"For Whom the Bell Tolls" is one of the Gibbs' best ballads -- when Robin goes into that chorus, the song absolutely soars. Hard not to get goose bumps when listening to that one.
This record and Still Waters (1997, I believe) were the high points of their late-career resurgence, when they showed just how fucking great they really were as pop songwriters. Thanks for posting, Will.
Rob EightE1
jefito
· 1 year ago
I thought "Still Waters" kinda sucked, actually -- but I did think "Size" was an unexpected half-step back toward the glory of "One." Man, was I ever disappointed the first time I heard "High Civilization"...
EightE1
· 1 year ago
High Civilization did indeed suck, but I gotta stick up for Still Waters. "Alone," "My Lover's Prayer," and "I Will" are all pretty special. The record as a whole has a shiny production sheen that should have irritated me, but the writing was strong, and I was able to listen past that.
Can't believe I'm debating the quality of 1990s Bee Gees records. Very cool.
Rob EightE1
Mike
· 1 year ago
I don't remember much about "Size Isn't Everything" (I think I may have listened to it once), but there are plenty of songs I love on "Still Waters"...enough that after misplacing my copy, I went out and bought it again (granted, for three bucks...but still...). There's some good stuff on that album.
Zack
· 1 year ago
I had a moment like your 3.) with Annie Hardy (of Giant Drag) when I bought a raffle ticket from her before a show a couple of years ago. I mentioned that how much less enthusiastic the crowd was for Pretty Girls Make Graves than they were for Giant Drag, who opened for them at a recent show, and I could see from Annie's expression that her dedication to selling raffle tickets was all that was saving me from a severe tongue-lashing. And not the good kind of tongue-lashing, either.
DwDunphy
· 1 year ago
I think you benefited from a case of fortunate misfortune - Had the Bee Gees been riding a massive '70s-like high, you might not have survived the mistake. Fact was that, being in American press, he needed you as much as you needed him. And I'm sure that once the initial awkward taste of Reebok subsided everything was cool.
But it could have been much worse. Barry could have taken you right out.
WHarrisBullzEye
· 1 year ago
If I ever get the chance to talk to Robin again...or Barry, for that matter...I'd really like to ask him about their methods of marketing "Size Isn't Everything." After "One," they'd finally gotten that elusive post-disco respect, but when the follow-up effectively tanked, one of their first stops to promote "Size Isn't Everything" was an NBC special called "A '70s Celebration: The Beat Is Back!" I know the idea was to sell as many records as possible, but that backpedaling of embracing their disco material again must've really left a bitter taste in their mouth.
BTW, I almost did interview Robin again when Rhino reissued the Bee Gees' best-of last year, but I was literally waiting for the call when I was told that he had abruptly canceled the rest of his interviews for the day. There was a rumor that the person in front of me had asked such a completely stupid question that it pissed Robin off to the point where he said, "That's it, I'm done with interviews," but that may not be true. Then again, maybe it is.
CarlosRamirez
· 1 year ago
Great piece Will! I've gone back and re-examined this album and it did reveal some very strong moments, especially on "Blue Island."
I still think the title track of THIS IS WHERE I CAME IN is one of the best songs in their stellar catalog.
WHarrisBullzEye
· 1 year ago
I absolutely agree, Carlos. And as long as you've brought up that album, I have a soft spot a mile wide for "Technicolour Dreams." It's silly, but it always makes me smile.
JohnHughes
· 1 year ago
Dear Lord, the man sounds like a Muppet during that falsetto break.
Tell me you asked Robin about "Boys Do Fall in Love!"
WHarrisBullzEye
· 1 year ago
I am embarrassed to say that, at the time of our interview, I was unaware of the greatness of "Boys Do Fall In Love." Now, of course, I am fully versed in the song which extols how hearts beat as they dance in the street to a radio...
Eric P
· 1 year ago
Fallen Angel's opening...kind of reminds me of a cross between Animotion's "Obsession" and Human League's "Don't You Want Me."
jesselun
· 1 year ago
great stories! and brave of you to admit them
Jeffro
· 1 year ago
Definitely a good read! Interviews w/ heroes can definitely be both exciting and nerve-wracking...
WHarrisBullzEye
· 1 year ago
Remind me to tell you about my phoner with John Lydon sometime.
Spence
· 1 year ago
Can't believe you dissed Edie.
study abroad bangkok
· 1 year ago
I really enjoyed your post. I will have to come back again to read some more of them.
All Comments
This record and Still Waters (1997, I believe) were the high points of their late-career resurgence, when they showed just how fucking great they really were as pop songwriters. Thanks for posting, Will.
Rob
EightE1
Can't believe I'm debating the quality of 1990s Bee Gees records. Very cool.
Rob
EightE1
But it could have been much worse. Barry could have taken you right out.
BTW, I almost did interview Robin again when Rhino reissued the Bee Gees' best-of last year, but I was literally waiting for the call when I was told that he had abruptly canceled the rest of his interviews for the day. There was a rumor that the person in front of me had asked such a completely stupid question that it pissed Robin off to the point where he said, "That's it, I'm done with interviews," but that may not be true. Then again, maybe it is.
I still think the title track of THIS IS WHERE I CAME IN is one of the best songs in their stellar catalog.
Tell me you asked Robin about "Boys Do Fall in Love!"