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.