review release cd box set The Warner Bros Years 1987-1991

“The Bee Gees: The Warner Bros. Years, 1987-1991″ (Warner Bros.)
These are the good ol’ days indeed. This recently released five disc set spans three studio albums and one spectacular concert — a must collection for fans of Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb.
The Brothers Gibb signed with Warners in 1987 and released three albums — “One, “E.S.P.” and “High Civilization.” It’s the combination of the hugely familiar (the iconic and gorgeous “How Deep is Your Love”; the lyrical “Run to Me”‘ the haunting “I Started a Joke” among so many others) with the perhaps lesser-known to some (the impossibly up-tempo “Crazy for Your Love”; the hauntingly beautiful “Wish You Were Here” written in memory of their brother Andy Gibb; the multi-layered “Wing and a Prayer” among so many others) that make this collection so relevant, so marvelously rich. The set also is sprinkled with alternate takes, demos and outtakes, which shed some new light on the Gibb’s musicmaking prowess.

If the audio discs weren’t enough, also included is their 1989 Australian concert video “One For All,” released in its entirety for the first time in this box set, and probably one of the best shows in the group’s 60-year-career. Remixed by Barry Gibb and master engineer John Merchant (Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion), the trio never sounded better in concert.
Think the Bee Gees don’t matter anymore? Think again. Heck they’re so way cool, Bruce Springsteen did a rockin’ stripped-down cover of “Stayin’ Alive’” during his band’s Australian tour in February. Miss their legendary three-part harmonies? This collection brings it all back is such a profound, emotional way.
Completely remixed and remastered, the group sounds refreshed, their vocals/harmonies even more crystalline than you might recall. There’s a treasure trove of memories featured on this set that will ignite many a heartfelt memory or two (or three) for listeners. That’s what great music does best. — Miriam Di Nunzio, Chicago Sun-Times