There are only a few bands in the world who have survived the test of sour relationships, and time. Fleetwood Mac are definitely among those few. Starting out in 1967, Fleetwood Mac were formed by drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie as a blues band similar to
John Mayall & The Blues Breakers. In fact, both members were part of that band before Fleetwood Mac, and in 1967 along with Eric Clapton, John McVie played on the album
Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton. The original main guitarist of Fleetwood Mac was Peter Green, who led the band until Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined nearly a decade after the band first formed.
By the time the two new iconic members were part of the lineup, Fleetwood Mac was already traveling away from straight blues, and towards different styles of music. They became much more melodic and experimental with their sound. The first album which the two new members were featured on was
Fleetwood Mac which became a huge success. After that, they continued to rise on charts all over the world and achieved huge success.
The Dance was a live album recorded in 1997, that was released along with a concert film. Essentially, it was a Fleetwood Mac reunion concert that paved the way for 2003’s
Say You Will. As far as live recordings go, this is certainly one of the best. The entire band is in top shape. The instruments are played beautifully, and the singing from Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Lindsey Buckingham are beautiful.
The creative magic is present on this album quite a bit. In fact, the legendary track “Rhiannon” receives a new extended intro, and the song “Big Love” is completely changed from it’s studio recorded counter-part. “Say You Love Me” is also livened up with a banjo part that can make anyone smile.
The member that really shines on this album however is Lindsey Buckingham. His playing on “Big Love” and the classic “Landslide” are easily some of the best guitar playing I have ever heard. If you have ever seen the concert film of this, you will understand that this man is a monster guitar player. He has a style that instantly defines that it is him playing. That is an unmistakable feature of this album, and personally, one of my favorite parts.
The album includes several new songs like “Temporary One”, “Bleed To Love Her” and “My Little Demon” which since then were featured on their 2003 release
Say You Will. The song “Bleed to Love Her” showcases that the band hasn’t died out just quite yet. Soaring vocals are found everywhere on this album. They just sound so good to me, and just make you feel great when you are listening to this album.
Again, the band is strong as ever in everything that they play, say, and do. The drums are powerful, and John McVie adds the right things at precisely the right times. As said before, Lindsey Buckingham’s playing on this album is some of the best that I have ever heard from him, let alone any guitar player ever. The vocals soar high to reach the ceiling, and then blow it off with their power.
If you are a fan of anything that Fleetwood Mac has done, this is an essential album that I feel really showcases the band’s talents and pure force.
