The Studio Albums 1967-1968

Product Description

The breakthrough albums of the Bee Gees have not yet received the lavish attention the reissue age can offer; now, Bee Gees' 1st (1967; #7), Horizontal (1968; #12) and Idea (1968; #17) are all here in remastered stereo and mono plus a whole disc each of rare and unissued tracks pulled for the first time from the band vaults! These are orchestral-rock masterpieces, with harmonies soaring throughout their big hits I Started a Joke; I've Gotta Get a Message to You; New York Mining Disaster 1941; To Love Somebody; Holiday; Massachusetts; Words , and Jumbo plus alternate versions of Harry Braff; Turn of the Century; I Close My Eyes; Swan Song; Idea; Kitty Can six discs of Gibb-brothers pop genius!

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As any diehard Bee Gees fan knows--and really, who else is going to splurge for this lavish reissue of the group's first three internationally released albums?--the brothers Gibb had a long and relatively prosperous career as singer-songwriters before 1975's Main Course exposed them as blue-eyed, falsetto-singing soulmen with Saturday Night Fever dancefloor aspirations. This sumptuous six-disc box kicks off an extensive reissue program of the band's previously neglected back catalog in commanding fashion. In addition to the original tunes in both stereo and mono, a treasure trove of rarities is unearthed on the second CD devoted to each album. The Bee Gees' often innovative use of orchestration, introduced on Bee Gees 1st's opening "Turn of the Century" and "Holiday," continues through 1968's Horizontal and Idea. The remastering of the nearly 40-year-old tapes is astonishing; every chime, tambourine slap, violin pluck, and, especially, vocal harmony is distinct, uncovering the astounding beauty and detail of this meticulously constructed pop. Special note should be taken of brother Maurice's innovative McCartneyesque bass lines--most prominent in "I've Gotta Get a Message to You". Most impressive is the quality of the abundant alternate takes, B-sides, Christmas songs, non-album singles (such as the exquisite "Words"), and even soft drink commercials that have been painstakingly researched and dusted off. Add rare photos along with detailed liner notes that include interviews with Barry and Robin for a definitive representation of the Bee Gees' early days. To paraphrase an old New York Times slogan, you may not listen to it all, but it's nice to know it's all there. --Hal Horowitz