Letters
Knit to This: Greenfields
It’s a good thing Kay got to the HBO Bee Gees doc How Can You Mend a Broken Heart before I did. A good thing for you, I mean, because she admits she didn’t even like them much beforehand. Well, I have always loved them so if I had written about that doc a few weeks ago, you’d still be reading it because, well, I can go on. (Editors’ note: This checks out.)
So settle in, because now there’s some Bee Gees music to talk about—but I’ll keep it short because it’s the record that’s fun to listen to, not me talking about it.
“Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers’ Songbook (Vol. 1)” consists of a handful of Bee Gees tunes reworked into vaguely country-ish arrangements. I say that gingerly, because they’re just about the least country they could possibly be. Barry Gibb sings them with a variety of partners: everyone from Dolly to Keith to Brandi and Olivia. No last names necessary! Songs you know every word to (and you will know every word to every one of them and you will be surprised by that) sound just as sweet the millionth time round, especially turned about ninety degrees and with a little slide guitar added for absolutely no reason other than why the hell not.
It’s tough to choose a favorite because each track conjures up both old-varnished nostalgia and new-car smell, but I will say: When I’m alone in the MDK warehouse beavering away filling orders, nothing sounds better than Alison Krauss tackling her half of “Too Much Heaven.” Unless it’s ME tackling the other half.
At the moment, the Greenfields songs are streaming on YouTube. Here’s one more: “Run to Me” featuring Brandi Carlile. And don’t miss this extraordinary video of Dolly Parton and Barry Gibb together in the studio.
As an avid NPR fan, I recently heard an interview with Barry about this album in which he said he’s always been a country music fan. When I heard a snippet of his song with Alison Krauss, I swooned – her voice is heavenly & phenomenal. Thanks for sharing your love the Bee Gees.
i *will* be knitting to this! Swoon. And many thanks.
During a PBS fundraiser a few years ago, the gift for signing up was a best of the BeeGees cd. Some songs I’ll hit the skip button, but others I’ll hit repeat, repeat, repeat. I’m looking forward to getting a copy Greenfields. Thank you!
when its great music, wonderful lyrics, it doesn’t matter what “style” its presented in. Thank you.
I’m so happy to hear about this since I’m not able to access the HBO show. My cat from childhood was named BG in honor of the Gibb brothers.
DG, you are a wonderful addition to the MDK site!
Beautiful – thanks for the tip. I adore Alison Krauss.
I adore DG Strong . . . just sayin.