Customer Reviews

The Studio Albums 1967-1968

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This first reissue of the Bee Gees classic albums by Rhino Records proves to be a collectors dream. Not only are "Bee Gees 1st", "Horizontal" and "Idea" Remastered, but each album's song is repeated in Mono and Stereo making for unique sound differences. Each album is suited with an additional CD of outtakes, alternate versions and unreleased material.

The first album contains all three versions of the Bee Gees first international hit, "New York Mining Disaster 1941" as well as alternates of key album cuts. There is also plenty of extra material such as the sixties rocking "Gilbert Green" and the vaudeville-like "Mr. Wallor's Wailing Wall" with Robin going at it with warbling intensity. Robin's lead on "One Minute Woman" proves that it must have been a tough choice of which brother's lead vocal to use on the original album. "House of Lords" contains some nice original storybook lyrics while "I've Got To Learn" brings out the rock and roll the Bee Gees can so deftly handle.

"Horizontals" supplement disc contains the rare "Barker Of The UFO" and other B-Sides such as the whimsical "Sir Geoffrey Save The World" and "Sinking Ships". There's the brilliant Beatles-esque "Out Of Line" and the "Kinks" influenced "Ring My Bell". This disc also showcases original curiosities such as the Middle-Eastern themed, "Deeply, Deeply Me" and the psychedelic "Mrs. Gillespie's Refrigerator". The three Christmas songs are rare and unusual additions, especially for a box set such as this.

The "Idea" second disc contains some alternate songs, along with rare B-Sides, such as "The Singer Sang his Song" (originally optioned for an A-Side release) and the rare A-Side, "Jumbo". Barry belts out the blues on "Chocolate Symphony" and "Bridges Crossing Rivers" proves the Bee Gees were an original band with more than clever hooks and lyrics. Maurice's keyboards and mellotron use is consistently ear-opening. Following in the Christmas foot-steps of novelty songs, the Bee Gees give us two versions of "Coke commercials" released in their sixties heyday.

The liner notes are some of the most comprehensive since "The Authorized Biography Of The Bee Gees", containing detailed month by month history of those first two years, original album artwork and rare photos. In addition, every song is listed with writer credits, place of recording and date of recording. Even the albums label name and copyright number is posted. Can you get more detailed?

Considering that this entire set is completely Remastered and there is ample new material along with alternate versions and outtakes, this is a Bee Gees fan dream come true. It is hard to believe that there is still more unreleased material, but this should satisfy the public as to what actually happened with the Bee Gees those first two classic years. It's a true gift of music.

The set is marketed in digi-paks (half cardboard and plastic), which has proven to be arguably less durable than simple jewel case, but that's a minor concern, all things considering. Excellent liner notes by Andrew Sandoval - a veteran of pop music history.

It's been said by many that The Studio Albums 1967-1968 is an argument in favour of the Bee Gees' not just being an overblown disco group from the mid '70s; I wholeheartedly agree. Barry, Robin and Maurice had a long career that encompassed much more than just disco. These three albums are solid proof of that.

Bee Gees' 1st is something of a misnomer, as the lads had recorded two LPs for Australia's Festival Records while they still lived there (1958-1966), recorded while they were quite young--it's just that those two records were *only* released in Australia. Festival was, however, distributed by the European label Polydor and as a result, those records came to the attention of Robert Stigwood when the brothers arrived back home in the UK in January of 1967. For all intents and purposes, then, 1st, while their third album overall, was truly their first to gain international release; they were signed to Atlantic's Atco label here in the States. (I believe the story behind that involves Cream; Stigwood also represented Clapton's new power trio, and offered the Bee Gees to Ahmet Ertegun if he took Cream along with them...or it may have been the other way round. Cream's albums were also released through Polydor in Europe, specifically the Track Records label in the UK.) That said, as an international debut, it's a particularly fine one--highlights being such hits as "New York Mining Disaster 1941" and "To Love Somebody" (which has been covered by many different artists, not the least of which was Janis Joplin on her Kozmic Blues album). It's a pure psychedelic confection, with the harmonies of "Red Chair, Fade Away," the Gregorian chants of "Every Christian Lion-Hearted Man Will Show You," and the imagery of "Cucumber Castle" and "Craise Finton Kirk Royal Academy of Arts" (you've got to love the titles, too). Great bonus tracks, too; it's nice to have the previously unreleased "Gilbert Green," "House of Lords" and "All Around My Clock." We also have the detailed evolution of "New York Mining Disaster 1941," with its first two versions on the bonus disc to compare and contrast with the final version on Disc One.

Horizontal was the Brothers Gibb trying to follow up the first album and falling a tad short--chalk it up to the Sophomore Slump--but not failing utterly. Not even close; Horizontal features the hits "World" and "Massachusetts," yet it's the album tracks in between these which prove most interesting. "Lemons Never Forget" is a droll little poke at the Beatles and their establishment of Apple Corps Limited; "Harry Braff" features a race-car driver as its hero, and is truly a slice of late '60s psychedelic pop that many current alt-rock bands could probably cover quite satisfactorily; "The Earnest of Being George" is a twist on Oscar Wilde (the reference being, of course, "The Importance of Being Earnest," itself a pun if one is familiar with the play). And the bonus tracks include the non-LP singles "World, "Barker of the U.F.O." (which reminded me, oddly enough, of Fairport Convention's "Mr. Lacey"--although not done in the same bluesy style) and "Sir Geoffrey Saved the World" (very English, that), as well as the previously unreleased "Mrs. Gillespie's Refrigerator."

Finally, we have Idea, the third and final release by the original quintet; guitarist Vince Melouney, who had known the brothers in Australia and had come to the UK specifically to try and make it there, would leave after this album. (Colin Peterson stuck around through Odessa, the band's fourth Atco release from 1969, which we hope to see reissued in 2007, but left with Robin later that year amidst group infighting, which saw Peterson file an unsuccessful lawsuit in which he tried to climb ownership of the group name!) This, too, is an eclectic album--a few songs don't sound at all typical of what the Bee Gees had been doing on the previous two LPs, notably the Simon & Garfunkel-influenced "Kitty Can" (believe it or not, I *can* picture Paul and Artie doing that one) and "Such a Shame," the only song to be contributed to the group's canon from Vince Melouney's pen; Vince also sang lead on this song, a one-time-only event as well. The psychedelic title cut shows influences from the Beatles, the Stones and a number of other bands and it really rocks, too. And speaking of the Beatles, "In the Summer of His Years" was the brothers' moving and lovely tribute to their fallen manager, Brian Epstein, who was also Robert Stigwood's business partner and friend. "I've Gotta Get a Message to You," which was one of the hit singles ("I Started a Joke," a study in contradictions, was the other), was included on the U.S. release of Idea but not, as the notes and some of the photos attest, the international releases, and is written from the point of view of a convicted killer on his way to be executed. And some just damn fine psychedelia in the forms of "Indian Gin and Whisky Dry" and "I Have Decided to Join the Airforce." The bonus disc features the singles "Jumbo" and "The Singer Sang His Song" and the unreleased "Chocolate Symphony," "Bridges Crossing Rivers," and two Coke adverts in "Another Cold and Windy Day" and "Sitting in the Meadow."

One might question whether stereo *and* mono mixes were needed on the first disc of each album, but truthfully, they were--you can certainly spot differences in each (I noted a particular difference in the stereo and mono mixes of "Kitty Can"), although I'll admit I'd have been just as happy with just the stereo versions plus the bonus tracks, which would have made rather full single-disc versions of these albums. Still, Reprise has done a commendable job with these albums, and I must say I look forward to further remasters of early Bee Gees albums, especially Odessa, Cucumber Castle (which was just Barry and Maurice) and 2 Years On (on which the brothers reunited and continued in solidarity for the remainder of their career). And not to be forgotten, Trafalgar and To Whom It May Concern, which completed their contractual obligation to Atco and essentially closed out the first third of their career (make what you will of the transitional Life in a Tin Can).

This is just a really impressive boxed set for the Bees Gees first 3 international studio albums. The songs have all received a long overdue remastering in both stereo and mono. Just as great, many alternate takes of the album tracks as well as many rare songs from the era are included. This collection showcases the early potential of this group like never before. I am also very impressed with the packaging. The gate-fold sleeves for each double cd are of very high quality (much better than the Beatles Capitol Re-releases, for example). They include tons of great pictures of the group from that era that I have never seen (and I've seen many). Each of the 3 gate-fold sets contains its own biography insert with details on the recording of the albums and lots more photos. The sets are individually numbered--apparently limited to 10,000 at this time. If you love the Bee Gees early music, you should definitely put this on your Christmas list. I am very impressed with the release, and look forward to what Reprise has in store for future Bee Gees releases. Is Odessa next? Can't wait. Thank you for giving the Bee Gees catalogue the attention it deserves.

When people think of the Bee Gees they think of disco and Saturday Night Fever, which I enjoyed immensly. The Bee Gees were a part of another huge era in rock history along with The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Beach Boys, etc. That era is the Psychedelic 1960s and this six cd box set transports you the listener back to that wild colorful, flower power era. This is a cd box set worth owning, regardles of price. The first three Bee Gees albums (The Bee Gees 1st, Horizontal and Idea) are the story and presented brilliantly in this fine Bee Gees offering. What a trip down psychedelic 1960s lane. Lyrically, vocally and the production of these three albums has been captured beautifully with this box set. The Bee Gees were honing their writing genius during these recording sessions, only to become known the next decade later in the 1970s as one of Britians all time great song writers, regarded with the likes of Lennon and McCartney, Jeff Lynn, Americas(Beach Boys Brian Wilson) etc. The Bee Gees were new and young with vibrant vocals and lyrics, you hear it and capture it perfectly with this cd set. Each album is presented in stereo and mono, a second disc accompanies each album, covering alternate versions of songs, and songs that did not make the original album release. As you listen to each cd in chronological order you could hear how the Bee Gees get their rythm and sound down on each album. They actually become more defined and get stronger harmoniously on each album release. There is a gluttenous of literature describing each original album release with recording dates and explanations about the alternate tracks and the tracks left off the original releases. What more can I say? you ask! The remastering is astonishingly brilliant and captivates ones ears. I swear, I almost think these Bee Gee albums were recorded earlier today. I'm not over dramatizing the remastering on this cd set, you have to hear it to believe it. I still feel this set is a little pricey, but I found a cheaper used mint condition copy for a nice price. I have not stopped listening to this cd set, it's that good. The early Brothers Gibb musicians:
BARRY GIBB: vocal, guitar
ROBIN GIBB: vocals, organ
MAURICE GIBB: vocals, bass, organ, piano, guitar,mellotron, harpsichord (REST IN PEACE)
VINCE MELOUNEY: guitar
COLIN PETERSON: drums
Bee Gees 1st: released 8/67
Horizontal: released 1/68
Idea: released 8/68
My hats off to Reprise for rereleasing these forgotten Bee Gees gems. I cant wait for the next three Bee Gees cd releases especially "Oddessa".The First Three Releases are highly recommended listening for any music fan.......................

I had given up hope that these albums would ever be remastered, the Polydor versions were bare bones striaght reissues. Now the Bee Gees' brilliant late 60s releases get their due. I was pleased from the first song, that bizarre garbled passage in Turn Of The Century has been corrected 39 years on. From there on, it's just one amazing song after another. The remastering is sharp and clear, to my ears the best sounding issues of these albums ever. Very attractive packaging, with the individual albums getting a double gatefold treatment, full of photos and informative liner notes (Andrew Sandoval, you are THE MAN!) and they even thought to add those 2 wonderful Coke commercials at the end of Idea! Pop music fans of all stripes should race to buy this one, a remakable reissue.
Next chapter....1969's Odessa....the anticipation is building!

FINALLY! FINALLY! FINALLY! I first got into The Bee Gees early work in 1996 and began purchasing any used (albeit mint though) vinyl I could find. I also began buying the remastered CDs of The Moody Blues and The Byrds in '97 and '98. I longed for The Bee Gees first albums to be released on CD in remastered form as well....that longing has been plaguing me for almost 10 years! I just so happened to be browsing Rhino Records website a few days ago and couldn't believe what I saw! The Bee Gees: The Studio Albums 1967-1968....IT CAN'T BE....BUT IT IS! The Bee Gees are finally getting the whole "remastered from the original master tapes with added bonus tracks and original artwork" overhaul! I nearly fell out of my chair.

I just recieved my copy in the mail today from Amazon. This is an incredible 5 star package! Each of the first three albums come with a whole second disc of bonus tracks featuring B-sides and unreleased material. The new remastered sound of the albums is amazing, you'll finally hear these old classics opened up like never before. Each album is featured both in stereo and mono, and I must say I'm really liking the mono mixes of these tracks! There is alot more power and cohesion in the mono mixes that gets a little bit lost in the more common stereo mixes. It's always fun to compare. The bonus tracks are a super treat, makes you wonder why such great stuff was left unreleased for so long. The booklets included in each album have tons of photos, and I've never seen a single one of them before. It's funny to see these albums available on Reprise Records seeing as though the U.S. albums were on Atco and U.K. releases were on Polydor back then. Guess it took Reprise to see that the job was done right.

GET THIS FANTASTIC SET AS SOON AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN! There is not one disapointing thing about it...and for those of you who don't like digipaks....GET OVER IT!

It is great to get both the stereo and mono mixes of these 3 great albums. You would think that finally someone working for the record label actually gets it that they went to the trouble to include the long out of print mono mixes of these albums. This leaves me with 1 question. Why in the hell did they give us stereo remixes of the single only and B-side only songs? These stereo remixes I find for the most part to be quite inferior to the original mono mixes on the 45s. I find the stereo remix of Jumbo especially lacking compared to the original, the horn parts are almost non-existant and it completely loses it's catchiness. So, while it is a great collection and worth buying, hold on to those 45s, and if you don't have the original 45s I'd highly recommend seeking them out.

I won't repeat what everyone else has commented on regarding the great song selection, excellent sound quality and beautiful packaging. My complaint with this expansive collection is that I really don't find the mono mixes of the official albums the least bit necessary. I, for one, usually prefer mono mixes to sixties records that pre-date quality stereo technology [I think of The Kinks and The Stones when I think of how superior mono mixes usually are, not to mention anything pre-Beatles]. But the stereo mixes of these records were always good and actually the way these songs were heard when the records first came out. Without the mono mixes, all the bonus tracks could have been included on the same discs as the "official" 14-track records. That would be a 3 CD set [same sound quality, same packaging, same liner notes] for a lot less money! My only complaint.

The sound is amazing, is really great hear all this old material in this excellent quality sound. I can't wait for the next series of box sets, highly recommend it for all Bee Gees fans this is a jewel.

180 Gram vinyl recording quality is the finest quality of vinyl playback one can make. This set deserves at least that and the sound is better than compact disc!

This first reissue of the Bee Gees classic albums by Rhino Records proves to be a collectors dream. Not only are "Bee Gees 1st", "Horizontal" and "Idea" Remastered, each album is suited with an additional vinyl album of outtakes, alternate versions and unreleased material.

The first album contains all versions of the Bee Gees first international hit, "New York Mining Disaster 1941" as well as alternates of key album cuts. There is also plenty of extra material such as the sixties rocking "Gilbert Green" and the vaudeville-like "Mr. Wallor's Wailing Wall" with Robin going at it with warbling intensity. Robin's lead on "One Minute Woman" proves that it must have been a tough choice of which brother's lead vocal to use on the original album. "House of Lords" contains some nice original storybook lyrics while "I've Got To Learn" brings out the rock and roll the Bee Gees can so deftly handle.

"Horizontals" supplement album contains the rare "Barker Of The UFO" and other B-Sides such as the whimsical "Sir Geoffrey Save The World" and "Sinking Ships". There's the brilliant Beatles-esque "Out Of Line" and the "Kinks" influenced "Ring My Bell". This album also showcases original curiosities such as the Middle-Eastern themed, "Deeply, Deeply Me" and the psychedelic "Mrs. Gillespie's Refrigerator". The three Christmas songs are rare and unusual additions, especially for a box set such as this.

The "Idea" second album contains some alternate songs, along with rare B-Sides, such as "The Singer Sang his Song" (originally optioned for an A-Side release) and the rare A-Side, "Jumbo". Barry belts out the blues on "Chocolate Symphony" and "Bridges Crossing Rivers" proves the Bee Gees were an original band with more than clever hooks and lyrics. Maurice's keyboards and mellotron use is consistently ear-opening. Following in the Christmas foot-steps of novelty songs, the Bee Gees give us two versions of "Coke commercials" released in their sixties heyday.

The liner notes are some of the most comprehensive since "The Authorized Biography Of The Bee Gees", containing detailed month by month history of those first two years, original album artwork and rare photos. In addition, every song is listed with writer credits, place of recording and date of recording. Even the albums label name and copyright number is posted. Can you get more detailed?

Considering that this entire set is completely Remastered and there is ample new material along with alternate versions and outtakes, this is a Bee Gees fan dream come true. It is hard to believe that there is still more unreleased material, but this should satisfy the public as to what actually happened with the Bee Gees those first two classic years. It's a true gift of music.

The set is marketed in a large cardboard box with the three albums self contained with booklets.