1969 2xLP THE BEE GEES ODESSA UK POPSIKE psych M-

$

40

1969 ORIGINAL 2xLP ~ ~ GRAND CONCEPTUAL POPSIKE GEM                                                                                  

            THE BEE GEES

                 Odessa

\                                                       USA - Atco Records - SD 2-702

Thee original 1969 ((Minty)) vinyl first release in stunning red velvet thick gatefold jacket...Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb weren’t intent on making the kaleidoscopic interconnection of Sgt. Pepper or writing a proper rock opera like Tommy. Instead, the Bee Gees took what they considered to be a collection of simple ballads with deep emotional messages and touched them with grandiose arrangements, orchestral movements, and acute studio perfection. The result is without question one of the finest baroque pop works ever, and something of a signpost hinting at the rise of progressive rock, which would follow in the coming decade.

Odessa is a textured record that blends different stylistic grounds with grace. “Melody Fair” takes a gently strummed acoustic folk base and builds on it a mass of strings. The laidback rural rollick of “Marley Purt Drive” bears echoes of Dylan and the Band. “Whisper Whisper” is psychedelic-skewered swinging 1960s pop to the core, presented in two parts. The centerpiece across Odessa, as always with the Bee Gees, is the Gibb harmonies, perhaps best highlighted on the epic “I Laugh in Your Face,” which was originally scheduled as a throwaway B-side but might be the best song on the album

While Odessa provides a wonderful musical experience, the original album is just as often remembered for its packaging. The double album came wrapped in a red flocked cover. Shortly after its release, it was alleged that workers at the plant that was making the covers were suffering from allergic reactions to the flocking, and the beautiful cover was discontinued. Subsequent reissues came in a more traditional sleeve

Odessa begins appropriately with the title track “Odessa (City on the Black Sea)”. The stirring tale of shipwreck in the Baltic Sea seems to be the beginning of a concept album, especially when the album’s spectacular packaging is considered. But there is no concept at work among the 17 tracks. In fact, Barry Gibb announced to an expectant press at the time, “It won’t have an overall format … there won’t be any sound effects, just ballads with an emotional message.”

Once you stop worrying about concepts and just enjoy the songs, you’re in for a great listening experience. One classic pop song follows another. There are intense Robin Gibb performances on “Black Diamond,” and “Lamplight”, and equally impressive performances by brother Barry Gibb on the hit “First of May”, and “Sound of Love.” In fact it was the decision to release “First Of May,” instead of “Lamplight” as the first single that led Robin to leave the band in late 1968 for a solo career, only to return to his brothers in 1970. 

CONDITION: The thick red velvet gatefold cover is embossed in rich gold lettering, very hard to find clean -- the gold lettering has ususally rubbed off on most copies (40 years old mind you) this one in remarkable shape. "EX" (excellent) all solid seams, stiff and strong.

The vinyl records are both ALL glossy clean (all 4 sides) M-

      A cool addition to anyone's music library!

SEE: SELLERS OTher items for similar cool sounds for "head" people...

EFFICIENT/CAREFUL GRADING

All imperfections are noted both cover & record