Mythology (4 CD) [Box set]

Bee Gees | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 15, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 4
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Rhino Records
• ASIN: B002HFP0R4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,431 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #73 in Music > Box Sets

Editorial Reviews

2010 four CD set from the veteran hitmakers. Mythology contains four discs, each spotlighting a different Gibb brother, including one dedicated to Andy. The songs were hand picked by Barry, Robin and Maurice's widow Yvonne (with a helping hand from their children Adam and Samantha), along with Andy's daughter Peta. With a 60 page booklet of personal photographs and liner notes penned by the band themselves, this 81 track decade spanning collection is the ultimate collectors item and contains two previously unreleased Maurice Gibb tracks and one previously unreleased Andy Gibb recording.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Gibb Brothers Family Album, November 17, 2010

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Martin A Hogan "Marty From SF" (San Francisco, CA. (Hercules)) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mythology (4 CD) (Audio CD)

Sure, the stats are there. Barry Gibb has written (16) number one hits. The Bee Gees have the rare claim of occupying the #1 and #2 positions on Billboards Music Charts (behind the Beatles and Elvis Presley). The Bee Gees have had (9) number one hits; six of them in a row (tying with the Beatles and one behind Mariah Carey). And now it's their 50th anniversary. But this box set represents more than just that.

Twenty years ago, the Bee Gees released Tales From Bros Gibb, comprising all their singles and B-Sides on four discs (up to 1990). Now twenty years on, they focus on the songs they take the most pride in. This time, they include brother Andy Gibb, who was heavily rumored to become the fourth Bee Gee in the late 1980's, before his tragic death. This is a musical collection of the most popular family pop/rock group in history.

Each disc is focused on one brother. Barry's disc (like the others) relies strongly on his lead vocals and comprises mostly hits. "Spirits (Having Flown)" begins the set, being one of the arguably best compositions the group has produced and ends with their first notable single, "Spick And Specks" from Australia in 1966. Each song is carefully remastered, a few in mono and the remainder improved in clarity and state of the art stereo. Barry, noted for his strong vocals including falsetto includes a few album cuts and previously unreleased cuts that are a marvel. "Barker Of The UFO" is a bewildering cut, but perhaps reflects the sixties atmosphere of random fun. Mostly, this disc shows Barry`s choices as being some of his finest in composition and production.

Robin's disc also carries several hits, but contains some album cuts and B-Sides that could have been singles, or were for other artists. "Love Me" and his solo's "Juliet" and "Saved by The Bell" are historic masterpieces. The exquisite, "The Longest Night", almost a single and one of his most romantic is haunting. Pull in the ethereal, "Rings Around The Moon" and his version of "Islands In The Stream" and you get a clear idea of what Robin's voice can wield. For a true crowd pleaser, Robin includes the anthemic song, "Odessa" from 1969. A song that has received extensive critical acclaim as a masterpiece of songwriting and singing.

Maurice Gibb never had a lead vocal single, as his expertises were in arrangement instrumentals and harmonizing, the latter being the magical glue that held the brothers harmonies together. From the sixties simple, yet satisfying, "Suddenly" to his post-mortem tribute song, "Man In The Middle", Maurice proves his talents. To emphasize his own style and talent, this collection contains two remarkable previously unreleased songs, "Angel Of Mercy" and "The Bridge" with shared vocals with his daughter Samantha of `Samantha Gibb and the Cartels'. Maurice's solo singles, "Railroad' and "Hold Her In Your Hand" are here in digital delight. It s a shame that the B-Side of "Railroad", the song "I've Come Back" is not here. His songs were lovingly chosen by his wife Yvonne and children Samantha and Adam Gibb.

Although Andy Gibb unfortunately never became the fourth Bee Gee, his songs were chosen by his daughter Peta, who shows a talent for what her father's best songs truly were. All of Andy's singles are here (other than the notorious novelty song, "All I Have To Do Is Dream" with a C-list actress). But Peta cleverly mostly picks out the songs that Andy wrote himself. Most of his first album cuts are included here, pure in their style and innocence. Olivia Newton-John is included as well (a long time family friend) in a duet along with a heart-breaking unreleased song, "Arrow Through The Heart".

On this box set, it truly is a family affair. The accolades are included with the music (which is enough already!), along with a 60-page booklet with rare family photographs from the early sixties to the recent. The Bee Gees history is carefully chronicled with excerpts from many artists. It starts with Barry Gibb under the title "From Our Family" and continues with his heartfelt reminiscing, particularly about Andy. Many many quotations are here, from Robin Gibb to Yvonne, Samantha and Adam Gibb. Peta Gibb also describes in loving terms her feelings about her father's legacy. The accolades don't stop there. Included in this tribute are extensive comments from extraordinary people like David English, Robert Stigwood, George Martin, Cliff Richard, Graham Nash, Elton John, David Foster, Olivia Newton-John, Franki Valli, Brian Wilson, Burt Bacharach, Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers, Dionne Warwick, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake and many many others. There is so much more in this extraordinary box set that begs a look and a listen. Not many artists have achieved so much. Only one family has reached this height. The Bee Gees are forever.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Andy and Maurice CDs are worth the price for hardcore fans..., November 19, 2010

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R. Mayer "Lil King" (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mythology (4 CD) (Audio CD)

The long-delayed "Mythology" boxed set by the Brothers Gibb has finally been released. All big Bee Gees fans will have almost all the material, aside from a few tracks on Maurice's CD and one track on Andy's CD. On the latter, "Arrow Through The Heart" is an absolute gem. It was originally written and recorded by Andy, Barry and Maurice in 1987. The song has a great melody, thoughtful lyrics and a beautiful chorus. Andy's vocals are full of power and he exhibits good range as well. It's a shame he's gone. Ditto for Maurice.

On Maurice's CD, fans will want to check out two previously unreleased tracks, "The Bridge" and "Angel of Mercy". They were recorded around the same time as the Bee Gees recorded "This Is Where I Came In". Both are duets with Maurice's daughter, Samantha. She has a lovely voice, similar to that of Enya. The songs aren't classics, but they are memorable and each features lush instrumentation and thoughtful lyrics. They are certainly worth having.

The Robin and Barry CDs are made up of only previously released material. There is nothing new here, although the sound quality is improved on some songs. The same is true for the other two discs. Some latter day classics like "For Whom The Bell Tolls" and "One" are missing.

The packaging is very clever, made to look like a hardcover book. It has many photographs and essays from Barry, Robin, Maurice's widow and children as well as Andy's daughter. Their sentiments are heartwarming. Also included are short essays praising the Brothers Gibb from a plethora of singers and songwriters and others in the industry.

This set is highly recommended for the hardcore Bee Gees fan, but casual fans would be better served with one of the many greatest hits packages available.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC!, November 15, 2010

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Kim Marie Mcallister "mistiejourney" (Hayward, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mythology (4 CD) (Audio CD)

(First of all, buy the boxed set, don't just download. The pictures and stories are priceless.)

This is NOT your "just another boxed set" collection. The songs are divided into sections for Barry, Robin, Maurice and Andy and the songs are were chosen by Barry, Robin, Yvonne Gibb (Maurice's wife)and Peta Gibb (Andy's daughter).

Many of these are "deep cuts" and there are a few unreleased gems in Maurice's and Andy's sections.

This is a set that the die-hard Bee Gees fan will adore and the casual Bee Gees fan will appreciate.

There are written tributes in the booklet, and Barry, Robin, Yvonne and Peta all contributed to the story. I read these with a lump in my throat, I have to say. Very poignant memories.

50 years of music; the soundtrack to our lives.

What an accomplishment. Happy Anniversary to the Bee Gees...

And thanks.