Customer Reviews

Mythology (4 CD)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

(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.

This is a must have for all Bee Gees Fans and Andy Gibb!!
all I can say is wow!!The songs were all well chosen and even included a few unreleased songs. I really enjoyed the two songs on the disc dedicated to Maurice Gibb "Angel of Mercy " and "The Bridge" In which he shared vocals with daughter Samantha who sings like an Angel.
The 60 page tribute booklet filled with photos of the Gibbs and comments from great artists such as Olivia Newton-John,Elton John,Brian Wilson,Taylor Swift,Kenny Rogers and so many more.
This is THE BEST COLLECTION..from one of THE best singer/song writers of all time.
The Bee Gees are Forever!!

The Bee Gees are awesome and, somehow despite all the pop success and comebacks, underrated. I may get this boxed set one day because it looks like a lot of care went into it. However, it seems I already have pretty much all of it on Tales From the Brothers Gibb and Andy Gibb's Greatest Hits. What I still "need" are solo hits "Shine Shine" (Barry) and "Boys Do Fall in Love" (Robin) plus "Help Me" (Robin and Marcy Levy). I see that Robin's "Juliet", which is excellent even though I can't understand the words, is here but was already included on Love Songs. The solo CDs are selling used at wallet-emptying prices and--is anybody listening out there?--would be welcome reissues. I actually bought the soundtrack to Sgt. Pepper's just to have Robin's solo hit "Oh Darling". I deserve a merit badge for that if I say so myself. Still, there is no way to give this great music less than five stars.

originally i wanted this to be the one stop ultimate Bee Gees box set especially since it includes all of Andy's hits, but after listening to the whole set, i get Barry & Robin's intention with this set.

this is not the updated version of 1990's "Tales" box set but like the liner notes said, it is personal favorites, one disc for each brother, a family album. many big hits are here of course but some giant hits are missing.

Disc 1, head Bee Gee Barry's disc is almost a Greatest Hits, but the giant hits of How Can You Mend a Broken Heart & You Should Be Dancing are missing as well as Lonely Days & Nights on Broadway. i think i could live with the latter 2 being missing, but i really do miss the former 2. i could see where Barry had to make some tough choices & cuts not to just replicate a Greatest Hits, but i'd would have preferred that he'd cut the jarring, drum machine heavy of You Win Again & some other song to fit in the 2 giants. still, of the 4 discs, i find myself playing this one over & over because it's simply enjoyable.

Disc 2, Robin's disc for me is like a trip to the museum. good spots along the way but some of it dull. Robin with his marvelously odd voice was the original lead singer, so the early hits are here. i don't know who in the Bee Gees decided to switch Barry to be the primary lead in the 2nd half of their career, but that was a wise move. one clear example is Robin singing Islands in the Stream. it'd be a better record if Barry sang it. however, i still found this disc interesting.

Disc 3, Maurice, the invisible Bee Gee is a revelation. he is like the Ringo in the group, overshadowed by Barry & Robin. in this disc we finally get to meet & hear him. i find the songs here more enjoyable than the ones on Robin's disc albeit the hits there. Hold Her in Your Hand was one that stood out for me & made me fantasize that had Maurice stayed around, maybe he could have led the brothers to a 3rd chapter, conquering country music. i will probably play this disc second to disc 1.

it's nice to have all of Andy's hits here on disc 4 with all the bigger hits front loaded on the disc. the later sounds although good are not as memorable. yes, he could have, would have been the 4th Bee Gee. his voice is strong.

for the serious Bee Gees fan, this set is great, but for the casual fan, this set misses the the 2 key hits which makes the 4 cd Tales or the 2 cd Ultimate Bee Gees the better purchase for someone wanting a single set.

i like THE BEE GEES since 1974. this set is missing DVD's. it's the 50th anniversary celebration. don't know why ? it's a nicely designed package but it's small in size. should have been 7x10 in size. even the 1990 HISTORY box set was better. i will buy this item in the future. hopefully their will be a revised edition. enjoy****

As a fan of the Bee Gees and Andy Gibb I would like to recommend this effort, but there are several flaws with the selection of songs. It's nice that they wanted to highlight Barry, Robin, Maurice and Andy on each disc, but amazingly this collection doesn't include the singles by Robin and Barry (Boys Do Fall In Love, Shine Shine, etc) that made the Top 40. Plus one of my favorite Bee Gees songs is missing (Fanny (Be Tender)). Nice try Brothers Gibb, but you've missed the Brass Ring.

I love that they included Andy in this compilation set. What a strong family unit they have! The music is timeless, unforgettable, and just plain good listening!! The family photos are priceless as are the words of praise from various artists. This is truly a must-have set for anyone who enjoyed this era and something to pass on to future generations. I have enjoyed it greatly!

It is hard to believe that it has been 50 years since The Bee Gees started making really excellent music together. Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb's harmonies have never lost their luster throughout all this time. That also has shown in them not just as great singer / songwriters for themselves, but also for others including Barbara Streisand, Dionne Warwick, and even their departed brother Andy Gibb whom died of alcoholism and drug abuse at the age of 30. That wasn't the only tragedy the trio had to deal with. With the heat and hurt still on the tragic death of Maurice Gibb back in 2003 from a twisted intestine, the Bee Gees sound had deeply ended in unison. But, it is now that golden anniversary, 50 years since the Gibb brothers have delivered their first major hit. Now, not just The Bee Gees, but their brother Andy Gibb are finally in a boxed set of songs that show why The Bee Gees and Andy Gibb's love shouldb't be thrown away. But is it really worth the money, well yes and no.

Mythology is a 4 disc box set that spans more than just a generation of great songs from The Gibb Brothers dominant sound. The collection includes mostly all of The Bee Gees biggest hits, as well as a well-documented lifeline of Andy Gibb's music from his beginnings, to his saddened final days. The songs have all been remastered brilliantly and include a lot of great classics from The Bee Gees including their biggest hits from their early days like To Love Somebody and I Started A Joke to their power-packed disco days of Saturday Night Fever with Stayin' Alive and How Deep Is Your Love, their landmark of songwriting for others on their works for others including Islands In The Stream which they've wrote for Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton, Closer Than Close, If I Can't Have You and I Just Want To Be Your Everything for Andy Gibb. But what does steal the show on the boxed set is Andy Gibb's memory which includes all of his biggest hits like Shadow Dancing and (Our Love) Don't Throw It Away, as well as his never-before released Arrow Through The Heart which was suppose to be for the makings of a comeback for Andy, yet turned into a hard-hitting farewell. The song not only stands out as a debut well, but in some ways takes out some of the Bee Gees big songs that are sadly overlooked from the album including One from 1989, Nights On Broadway, Still Waters Run Deep and This Is Where I Came In.

All in all, I honestly was surprised that there were so many classics that should've been included for The Bee Gees Mythology box set that should've been here. It honestly isn't a definitive reflection of the Gibb Brothers' classic sound, but a nice sampler to what made Barry, Robin & Maurice so dominant as a poiginant tribute to their great songs. While Mythology isn't a must buy for new Bee Gees fans as is their 2009 The Ultimate Bee Gees greatest hits collection, it still is a great glimpse into some of the best songs ever conducted by one of the best groups that've ever stood the test of time. It is great to hear them again, but there still was a lot that could've been showcased, like what should've been Andy Gibb's final song it just is a arrow through the heart that hits that a few more tales from The Brothers Gibb could've been documented.

Album Cover: B

Songs: B-

Price: C+

Remastered: B+

Overall: B-