The group's second album, cut late in 1967 amid their first major British success, is less focused than their first, but also presents a more majestic sound than its predecessor. The opening track, "World," is a poignant,
even somber yet gorgeous ballad filled with clever lyrics, and highlighted by a quavering Mellotron accompaniment, a very close grand piano sound (anticipating elements of the Odessa album), and twangy fuzz-tone guitar. "And the Sun Will Shine" is an even more serious, regretful ballad that is bearable because it is also prettier than "World."
The enigmatically titled "Lemons Never Forget" breaks up the mood with a harder rocking sound, just the group without any orchestra, dominated by a pounding piano and volume-pedal guitar. The most interesting aspect of "Really and Sincerely" -- a song that descends into an even more emotionally melodramatic mood than "And the Sun Will Shine"
-- is its opening, which contains a musical phrase that seems to anticipate the group's disco-era "Nights on Broadway." "Birdie Told Me" is another tale of lost love that offers the variety of some leaner and tasteful electric guitar accompaniment.
Side two of the original LP was more upbeat, opening with the group's catchy chart-topping British hit, "Massachusetts," followed by the cheerful "Harry Braff." "The Earnest of Being George" and "The Change Is Made" are attempts at a harder rock sound, featuring heavy guitar on both and an attempt at bluesy feel on the latter,
while the title track is a trippy psychedelic number that closes the album on an upbeat note. [In 2006, as part of the shift of the group's back catalog to Reprise Records, Horizontal was reissued in remastered form, with seriously improved sound and expanded to two CDs with a brace of chronologically-related outtakes -- comprising some of the most fascinating material of their history -- initially as part of the collection The Studio Albums 1967-1968.] (Bruce Eder, allmusic.com)
These guys were such a wonderful band and i like a lot of their music. For me they are musical geniuses. Enjoy.(Frank)
Flac
mp3@320
hi frank just wondered if you had john smith and the new sound snoopy vs red baron winchester cathrdral album.cheers
ReplyDeleteHello flower man,
Deletei don't have the album but it's possible that i have it on one of my HDD's. If i find it i will post it.
Kind regards
Frank
Another fantastic album ......many thanks Frank......so loving your blog......best wishes Stu
ReplyDeleteHi Frank any chance you could re-up the Firebeats, inc, s/t album from 1966? Or perhaps send me a link (britin3181gm) I've been looking to hear it for awhile. Love this blog! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteHello brit,
Deletei will upload new links later today.
Have a nice day
Frank
The new links are up now.
DeleteThanks so much, Frank! Can't wait to listen to this. All the best :)
DeleteHello 0,
ReplyDeleteIt's done. I added you to my bloglist. The blog looks interesting.
Kind regards
Frank
thanks very much, i added yours also.
ReplyDeleteNowadays most people will remember the Bee Gees only as whiteys who could sing incredibly high disco falsetto, while rock aficionados will only shrug their shoulders. At the time of the release of "Horizontal", however, the Bee Gees were huge a progressive pop band, an equivalent link between the big boys, The Beatles and The Beach Boys. And, in 1963 already, they had a regular career in Australia as The Gibb Brothers.
ReplyDeleteI really love these Deluxe-Edition twofers, if well compiled (like this one here) they offer an interesting insight and add new aspects to milestone albums that you are so well acquainted with that you normally avoid hearing them.
By the way: Just today detected new additions on your page,- good to see you back, Frank! Lots of new stuff to download and comment on...
Thank you for the Bee Gee's posts
ReplyDeleteThanks again for this wonderful blog
ReplyDelete