Their impact on music cannot be overstated. The falsetto and the speed of the music, especially the bass, worked so perfectly. At the time, I was too young to appreciate it, and I had already sold my soul to rock and roll. But, I remember sneaking downstairs to watch 'Saturday Night Fever' on HBO when I was probably 9 or 10 and thinking it was very "naughty." My wife and I recently rewatched it, and in all honesty, it hasn't aged well. Movies are made so much better today (filming techniques, angles, acting, etc.), but also the misogyny throughout the film is terrible.
Over the years, as my music tastes have changed, I have gone back to the Bee Gees and now have much greater respect and appreciation for them. During the pandemic, we watched the documentary, 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,' and really enjoyed it. There's a profound sadness and loneliness towards the end of the film, with Barry being the last remaining one.
They truly played a major role in the evolution of pop music, Michael. While preparing this piece, I read one of the band’s biographies and came away with a real admiration for their craftsmanship—and for the way they kept overcoming setbacks and coming back stronger each time. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Michael!
That was always my impression of the Bee Gees too, Jim, but after researching and writing this piece, I came to see it more as an evolution than a revolution. They were master song craftsmen who adapted with the times. Thanks for reading and reacting, and have a great Sunday!
I did security on a couple of their tours during that period. Whatever else one wants to say, they were the most prolific writers I ever witnessed. They could crank out the basic structure of these hits in minutes.
That’s an excellent observation, Daniel. I was aware of it before I began writing, but part of my research was focused on sorting out the timeline. When you consider that they released (at least) one album per year, with each album featuring several classic tracks, it’s clear they were incredibly prolific songwriters. They rank among the very best. And that’s without even factoring in all the songs they wrote for other artists! Thanks for reading & reacting !
They were a weird bunch weren't they, God bless 'em; I mean, Fanny (Be Tender with my Love), wtf was going on there? I had to listen again to Nights on Broadway again after reading this, my absolute fav fron Main Course even if it does seem to be from the pov of a stalker. Have you read Children of the World by Bob Stanley, the best guide to their weird and wonderful world? I'd never heard of PAJ Disco so I'm off to listen to their work on your Mix of the Week now
😂😂.I agree, they’re definitely a bit unusual. While researching this, I found myself wondering about the dynamics within the family. I’ll add the book to my reading list—thanks for bringing it to my attention, Paul. And yes, “Fanny” is quite peculiar, with its fixation and a (potentially) violent streak. That said, despite the lyrics, it’s still a fantastic song—just like “Nights on Broadway.” Appreciate you taking the time to read and share your thoughts, Paul!
No especially when you listen to the earlier stuff. That disco was a push by Robert Stigwood because money. But in retrospect I can listen to it now and I love it because it was one of the genres of my youth and they were damn good at it.
Well, that’s what i thought also before the research, but if you listen to the three albums of 74-75 and 76, you hear the evolution. The first arif mardin produced album of 74 was close to what they made/released before. It gradually changed. The role of Stigwood is not so clear. What is clear is that the song is a classic. Thanks for reading and reacting Lori !
Their impact on music cannot be overstated. The falsetto and the speed of the music, especially the bass, worked so perfectly. At the time, I was too young to appreciate it, and I had already sold my soul to rock and roll. But, I remember sneaking downstairs to watch 'Saturday Night Fever' on HBO when I was probably 9 or 10 and thinking it was very "naughty." My wife and I recently rewatched it, and in all honesty, it hasn't aged well. Movies are made so much better today (filming techniques, angles, acting, etc.), but also the misogyny throughout the film is terrible.
Over the years, as my music tastes have changed, I have gone back to the Bee Gees and now have much greater respect and appreciation for them. During the pandemic, we watched the documentary, 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,' and really enjoyed it. There's a profound sadness and loneliness towards the end of the film, with Barry being the last remaining one.
They truly played a major role in the evolution of pop music, Michael. While preparing this piece, I read one of the band’s biographies and came away with a real admiration for their craftsmanship—and for the way they kept overcoming setbacks and coming back stronger each time. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Michael!
It’s like they were two different bands! Trying to think of anyone else who’s done it this successfully? Kenny Rogers maybe? Hootie?
That was always my impression of the Bee Gees too, Jim, but after researching and writing this piece, I came to see it more as an evolution than a revolution. They were master song craftsmen who adapted with the times. Thanks for reading and reacting, and have a great Sunday!
I did security on a couple of their tours during that period. Whatever else one wants to say, they were the most prolific writers I ever witnessed. They could crank out the basic structure of these hits in minutes.
That’s an excellent observation, Daniel. I was aware of it before I began writing, but part of my research was focused on sorting out the timeline. When you consider that they released (at least) one album per year, with each album featuring several classic tracks, it’s clear they were incredibly prolific songwriters. They rank among the very best. And that’s without even factoring in all the songs they wrote for other artists! Thanks for reading & reacting !
They were a weird bunch weren't they, God bless 'em; I mean, Fanny (Be Tender with my Love), wtf was going on there? I had to listen again to Nights on Broadway again after reading this, my absolute fav fron Main Course even if it does seem to be from the pov of a stalker. Have you read Children of the World by Bob Stanley, the best guide to their weird and wonderful world? I'd never heard of PAJ Disco so I'm off to listen to their work on your Mix of the Week now
😂😂.I agree, they’re definitely a bit unusual. While researching this, I found myself wondering about the dynamics within the family. I’ll add the book to my reading list—thanks for bringing it to my attention, Paul. And yes, “Fanny” is quite peculiar, with its fixation and a (potentially) violent streak. That said, despite the lyrics, it’s still a fantastic song—just like “Nights on Broadway.” Appreciate you taking the time to read and share your thoughts, Paul!
Always a great record but to this day I have never looked at the lyrics and have no idea what they are singing about during half of the song!
That's the advantage of dance music. Lyrics can be important but aren't necessarily. In this case they aren't 😁 Thanks for reading & reacting Dan !
No especially when you listen to the earlier stuff. That disco was a push by Robert Stigwood because money. But in retrospect I can listen to it now and I love it because it was one of the genres of my youth and they were damn good at it.
Well, that’s what i thought also before the research, but if you listen to the three albums of 74-75 and 76, you hear the evolution. The first arif mardin produced album of 74 was close to what they made/released before. It gradually changed. The role of Stigwood is not so clear. What is clear is that the song is a classic. Thanks for reading and reacting Lori !