003]

Re: BHF. It sure sounds like Clarke on the lead vocal to me. I have the US pressing.

[distantlight]

Thanks for bringing this up - hadn't heard "Bird Has Flown" before I think. Even the lead vocals sound a lot like Allan and yes - it is definitely him joining on the chorus while the lead singer gave his best Clarke-impersonation. Musically it doesn't sound like the Hollies played on it - good song, though.

I always liked "Coming From The Ground" and the Lee Kings in general - some really cool stuff. Could be the Hollies on the recording - drums, bass and the lead guitar sound a good bit like them although more sloppy - especially the solo. It has some very Tony Hicks-like parts in it but I'm not sure if it's not too sloppy for him. So I can't really add anything substantial to it but I would also say if they play on one of the tracks it's definitely "Coming From The Ground".