Back in 2003, two of the most dynamic and influential musical forces of our time decided to collaborate on what should have become one of the most successful albums of all time. The project was never completed.
The featured vocalist, Michael Jackson, soon had his share of issues to deal with, and even sadder, Maurice Gibb died during the early sessions, thus effectively marking an end to The Bee Gees.
Brother Robin threw himself into the promotion of his rather tasty solo album Magnet and took to the road around Europe accompanied by the Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt Orchestra. But Robin didn't bring the show to Britain, so this package is more than welcome.
The Bee Gees scored so many hits that a 90-minute recording can't possibly cover all the favourites. Nevertheless, the Saturday Night Fever classics are all present and correct along with the likes of Massachusetts and You Win Again.
However, Robin Gibb looks and sounds uncomfortable hiding behind both his own pop band and such a large orchestra. And sadly, unlike Barry White's Love Unlimited, or Van McCoy's orchestras, the disco numbers are swamped and encumbered with the full orchestral arrangements.
Robin Gibb is a great songwriter and a studio magician, but he is not a comfortable showman, and this collection on CD and DVD does not show him at his very best.
Updated: 11:33 Thursday, July 14, 2005
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