Search - The Bee Gees :: Tales from the Brothers Gibb

An Outstanding Collection of Hits & Rarities!

Tiggah | Calgary, Alberta Canada | 11/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With a selection of songs from virtually every album from 1967 to 1990, this fairly comprehensive four-CD set (with a total playing time of 4 1/2 hours) contains all the highlights in the careers (both collectively and individually) of the brothers Gibb. However, in addition to their many familiar singles, it is the inclusion of ten rare B-sides and three equally-as-rare singles, none of which had previously been included on any official (or officially-released) album, that transport this CD from being merely an outstanding "Best of" collection to being truly a collector's item.Most notable of the rarities are the two country-flavoured singles ("Railroad" and "I'll Kiss Your Memory") released by Maurice and Barry respectively in 1970 during the temporary break-up of the Bee Gees. Also of special interest are the inclusion of two gentle ballads ("Elisa" and "King and Country") from 1973's unreleased studio album, A Kick in the Head is worth Eight in the Pants.This gorgeous set is presented within the covers of a 6" x 10" 32-page book. The introduction is exceptionally well-written and informative, there are a number of stunningly beautiful studio portraits of the brothers, and each song includes a brief comment by one of the brothers. The source for each song is also included (ie. the album from which it came or the single for which it was a B-side).Not only has this collection been beautifully packaged, it has been exceptionally well arranged. The material, which is presented in chronological order, culminates in a live medley of songs from 1989's One for All tour. The closing song is a performance of their very first number one hit, "Spicks and Specks"--a 1966 Australian release. Stylistically, this closing medley of early melodies beautifully encapsulates what is substantively a spectacular collection of songs from one of the most phenomenal musical groups of our time. This is truly a must-have CD to be treasured by every Bee Gees fan. Extremely highly recommended!"

Up and down with the Bee Gees

Catpeople | Aguascalientes, Mexico | 11/06/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Bee Gees are the one of longest running acts in pop music (only the Rolling Stones have a longer career, and many will make an argument out of this). This box is the ultimate summary of their musical history. With this compilation there is no need, for starters, to look into their extensive record collection to approach their music. And for the old fans who lost the vinyl records, they can rest assured that the very best of their work can be found in this box. What can be found also, is that the Bee Gees are more, MUCH more than disco music (only CD three deals with the disco era). One can discover, for example, echoes of Dylan in some of the older songs ("Jumbo"), hear their attempts at hard rock ("On time"), marvel at politically motivated anthems ("I've got to get a message to you") or rediscover the classic perfectionism of "Holiday", not to mention the beatlesque beauty of "Lonely Days". As can be seen throughout this collection, the Bee Gees reinvented themselves many times; they are actually great musicians and excellent song writers. The collection testifies the entire creative process. They went from soft rhythmic ballads to psychedelic tunes; from nearly symphonic rock to disco music, and after reaching their lowest point in the eighties, come back to the public sight with yet another hit ("You win again"). Unfortunately, this compilation didn't come out in time to include the Still Waters album, which once again catapulted them into the pop mainstream.Having dominated so many musical styles, it's not surprising how so many people acknowledged, explicitly or tacitly, the Bee Gees' influence on their music, from George Michael to Barenaked Ladies to Madonna, and even the hard-rock band Kiss, who used the guitar riff of "On time" in one of their songs. As of lately, even rap musicians have begun to dwell on the Bee Gees' case of treasures. There are some pieces missing in this biography, mainly the Australian years and, alas, one or two later gems, such as "Paper Maché" and "Give your best". Otherwise I would give it 5 stars. But there are also a few surprises, like an extended version of "Wouldn't I be someone" and the surprisingly good songs from the never issued "A kick in the head..." album.The Bee Gees - as many other bands - made quite a few mistakes in their career. Many fingers still pointing at them are from people who got tired of dancing their hits on the disco floors. If there was a time when no one wanted to hear of the Bee Gees again, it's time to bring them back to the place they justly deserve: one of the highest in the history of contemporary music. Gustavo Vazquez Lozano"

One Song Too Short!

Martin A Hogan | San Francisco, CA. (Hercules) | 10/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is nothing more to say about this classic compilation than, "Good Job, Mates!" The collection is nearly completely exhaustive. It does mark some interesting historical moments. On the cassette box set, the listener is treated to three Barry Gibb songs from his "Hawks" album, not included on the CD set. True to the CD cover notes, nearly all singles, B-sides and rare songs are included. But, and this is a big one; "Living Eyes" is the only single in the trios history to be neglected. This single marked a noticably change in their music style, not to mention being a beautiful ballad. What happened? Bill Levenson of Polydor had included it in the set for quite a while until the Brothers changed the songlist at the last minute. Although the fourth disc contains some wonderful 'live' recordings, wouldn't it be nice to fill the 'more than adequate' space with some more of the Gibbs' solo singles? "Shine Shine", "Boys Do Fall In Love", "Fine Line", "Like A Fool" and "Childhood Days" all could have made this last disc 100% more interesting. So I guess one will just have to sit back and appreciate the rest of this great gift the Bee Gees gave the World."