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Back in the ‘70s when John Travolta evolved from sweathog, Vinnie Barbarino, to the ultra-cool Tony Manero rocking that fine white suit, the most reckless genre of my youth was born. Ahh…disco. I fondly remember reading the book Saturday Night Fever while listening to the movie’s soundtrack (on vinyl) with headphones on in the living room of my childhood home.
Though I always found trying to sing along with the Bee Gees painful, (since trying to imitate Barry’s remarkable range causes me to make myself cringe even in my car singing voice) they’re damn danceable! It has been said that Barry’s vocals are falsetto, but I find that tough to fathom; the sheer power behind his voice is beyond fakeability.
The first disc kicks it off with the smooth, rhythmic “Jive Talkin’” and segways right into the vibrant, energetic “Night Fever.” Next up is the outrageously cheerful “Tragedy.” There are plenty of riffs laced into this one that are reminiscent of ABBA. The energy continues to soar with “You Should Be Dancing” and “Stayin’ Alive” before things soften up with the romantic “How Deep is Your Love.” This is followed by the heartbreaking granddaddy of all “somebody-done-somebody-wrong” songs, “Love So Right.” Disc one features two bonus tracks, including the promo version of “Stayin’ Alive.”
The second disc kicks off with more upbeat classics including “If I Can’t Have You” and “More Than a Woman.” Then, from somewhere out of the bowels of Nashville, “Rest Your Love On Me” emerges. Although this is a good song, it just doesn’t fit. But things soon pick up with “Nights on Broadway,” (theme song to “The Barry Gibbs Talk Show” sketch on Saturday Night Live.) “Children of the World” is a stunning and tender piece laced with some beautiful a capella stylings, reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Four bonus tracks are included on the second disc.
The play-time here is generous, (even with the remixes) and in addition to some more obscure tracks, this two-disc set features all the old favorites. So if you’re in the mood to cut up the rug in a cheesy, yet groovy, old-school way, this is certainly the place to start.
