Lately, I've watched a lot of VH1 because they've had a great series on the history of Heavy Metal. I had a great time watching the bits of videos by Motley Crue, Ratt, Quiet Riot and Poison. It made me nostalgic for those days when rock bands competed to put on the biggest, loudest show they could. The only downside is that sometimes VH1 seems like the Biography channel with long hair, I never see actual videos on it. Then again, I could probably extend my lifespan by not seeing Marilyn Manson videos. Never could get into that shock n' gore stuff. Anyway...
Number 97: Fleetwood Mac - Tusk (1979)
Following Lindsey Buckingham's album at number 98 is this double album (back when 18 plus songs couldn't be crammed on a single CD) recorded as a followup to their hugely successful Rumours album. Buckingham was determined to not repeat himself creatively, leading him to push the rest of the band to follow his muse in this expansive and expensive album. Inspired by new wave, Buckingham stripped back the production on his songs to a very basic level. Songs like "What Makes You Think You're The One" and "Save Me A Place" have minimal instrumentation and a DIY approach to recording. Other tunes like "Not That Funny" and "Walk A Thin Line" have a 50's rock vibe. Although he meant to sound cutting edge, Buckingham always came off like Buddy Holly on crack in this album. But, I mean that in a good way
At the same time, Buckingham gives Stevie Nicks the full treatment with the radio friendly lush production he's known for. The soothing vocal harmonies and guitar accents flow over the pulse of the rock solid rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie. Nicks was on a major roll in her songwriting, releasing what I consider to be her best work. "Sara" was the big hit single for the album, although it is my least favorite Nicks song on the album because it is way too long. It's like that Seinfeld episode about The English Patient, the song takes a good beat and melody and then stretches it like this metaphor it keeps going and going...
Stevie Nicks has a great rocker on this album called "Sisters Of The Moon" which builds on her witchy woman mystique. "Angel" hinges on a swinging groove and a near deadpan vocal delivery. The best songs on the album is "Storms". This song plays like a classic country ballad with a killer harmony chorus and a downbeat mood. I really like how Nicks songs alternate in tone. At times wistful, hopeful, pained and accepting, the songs have an emotional core that seemed to get lost in her later work.
Christine McVie remained the most reliable songwriter, staying within her style of poppy blues shuffles and adult contemporary balladry. However, this was the only Buckingham / Nicks album where McVie didn't score the biggest hits. Nonetheless, the minor hit "Think About Me" and the ballad "Over And Over" stood out as highpoints on the album.
What was great about Fleetwood Mac was listening to three distinct singer / songwriters perform their different styles of music while being unified by meticulous production and one of the best rhythm sections in rock. Tusk features all of the performers in top form and captures them before their music became nostalgic or rote.
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