Bee Gees - "Bee Gees' 1st" CD Album

Bee Gees – Bee Gees' First

CD Album, Repress 2004 Mono & Stereo, US

Polydor

I remember buying this album, as it was the son of Sgt. Pepper in the summer of 1967. And now listening to it in 2013, it still sounds 1967, which is not a bad thing at all. “Red Chair Fade Away” always reminded me of early Traffic, and that was the sound during that year. Baroque strings, strong melodies, and soulful vocals. Which is the Bee Gees in the nutshell. The beauty of their work is that it sounded effortless in their hands. I never felt they had a strong identity, even in their early years. One would or could admire them, but there is a lack of passion, and maybe because they're so skilled in what they do. Which can't be easy.

The Beatles, at least on this album, is the foundation for their first album. Some of the songs remind me of Revolver period, but what is remarkable to me is their sophistication, especially since this is their first album. This doesn't sound like a first album from a band. And alas it isn't because the Gibb Brothers have been making music their whole lives. But the beauty of their aesthetic is that they are always in tuned to the culture that is out there. Even in the 70's when they got on the disco/RnB thing, it seemed natural, and not a forced move on their part. And that is their genius.

Their first album is a must for anyone who even admires the sound of pysch-pop. And of course “New York Mining Disaster 1941,” “To Love Somebody,” and “Holiday” is on it. Sort of essential you know!