Friday, June 14, 2024

20th Century Lindsey Buckingham Out Now!

The "20th Century Lindsey" Box Set by Lindsey Buckingham, comprises his first trio of solo albums in the 20th century along with eight exclusive bonus tracks is out now! 



FORMATS AVAILABLE
Available June 14th as a deluxe 4-LP vinyl collection (and on digital formats). The vinyl is ONLY available from Rhino and is limited to 3,000.

The 4-CD edition is set to release on August 16, 2024. The boxed set includes:

1. "Law and Order" (1981)
2. "Go Insane" (1984)
3. "Out of the Cradle" (1992)
4. "20th Century Rarities" (Compilation of rare tracks)

All three studio albums have undergone remastering in 2017, ensuring optimal sound quality from the original master tapes. The "20th Century Rarities" LP comprises eight coveted bonus tracks.

"Law and Order" (1981): Buckingham's inaugural solo venture showcases his distinctive songwriting and production prowess, with him assuming nearly all instrumental duties. Notable tracks include the top 10 hit "Trouble," featuring Mick Fleetwood on drums, alongside gems like "Mary Lee Jones" and "It Was I."

"Go Insane" (1984): Embracing experimentation, this album features standout tracks such as the titular "Go Insane" and the poignant "Slow Dancing." The title track soared to No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, while "I Want You" captivates with its intricate harmonies and innovative production.

"Out of the Cradle" (1992): Regarded as one of Buckingham's finest works, his third solo effort dazzles with tracks like "Countdown," "Soul Drifter," and "Wrong." Praised for its intricate guitar compositions and groundbreaking production, the album garnered widespread critical acclaim.

"20th Century Rarities": This compilation of eight rare tracks is a treasure trove for enthusiasts, featuring elusive mixes and contributions to soundtracks such as:
  • “Holiday Road” (National Lampoon's Vacation 1983)
  • “Dancin’ Across The USA” (National Lampoon's Vacation 1983)
  • “Go Insane” – Extended Remix
  • “Slow Dancing” – Extended Version
  •  “Time Bomb Town”  (Back to the Future, 1985)
  • “Soul Drifter” – Radio Remix
  • “On The Wrong Side” (With Honors, 1994)
  • “Twisted” – Stevie Nicks & Lindsey Buckingham (Twister, 1996)
Notably, the extended version of "Slow Dancing" makes its digital debut nearly four decades after its initial release as a 12" single in Europe. Showcasing Buckingham's mastery of layered production and infectious melodies, it stands as a testament to his enduring creativity.

Explore the "20th Century Lindsey" Box Set to delve into Buckingham's distinct songwriting, intricate guitar craftsmanship, and trailblazing production across a plethora of tracks. This collection shines a well-deserved spotlight on his solo oeuvre, often overshadowed by his contributions to Fleetwood Mac, celebrating its fusion of daring experimentation, memorable hooks, and raw emotional depth.

20th Century Lindsey Bundle (4LP)
Visit the Lindsey Buckingham store at Rhino to order

Bundle includes:
• 20th Century Lindsey (4LP) + Litho 

The 20th Century Lindsey (4CD) boxed set does not include a litho bundle.

The 4CD version is showing up on Amazon in the UK, US and Germany along with HMV in the UK. 


THE RHINO REPORT
We’re taking you inside the new Lindsey Buckingham collection of his solo music created between 1981 and 1992, including rarities and soundtrack songs! Featuring hits including TROUBLE, GO INSANE and of course, The National Lampoon’s VACATION classic, HOLIDAY ROAD, it’s all things Buckingham on the latest episode.



Tracklist

Law and Order
LP One
Side One
1. “Bwana”
2. “Trouble”
3. “Mary Lee Jones”
4. “I’ll Tell You Now”
5. “It Was I”
 
Side Two
1. “September Song”
2. “Shadow Of The West”
3. “That’s How We Do It In L.A.”
4. “Johnny Stew”
5. “Love From Here, Love From There”
6. “A Satisfied Mind”
 
Go Insane
LP One
Side One
1. “I Want You”
2. “Go Insane”
3. “Slow Dancing”
4. “I Must Go”
5. “Play In The Rain”
 
Side Two
1. “Play In The Rain (Continued)”
2. “Loving Cup”
3. “Bang The Drum”
4. “D.W. Suite”
 
Out of the Cradle
LP One
Side One
1. “Instrumental Introduction To
2. “Don’t Look Down”
3. “Wrong”
4. “Countdown”
5. “All My Sorrows”
6. “Soul Drifter”
7. Instrumental Introduction To
8. “This Is The Time”
9. “You Do Or You Don’t”
 
Side Two
1. “Street of Dreams”
2. Spoken Word Introduction To
3. “Surrender The Rain”
4. “Doing What I Can”
5. “Turn It On”
6. “This Nearly Was Mine”
7. “Say We’ll Meet Again”
 
20th Century Rarities

LP One
Side One
1. “Holiday Road”
2. “Dancin’ Across The USA”
3. “Go Insane” – Extended Remix
4. “Slow Dancing” – Extended Version
 
Side Two
1. “Time Bomb Town”
2. “Soul Drifter” – Radio Remix
3. “On The Wrong Side”
4. “Twisted” – Stevie Nicks & Lindsey Buckingham 

Stevie Nicks, casts her inviting incantations over the Top 40 airwaves



For the week ending June 14, 1980, "Sisters of The Moon", Fleetwood Mac's 4th and final single released from "Tusk" peaked at No.86 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single only lasted 3 weeks on the chart which is the poorest showing in terms of weeks on the Hot 100 chart for any of their singles released that made it onto the chart 

Maybe the track isn't the most radio friendly, but it's still a great track... Cash Box got it right with their review:

The great white witch of Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, casts her inviting incantations over the Top 40 airwaves once again on this edited re-mix of the track from the "Tusk” LP. Lindsey Buckingham's guitar notes cry out like a banshee in the night, rising to a fever pitch at the cold close. Mysterious and marvelous, this is prime Mac. - Cash Box 1980

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Stevie Nicks Live in Albany, NY June 12, 2024

Concert review: Stevie Nicks, adoring crowd perfect match at MVP Arena
By Jim Shahen Jr., Freelance arts writer
TimesUnion


Nearly 10,000 people turned out to see the former Fleetwood Mac singer/solo star play at the MVP Arena on Wednesday night. They were vociferous in their applause throughout the evening, and the enthusiasm was justified as Nicks and her stellar band gave a fantastic 15-song, two-hour performance that touched on all aspects of her legendary career.

After coming out to Tom Petty’s “Running Down a Dream,” Nicks and band got off to a hot start with a solid version of “Outside the Rain” that segued into a crowd-pleasing rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” and her own “If Anyone Falls.”

From there, Nicks slowed down the pace a little and indulged in some personal anecdotes and memories. A tight take on “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” was preceded with a story about collaborating with Tom Petty on the smash single, while she prefaced “Gypsy” with a lengthy tale of how she and her then-boyfriend Lindsey Buckingham ended up joining Fleetwood Mac. In theory, a cover of Buffalo Springfield’s iconic “For What it’s Worth” should have felt unnecessary, but Nicks made it relevant to her own body of work by explaining how it was a song she’s wanted to perform since hearing it for the first time as an 18-year-old in 1966.

Nicks’ band was on-point throughout, particularly on a thumping, arena-sized take on “Stand Back.” It would have been the biggest rocker of the evening, if not for main set closer “Edge of Seventeen.” On the latter, lead guitarist (and accomplished sideman) Waddy Wachtel was able to shine. As the band vamped to open up the song, he cut loose with some extended soloing.

To close out the evening, Nicks played a couple of beloved Fleetwood Mac tracks. First up was “Rhiannon,” then a heartfelt, acoustic spin on “Landslide” ended the night. While Nicks sang, the video screen behind her displayed a series of images of her with her former Fleetwood Mac bandmate, the late Christine McVie. Upon its conclusion, Nicks told the adoring audience that the primary way she’s processed the pain of her best friend’s 2022 death is by going back on stage and singing, and thanked the Albany faithful for coming out to the show.

Throughout the evening, Nicks cut a dignified figure on-stage and sang with a vigor and warmth that belied her 76 years. Closing with a musical and spoken tribute to McVie was an elegant capper on an evening centered on songs and memories meaningful to Nicks and just as importantly, made for a moving coda to the Fleetwood Mac story.

Prior to Nicks taking the stage, singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins played a solo acoustic set. The rootsy chanteuse’s 30 minutes or so on-stage was delightful and her cover of Roy Orbison’s “Crying” was excellent.




MOJO Exclusive Stevie Nicks Ends The Rumours "I Can Do Anything I Want Now"

MOJO 369 – August 2024: Stevie Nicks


On sale June 20, 2024

In a rare, exclusive interview, Stevie Nicks relives her rollercoaster ride in rock’n’roll: Fleetwood Mac, solo stardom, lost comrades, Lindsey, and Barbie! 

COVER STORY: STEVIE NICKS The ultimate rock diva on Fleetwood Mac fame, solo stardom, the “lost years” of addiction, and owning the stage, still, at 76. Plus! Mick Fleetwood offers a hymn to her… and a eulogy for his storied band?

THIS MONTH’S COVERMOUNT CD is Second Hand News: The Songs Of Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac. Featuring Stevie Nicks, Primal Scream, The Twilight Singers, Vetiver, Dennis Brown, The Decemberists, Jonathan Wilson, Melvins and more! 

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Fleetwood Mac Rumours and Greatest Hits this week on the Billboard Charts


Fleetwood Mac Charts A Top 10 Hit In America Once Again
Hugh McIntyre
Senior Contributor
ForbesForbes

Fleetwood Mac can always be found on several Billboard charts. Every week, the band appears on a number of lists of the bestselling and top-performing albums in the country. This time around, in addition to their successful full-lengths, one of the group’s most popular songs is present on one tally…and it’s given them a big hit once again.

“Dreams” rises one rung on the Rock Streaming Songs chart this week. The tune now sits at No. 10 on Billboard’s list of the most-streamed cuts in the U.S. that can be classified as “rock” when it comes to genre.

It’s not odd for a legacy act to see their most successful albums and compilations find space on the Billboard charts…but the same can’t be said for songs. Typically, singles have a shorter shelf life in the U.S. than full-lengths. While it’s not unheard of for a decades-old track to continue to chart, it’s also not common.

“Dreams” has thus far spent 228 weeks on the Rock Streaming Songs chart. The tune once climbed all the way to No. 1 in late 2020, when it went viral and became a smash all over again.

So far, “Dreams” stands as Fleetwood Mac’s only No. 1 on the streaming chart that focuses solely on rock. It’s one of the band’s two top 10s, as “The Chain” peaked at No. 5. Despite having a catalog filled with beloved titles, the band has only sent a trio of tunes to this roster. “Landslide” fills out their three wins, as it previously topped out at No. 14.

This week, “Dreams” is the only new entrant inside the top 10 on the Rock Streaming Songs chart. The other nine tracks that appear within the highest tier on the tally were already present in the region last frame, though there is some movement among the hits.

This week, Fleetwood Mac also appears on at least six other Billboard charts. The band’s masterpiece Rumours is falling on every list it carves out space on, though it’s not down by much on any of them. Their Greatest Hits compilation can also be found on several rosters, though not as many as Rumours.

Rumours and Greatest Hits this week on the Billboard Charts in the US 
(June 15, 2024 Billboard issue)

#6   (3) - Top Catalog Albums
#8   (6) - Top Rock Albums
#10 (6) - Top Vinyl Albums
#10 (8) - Top Rock & Alternative Albums
#19 (13) - Top Album Sales
#33 (32) - Billboard Canadian Top 100 Albums
#36 (31) - Billboard Top 200
#44 (46) - Greatest Hits
#48 (46) - Top Streaming Albums
#181 (178) - Greatest Hits





Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Mick Fleetwood's "The Visitor" turns 43

As with any personal achievement worthy of public merit.  "The visitor" began as a dream. And it was Mick Fleetwood's belief in what he would find that finally moved five tons of musical and recording equipment to a little village in Ghana late last December (1980). Then, for the next six weeks, over 200 musicians from all over Ghana gathered in Accra to join with producer Richard Dashut, bassist George Hawkins, guitarist Todd Sharpe, and a Ghanaian percussion section in which the oldest player is 12 years. Mick Fleetwood's dream became a reality. "The Visitor" is Mick Fleetwood's triumph. But it is much more: it is a gift for the world from a place that never stops giving.


Mick Fleetwood "The Visitor"
Released June, 1981
Billboard Top 200 debut at No.140.
Peak Position No.43
14 weeks on the chart.

Singles Released: "You Weren't In Love" and "Walk a Thin Line" (Fleetwood Mac cover)


Ghana's Drumbeats Strike A Fleetwood Nerve

Billboard September 12, 1981

LOS ANGELES - With his first solo album, "The Visitor" which was made in Ghana with African musicians, Fleetwood Mac's Mick Fleetwood had at least two goals: to make an African-influenced album that mainstream Western pop audiences would listen to and to establish a link with Africa that will enable him to record there in future and produce African artists.

"The rest of Fleetwood Mac thought I was going to come back with howling in trees," laughs Fleetwood. "I wanted the album to be accessible. That was the point. If I had come back with a totally African album, I know it would have sat on the shelf in some little record store somewhere like some of these jazz albums. There's really no point in that."

Fleetwood, a fan of various types of percussion, had dreamed of going to Africa to participate with African musicians -for him, many of their rhythms are at the heart of rock music. He wanted to have selected African musicians perform Western songs mixed with traditional African songs. "I had a meeting with a Ghanain professor, a musicologist who was lecturing at UCLA on drum music," recalls Fleetwood.

"He played me tapes of stuff I could expect to hear and I played him stuff that I liked and had played on. I told him I wanted to go and be able to play around with material yet keep it pretty much as it was. We haven't taken any of the African songs and put English words to them or taken the melodies and worked in new words. These are their songs. I asked the professor if this was something he would find appealing or would the people be insulted?" 

With the go-ahead from the professor, Fleetwood prepared to go. The African material was chosen in Africa while the Western songs came from a variety of sources. The single, "You Weren't In Love," comes from Australia. He and coproducer Richard Dashut found it while resting in that country before heading to Africa. "We were in a bar and heard the song. It turned out to be a huge hit for the artist, Billy Fields, but at that time it was just a demo," he recalls. "We asked the bar owner about it and he said that Fields brought it in just for him to play at his restaurant. We looked Fields up the next day."

Traveling with Fleetwood were fellow Western musicians guitarist/vocalist Todd Sharp and bassist /vocalist George Hawkins. Former Fleetwood Mac member Peter Green contributes vocal and guitar overdubs on one track. He doesn't feel this overlaying of Western styles harms the African spirit. "I wanted to participate with them," he says. "I wasn't going to pretend that I was going to learn to play African drum rhythms in two weeks. I wanted to be Mick doing something somewhere else and have people I met do things I wanted to do. I wanted to have them confronted with playing 'Not Fade Away' or whatever."

Fleetwood's work stylistically fits in with what Talking Heads' David Byrne and producer Brian Eno have done in terms of incorporating African rhythms into pop music. However, Fleetwood feels his methods are different.

"Eno was there when I was there. He was up north at a drum festival and he produced a Ghanain hi-life (an electrified form of African music) band. The rest of the time I think he was sitting there with his tape recorder getting ideas. It's healthy but that's not what I wanted to do," he declares.

"I'm not putting him down. I'm sure he has all the good intentions in the world but when you see how easy it is to steal from a certain situation you say `somebody should be putting something back'." 

Part of his "putting something back" includes cutting the African musicians in on the royalties from "The Visitor" and lending credibility to the recently formed Musicians Union in Ghana. In return for the use of Ghana Film Studios, where the LP was recorded, Fleetwood and crew bought $15,000 worth of film for the financially ailing studio. The studio used it to document the Fleetwood trip and the film may air on PBS in the near future. 

Fleetwood has already featured several of the Ghanain drummers on German television and two tracks on which Ghanains participated may make it onto the next Fleetwood Mac album. No matter how "The Visitor" does, Fleetwood is planning to bring out an album of a concert Fleetwood participated in on his last day in Ghana. "I'm hoping my album will open the door and then I can present an album which is hard-core. I like to think we can play a little part in getting people to listen to more diverse stuff without being frightened off," Fleetwood comments.

So far, he is pleased with the reception the album has gotten. The album has gone top 50 in the U.S. "I wish more of the African stuff was getting played - comparatively little of it is," he bemoans. "If they started playing it, people would probably start phoning like crazy. If `You Weren't In Love' isn't a hit, it might well be worth going for one of the African songs as a single. At least, it would get played a little bit. It is refreshing, yet it's not like having to listen to jazz fusion in X, Y, and Z key or something. It's easy to listen to."

Warner Bros. didn't think so. Fleetwood Mac's label declined to release the package so "The Visitor" is on RCA. "I'm not angry at Warner Bros.," he says. "I'm quite happy with RCA. It's just one of those things. I was surprised and initially disappointed. But in retrospect, it's just business."

For the future, Fleetwood sees returning to Africa and bringing some of the musicians over here. "I wouldn't mind going there and just using the studio to make an album which might consist of something devoid of using African musicians. I would do it just to be there," he states. "I really hope though, I can bring some of the bands over. If I could just get them on a couple of talk shows. I know the effect would be amazing. If some of the bands from Jamaica can do it, I know it's possible." 



Mick Fleetwood (drummer with Fleetwood Mac) visiting and playing with master musicians in Ghana.  
Produced by Sunset and Vine of London for the BBC in 1982.