Here you have the album that single-handedly killed phase one of the Bee Gees’ career.

At a time when over-indulgence was the norm, Odessa was still just too much. Critics were unkind, the public dismissed it, and even the band came to loggerheads and broke up while trying to complete the project. It was the type of album that seemed to divide opinion into drastically divergent camps – those who loved it (like me) and those who thought of it as a ridiculous mess.

Time, however, has been incredibly kind to the album. Somehow, it has managed to withstand the ignorance and the criticism, and the mystifying elements of the album’s structure have only added to its now timeless appeal. Is it heavy, or just bombastic? Are the lyrics profound or are they nonsense? The album continues to cause consternation, but it certainly is not boring. For your consideration, then, we will feature the entire album over two shows. Here is part one.

Featured tracks include;

Odessa

You’ll Never See My Face Again

Black Diamond

Marley Purt Drive

Edison

Melody Fair

Suddenly

Whisper Whisper

March 1969 - Billboard Charted #20