Great Songs
I've always liked the Bee Gees - even the heavy-falsetto disco years - but especially the early pop songs, always respecting the songwriting, for themselves and for others, and always respecting the quality of their harmony singing live [but alas, only through recordings I have seen on the TV]. Barry Gibb is therefore entitled to do whatever he wants to celebrate his part in that history, and to celebrate the songcraft of the brothers Gibb. This collection engages through the guest vocalists, with personal favourites being Jason Isbell, Alison Krauss, and Dave Rawlings with Gillian Welch. They only 'danger' in this is the juxtaposition with Barry - though an obvious, necessary one - in that by the often stark contrasts he could appear to be a parody of himself, with that falsetto sound and the breathy vibrato. Perhaps it is best in harmony, for example, with Krauss on Too Much Heaven where she of course has a more natural vocal claim to that highest pitch. When in opposition with Keith Urban, the difference is more defined - though as a genuine fan that doesn't bother me, but I'd guess it would others - those maybe fans of the guests rather than Barry. Lonely Days with Little Big Town presents that overall merging of voices, apart from one Gibb's vibrating exhalation, and with a Beatles-esque presentation that pilfers delightfully.
No comments:
Post a Comment