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In 1979, Fleetwood Mac recorded Tusk. At a cost exceeding 1 million dollars, and taking up two years in studio time, this double album was a significant departure. Under the artistic direction of Buckingham, the twenty-song project mixes a variety of musical styles in a fragmented technical whirlwind. Surrounding the concise songwriting of McVie and Nicks is the spontaneity of Buckingham. However, the anchor to this music is the inimitable rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie. It is hard to think of another bass/drum partnership that is so fluent and cohesive. Side 1 opens with a subtle atmospheric number (“Over And Over”) that showcases McVie’s soulful alto, and the blended backup vocals. The next song is more experimental with Buckingham adding some New Wave guitar jaggedness. The juxtaposition continues with a buoyant love song (with impeccable harmonies) arranged in a joyful, British folk romp (“Save Me A Place”). The side concludes with Nicks’ ruminative “Sara”. Her deep-throated singing is compelling and the ethereal backup singing on the bridge is exquisite.
Full Review by Robbie Gerson at audaud.com
The 2 LP set is available on Amazon - $39.99
4 comments:
Reviewer, when reviewing vintage Stevie NIcks, avoid '70's cliches such as "deep-throated".
I love the the spontaneity and raw performances on Tusk. I agree, 'Sara' is ethereal, despite the bare emotional delivery from Stevie Nicks. It's Lindsey's and Ken Caillait's production that made this utterly magical. I would probably love the album more as a whole if it were made a collaborative group effort than, say, the "the times everybody backed off and let Lindsey have his productional way". Regardless, the album is a gem.
Regarding my previous comment, I also acknowledge the incredible performances of Christine McVie, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood on this album. "Tribal", Stevie Nicks once described it. So true, and oh, I love that.
It's a very simple task to go to any used record/music/book store in your town and buy a near-pristine copy of Tusk for five dollars or less. If you still have a record player and want to play an actual vinyl record for whatever reason, I suggest that route. I personally gave away several copies of this album to such stores when I liquidated my vinyl collection.
All of the Fleetwood Mac vinyl albums are available in abundance at used record shops and thrift stores that carry books and music. Millions were sold. Very few people care to own them any longer and have given them away to second hand stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and neighborhood music stores.
It's easy to find these albums in near mint condition. Just take the actual vinyl disc out of the sleeve and look at it in the light. If it's still shiny black with no large scratches, presto... you've just found a pristine condition album for five dollars.
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