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/Stereo. Each album is suited with an additional album of outtakes, alternate versions and unreleased material.
The first album contains all three versions of the Bee Gees first hit, “New York Mining Disaster 1941”. There are several album cuts, alternate versions and some new material such as the sixties rocking ‘Gilbert Green” and “Mr. Wallor’s Wailing Wall” with Robin going at it with warbling intensity via a vaudeville style. 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 vocals while “I’ve Got To Learn” brings out the rock and roll the Bee Gees so deftly handled.
“Horizontals” supplement disc contains the rare “Barker Of The UFO” and other B-Sides such as “Sir Geoffrey Save The World” and "Sinking Ships”. “Out Of Line” and “Ring My Bell” are true curiosities in their originality and “Deeply, Deeply Me” has a Middle-Eastern flavor with Robin showing his vocal prowess. “Mrs. Gillespie’s Refrigerator” is a true rocker with commercial hints. 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”. Following in the Christmas foot-steps of novelty songs, the Bee Gees give us two versions of “Coke commercials” released in their sixties heyday. “Chocolate Symphony” and “Bridges Crossing Rivers” prove the Bee Gees were an original band with more than clever hooks and lyrics.
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. Obviously, there is still a wealth of material unreleased, but this should satisfy the public as to what also happened with the Bee Gees writing and signing in the late sixties. It’s a true gift of music.
This set contains extensive notes and several new, never before seen photos. The set is marketed in digi-paks (half cardboard and plastic), which has proven to be less durable than simple jewel cases. This Box Set is much more inclusive than their “Tales” Box Set and “The Record” double-disc.