Disco de Bee Gees: “Best Of The Bee Gees, Vol. 1”

Released in 1969 when the three brothers were in the midst of a breakup, this collection represents not just the singles, but the very best they had to offer from four albums. While most of the songs are culled from "Bee Gees 1st" ("NY Mining Diaster 1941", "Holiday" and the much copied "To Love Somebody"), the rest are singles hits. There is the obvious omission of "Jumbo", a strange break in style for the group and the inclusion of their first international single "Spicks & Specks". When released as a CD, "Spick & Specks" was replaced by the overlooked ballad "Tomorrow, Tomorrow". So many artists have copied these songs it reaches into the hundreds and there is an urgency present that will make you nod your head in delight when you realize the incredible foresight that manager Robert Stigwood possessed. In the CD transition, Polydor had remastered "Spicks & Specks" into stereo, but held it back. With so many songs to be chosen, it's a wonder that most albums of that period were limited to twelve songs or why this CD was limited as well. Regardless, it reflects a fresh, crisp blooming of genius that few knew at the time would reach so far.

The Bee Gees's hits from SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER are now considered oldies, but a decade before that movie and album, they were producing some of the finest pop of the sixties. THE BEST OF THE BEE GEES, Vol. 1 collects their finest singles from that period. I actually like SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, but to me the true BEST of the Bee Gees will be these incredible singles.

There are two reasons that this album stands out. The first is their extraordinary harmony singing. Like so many other brothers' singing acts (the Shoes, the Louvin Brothers, and, of course, the Everly Brothers), their voices just blend together better than most others' voices.

The second reason for their success are the excellent songs. All of the songs are at least decent, and several are masterpieces. "Holiday," "Words," "To Love Somebody," and "Massachusetts" are classics that have been recorded over and over by various recording artists over the years.

I am not sure that all fans of the later music of the Bee Gees will love this album, but I know that all fans of sixties pop will adore it.

It is probably accurate to say that those of us old enough to remember the original incarnation of the Australian supergroup "The Bee Gees" recall their singular vocal and harmonic sound and the string of smash hits they had in quick succession in the 1960s. Most of those original hits are included in this compilation of their early work, from an ethereal "Holiday" to a plaintive "Got To Get A Message To You". Indeed, they had a rapid succession of monster hits along the lines of favorites like "Words", "I Started A Joke", and "First Of May".

Really, then, until one listens to the CDS, it is easy to forget just how many times they rolled songs up to the top of the charts in that brief three or four year period. Of the twelve hits included here, my own personal favorite is, of course, "Massachusetts", but I also like "To Love Somebody", "New York Mining Disaster", and the strange but memorable "Every Christian Lion-Hearted Man Will Show You". Indeed, the Bee Gees (for Brothers Gibbs) cut a wide and special swath through the history of sixties pop music, and this album showcases their talent and their memorable lineup of hits. I can heartily recommend this CD. Enjoy!

Best of the Bee Gees Vol.1,their 1969 compilation is a great introductory piece to the greatest family musical outfit the world has ever known. The twelve tracks represented here are a great example of the brothers excellent songwriting talent,imstrumental ability and versatility.

This first compilation is proof that the Bee Gees are a talented English trio(they were actually born in Manchester England.They only emmigrated to Austrailia). It also proves that they are not a disco group(I've always hated it when anyone mentions "DISCO" in reference to them. I still do).

As for the songs,their first American top forty hit is on here(New York Mining Disaster 1941-which for you trivia buffs was actually about a mining disaster in Wales where many young children were crushed to death).It's B-side is also featured(I Can't See Nobody). It's follow up(To Love Somebody-which later became a hit for Michael Bolton and Jimmy Somerville and would also be recorded by Janis Joplin),as well as beautiful balladry(Holiday and it's B-side Every Christian Lion Hearted Man Will Show You and Words). Their first introspective single(I Started a Joke).Their first stateside top ten(I've Gotta Get A Message To You-which was probably Dylan influenced),and a few reflective songs(Massachusetts,First of May,World,and Tomorrow,Tomorrow).Each of these songs the brothers wrote,recorded and also co-produced with their then manager and mentor Robert Stigwood(who actually worked alongside Brian Epstein,the Beatles manager,for a while)and long time friend Ossie Byrne shows the extraordinary talent and timeless virtuosity of the brothers.

The only disapointment is that Polygram edited out Spicks and Specks and replaced it with Tomorrow,Tomorrow. "WHY?" They should've left Spicks and Specks(which was their first Austrailian #1) on here alongside Tomorrow,Tomorrow.Plus,they should've added other great songs(i.e.Marley Purt Drive and Jumbo).It would've made this compilation more complete.It would've also merited an extra star if they(Polygram)did.Despite this unfortunate editing,it is still a great introductory piece to their music and a compilation to own.

If you want to discover the extraordinary talent,versatility and exquite songwriting of the Bee Gees,this is a good place to start.Don't listen to detractors(who keep giving them the "INSANE" disco tag time after time).This is also a CD for the true fan who truly appreciates the true artistry the Bee Gees are universally known for.If you don't have it, by all means get it. No fans CD library is complete without it.Enjoy!

To my mind and memory, this "Best of The Bee Gees" is exactly that - simply the best. It represented their best up to the year it had been first issued and it remains the best even up until now and will undoubtedly remain "the best" for all time to come.

"Massachusettes" makes this album an absolute must have. But my all time favorite track on this album, and of the entire Bee Gees' musical catalogue was and is and remains "The First of May" -- there has never been a better more nostalgic and reverie of life provoking song ever been written or performed by The Bee Gees nor by any other pop/rock group.

If you can get only one Bee Gees album/cd - make it this collection. You won't regret it ever. "When we were small . . . and Christmas trees were tall . . . now we are tall . . .and Christmas trees are small . . .and you don't ask the time of day . . and guess who'll cry come First of May?" -- Thanks Barry, Robin, and Maurice for this song . . . and for all the rest.