In the Meantime Reviews

[jbrownsjr]

Anyone have a review yet? :blob2:

[jbrownsjr]

Anyone? :(
Anyone?

[Aisling]

your just about as impatient as i am. LOL but yes, HAS anyone done a review? those of us waiting for amazon copies are actually used to instant gratification, so naturally this is a very hard day to get through.

[jbrownsjr]

Well said!

C'mon and help my addiction! :nod:

[blinker12]

I'll write one. :)
I'm happy to say this is a complex, tuneful album that has only grown more appealing with repeated listens. The songwriting isn't quite up to her 1970s standard (what is?), but it's certainly more inspired than on the 1984 album, which I find dry and dated.
Christine's voice seems not to have aged a bit since "Rumours." She still hits some thrilling high notes, but as always her true strength is her velvety, bluesy tone. I hadn't realized how much I missed hearing her sing. The very sound of her voice soothes me.
My one complaint about the album is that I would have liked to have heard more of Christine's keyboard-playing. All of the songs are very guitar-based.
Here's a track-by-track breakdown.

01. Friend - Fantastic opener. It's an uptempo rocker with an instantly hummable chorus. Some of the keyboard riffs remind me a bit of "Got a Hold on Me."

02. You Are - Nice melody, though the lyrics are completely cliched and the weakest on the album. Most of you have already heard this, so I won't spend much time on it. Honestly, I think there would have been better choices for the single.

03. Northern Star - A gorgeous ballad with a catchy guitar riff (presumably played by Dan Perfect?). Christine hits some feathery high notes on the line "casting stones/throwing bones" that set my heart aflutter. ;) Long, luxurious instrumentral outro.

04. Bad Journey - Not one of my favorites, but it's grown on me. Has a distinctively Bob Welch feel, in both the lyrics (which mention lots of mystical-sounding places around the world) and the music, which has a loose, bluesy feel. I think of "Bermuda Triangle" and other stuff from the "Heroes" album.

05. Anything Is Possible - Another so-so track, IMO. I'm glad this is no longer the opener. It has a generic blues-rock feel. I'd call this filler, even though Christine says there's none on this album. ;)

06. Calumny - One of my favorites. Her voice sounds terrific, very soft and sweet. The verse melody is instantly appealing; the chorus goes in an musical direction that you might not expect but that sounds completely right once you get used to it. Lyrically, it's very similar in theme to "Little Lies" (she's asking a lover to tell her sweet little fibs).

07. So Sincere - Fantastic, quickly becoming my favorite. The verse unravels over a gently churning guitar groove, then the song bursts into a triumphant chorus: "Yooooooooooooouuu are the man/Funny little white car with the broken light." Perhaps the album's best lyrics.

08. Easy Come, Easy Go - The album's lowpoint, a McVie-Quintela collaboration. This indicates that their musical partnership soured right along with their marriage. Unappealing melody, boring lyrics ("Easy come, easy go/That's just the way it is").

09. Liar - The hardest-rocking track, it opens with a hard-charging guitar riff and never lets up. Not one of my favorites, but a nice change of pace.

10. Sweet Revenge - This has an incredibly catchy chorus, though the verse sections are rather disposable and are marred by a cheesy keyboard part. I LOOOOOOOOOVE the line that caps the chorus: "I've got some pretty wicked ways to get my sweet revenge."

11. Forgiveness - Love it. Maybe my favorite part of the song is the bridge _ "I forgive you/And the spell that you cast" _ which has intriguingly meandering chords that somehow lead back into the infectious verse guitar riff.

12. Givin' It Back - Pleasant enough, but kinda boring musically and lyrically.

[macfan 57]

Thanks for the review. :) I love that line in the chorus of "Sweet Revenge" too-"I've got some pretty wicked ways to get my sweet revenge."

I'm counting down the days till the CD arrives in my mailbox. :)

[jbrownsjr]

Great review thanks!

[Aisling]

thanks for the review!

hmmmm. . .i wonder how long it will take for my copy to get here. . .i feel like i'll be living one long, painful, day until it arrives. LOL

[jbrownsjr]

I'm hoping by thursday!

[Aisling]

I'm hoping by thursday!

actually i was thinking the same thing!! but i don't want to get my hopes up and then be disappointed.

[Janet]

I'm hoping to order this online. Someone I know just did it from LA and now I'm excited. I just have to wait to get some money!

What is the feel of the album. How does it compare to the 84 album * I really love that one*. I'm curious...

:)

[Gailh]

I've heard it through about 3 times now and as blinker12 says it needs a few listens.

It has a kind of jazzy bluesy feel to it and her voice is stronger than ever.

As said above Bad Journey does definately have a Bob Welch Bermuda Triangle feel to it.

The songs naturally enough deal with love - (lost or found) and Bad Journey, Liar and Forgiveness have betrayal as their theme.

I find it tougher than her last solo outing which was I think a bit tame.

I hope your copies arrive soon and you can see what you think.

Gail

[macmar71]

I can't wait to hear her latest. Sounds great from the review. Christine has a voice that I don't think has changed at all since her earlier albums. She has a strong powerful voice and hope she has great success with In The Meantime. :wavey:

[Gailh]

I'm hoping to order this online. Someone I know just did it from LA and now I'm excited. I just have to wait to get some money!

What is the feel of the album. How does it compare to the 84 album * I really love that one*. I'm curious...

:)

I personally think it's a lot better. It's a bit tougher and the production is totally different.

You have to listen to it a few times though but it's worth the effort.

Amazon.co.uk has got it at £8.99 (plus postage) which is a very good price - I paid £12.99 in Virgin records.

Gail

[MirrorInTheSky]

Wow...I haven't gotten the album yet, but I just checked out her website, and she looks smokin'!! Go Christine!

[jbrownsjr]

She does look good doesn't she!

[Bryan]

'In The Meantime' is a really great album.I was a little unsure at first having heard a few clips on the website but upon hearing the whole album i'm definitely satisfied with it.Highlights include
'Friend'-I REALLY like this track...single material if i do say so myself.
'You Are'-We all know this one..very Christine.
'Bad Journey'-I like that this track isn't 'Christine-ish' in it's sound..its different.
'Anything Is Possible'-I disagree with previous comments about this song.It's one of the best on the album--very infectious & catchy.
'Sweet Revenge'-A pretty mellow track despite it's title. Very breezy..i like this one.
I'm so glad Christine's back with a new album.Listening to it,you realise what's missing from the current line-up of Fleetwood Mac and from the 'Say You Will' album.

[Janet]

9 pounds is a good 18 dollars over here! I hope to find it cheaper ( even though any price is worth it) I spent my $$ on the FM DVD/CD set but in July I will get In the Meantime, even though I don't want to wait!!!!!!!

[Mari]

I like the lyrics, it's kind of "Christine McVie goes Warren Zevon" :D
"Like a gun in your back
Stab in the dark
This sure isn't cupid's dart"

[Carlene]

I just got my CD from amazon.uk today here at work and I'm listening right now... I think I'll have to agree that it will require a few more spins before a final verdict is reached...but so far, I'm liking it.

"Sweet Revenge" is quite catchy. But for me, the prize for the best lyrics are:

You could take me out, you could lay me down, but don't get serious, let's just play around... :eek: (Anything is Possible)

You go, girl! :D

[jbrownsjr]

I just got my CD from amazon.uk today here at work and I'm listening right now... I think I'll have to agree that it will require a few more spins before a final verdict is reached...but so far, I'm liking it.

"Sweet Revenge" is quite catchy. But for me, the prize for the best lyrics are:

You could take me out, you could lay me down, but don't get serious, let's just play around... :eek: (Anything is Possible)

You go, girl! :D


I think she's writing about being single again. LOL!

[tommer]

after the initial joy of hearing that ole' beautiful voice again (wow... i missed her more that i thought!) i'm off to my regular criticism.
i need to give it a few more listens, but what i'm already sure of, is that i'm a bit disappointed. i find ITM highly unadventurous and i hoped for more than that. i expected that being released from the balls and chains which are FM, WB, and their everlasting desire for commercial success, she might wanna try something different, but apparently i was a little wrong.
it's far from the 1984 fiasco, but it sure ain't no Legendary Christine Perfect either. there are quite a few songs there i'm already beginning to grow fond of, but then again, that same material would have been better served falling into lindsey's hands.
i agree that her voice is still as clear and beautiful as it ever was, and that it's sad how her keyboards are missing in action like that. overall i'm hoping to get more attached to this album in the future, but as for now it most certainly didn't sweep me off my feet the way SYW did.

[Gailh]

it's far from the 1984 fiasco, but it sure ain't no Legendary Christine Perfect either. there are quite a few songs there i'm already beginning to grow fond of,.

I agree that the 1984 album was on the tame side but IMO the Christine Perfect was (apart from I'd Rather Go Blind) as Christine herself said "so wimpy"

In the Meantime does take quite a few listens and then it does start to grow on you. You find yourself singing snatches of choruses and alarming your co-workers by singing "didn't you like my love song darling?" at inappropriate moments.

This is how Christine is. I find the album very honest.

I don't know what else you wanted her to do. I think she is vocally more expressive than she's ever been.

I agree that the keyboards aren't to the forefront but then no instrument dominates.

I think she's done herself proud. :)

I love it.

Gail

[tommer]

sadly the album didn't even make it to the uk chart. is there ANY promotion for it whatsoever?

[Aisling]

You find yourself singing snatches of choruses and alarming your co-workers by singing "didn't you like my love song darling?" at inappropriate moments.

HAHAHAHAHA!!! i'll have to watch myself on monday.

This is how Christine is. I find the album very honest.

i agree, the album is a very honest expression of the kind of person chris is, and the kind of musician she is.

and while i did find myself thinking a few times 'this would have sounded amazing if she had recorded it with FM,' i also thought the same thing when listening to SYW for the first, 'wow, this would have been THAT much better with christine'.

but for what it is, and what it was meant to be, chris did a great job and she certainly SHOULD be proud of herself. i know i'm proud of her!
-ailish

[golddustdragon]

sadly the album didn't even make it to the uk chart. is there ANY promotion for it whatsoever?

Heck, she's on an independent label so there's not going to be much huge promotion. And I don't think she cares about hits and such.

[macfan 57]

Heck, she's on an independent label so there's not going to be much huge promotion. And I don't think she cares about hits and such.

I agree. That Adventure Label is VERY tiny. They have very few artists signed to their label. And, I don't think she wants anything to do with any sort of major promotion either. She's a rich lady & she likes her privacy. I don't think she did this for the money or album sales. I think she did it for fun & for the satisfaction of doing it. Her motives & priorities are completely different from the rest of Fleetwood Mac now.

I think the album is terrific!!! I'm just thrilled that she decided to do this rather than stay retired. If this is the last thing that she does & this is the last Fleetwood Mac related album that I buy, then I'm happy with this.

[tommer]

look at it this way- at least the single seems to be quite a hit in Macedonia :cool:
see chart here (http://212.120.0.174/chart/hitp.asp)

[jbrownsjr]

I think there is a little of each. She's adventurous on Bad Journey and Anthing is Possible. And very classic in You Are and Friend.

So Sincere is beautiful and so is Calumny.

I think the production of this album is great. I have it on nice speakers and there are layers and layers of instruments.

Don't worry about critics, they blasted Say You Will in many many reviews calling Stevie everything from a squirell on crack, to a nasal witch. Critics are musicians that never made it!

[tommer]

Don't worry about critics, Critics are musicians that never made it!


calling this statement "cliche'" or "wrong" would be an understatement.

[macfan 57]

Well, at least Macedonia has good taste. :laugh:

In The Meantime did get up to #15 on the U.K. Indies Album chart.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/top40/indie.shtml

[jwd]

macfan 57:

I think she did it for fun & for the satisfaction of doing it. Her motives & priorities are completely different from the rest of Fleetwood Mac now.

And she did it for her fans! ;) :]

[Keith]

and sometimes I am.

I bought the "Live in Boston" dvd set when it was released, but because I didn't stop by and visit the Christine McVie Ledge board sooner, I was unaware that her new CD could be purchased via amazon.UK.. ok..uk.. so I downloaded the minute clips from Chris' website, and after a 12 minute listen, I placed an order at Amazon.UK for 10 pounds.. however much that is..

so, in a few days I should be receiving the new Christine McVie album.. I really like the minute clips, and I hope I don't wear them out waiting for the complete "In the Meantime."

She is sounding quite good, isn't she. :-)

[Gailh]

She is sounding quite good, isn't she. :-)

She is sounding great!

The one minute clips don't really do the songs justice.

I would say though that you need to listen to the album right through a few times and then it really grabs you.

Gail

[Keith]

(special thanks to Amazon.UK for dispatching quickly to the U.S.)

I’ve always felt that if an album has at least six songs that you really like, then it’s a keeper. "In the Meantime" has ten songs that I can easily put into that really like category. I am pleasantly surprised at how good, and how much I really love the new Christine McVie record. Her voice is strong and beautiful, like cool water. And she appropriately gives special thanks to all the musicians who played on her album in the credits. The music is amazing throughout the record. With each listen, I hear something new.

“Friend” is the upbeat, rock and roll opener, and feels like Fleetwood ”Bare Trees” Mac, while “You Are” would have complimented “Mirage” quite nicely. Two strong numbers, and a wonderful way to open the album. But after the one two, is this a Fleetwood Mac record? the album wisely softens and you realize you are listening to an amazing singer/songwriter named Christine McVie. You can sense the familiarity, but yet it sounds and feels so fresh.

“Northern Star” is probably the most gorgeous sounding song on the record, and my second favorite. This album does feature a lot of guitar, and it shines on “Northern Star.” The bluesy “Bad Journey” wraps around Chris’ silky voice ever so nicely. And “Anything is Possible” is irresistibly catchy.

My favorite track is “Calumny.” It was an initial mystery, as I didn’t know what the word meant (slanderous - how wicked, huh?) And what a gem.. the opening guitar strums, the beautiful melody, the sadness of the lyrics, and the gorgeous music. I love how her voice ends the song...”he just slips the noose, tight around my heart.. tight around my heart...tight around my heart” And her voice breaks my heart. So very good. I‘m getting chills just writing about it.

“So Sincere” is another favorite, with its meandering melody and haunting feel. ‘”Liar” may have cliched lyrics, but it definitely rocks. The beginning music of ‘Sweet Revenge” reminds me of Macy Gray, and I really like the feel of the song with it’s wicked lyrics, and the perfect abrupt ending.

“Forgiveness” rounds out my top 3, and may be edging out “Northern Star” as my second favorite track. “Forgiveness” gets better after each listen. I’m having a hard time describing the song, so buy the record and see for yourself how good it is. "Funny little white car with the broken lights."

Finally, I love how Chris’ ends the album with the pretty “Givin It Back.” I hope it’s not, but if this is Chris’ swan song, than she ended it on the right note - cool, calm, and collected. My heartfelt thanks to Christine for givin’ this beautiful music back to her fans. And in the words of a sage old song writer.. "Don't Stop."

“Well, I’m gonna go tell everyone
even the rising sun..
to go buy the new McVie record and make it go to number one..
where it belongs..”

[macfan 57]

Keith,
That was a great review! I agree that after hearing the first 2 tracks, you think this is a Fleetwood Mac record-"Friend" is from the 1970's & "You Are" is from the 1980's. And, I completely agree with you about "Calumny". That is also my favorite song(among many)on the album. When Chris goes into the chorus, it actually gives me chills. And, the guitar is perfect throughout the song, too. I would say it's one of the best songs she's ever written, except she didn't write it. I even think it's the best vocal from her that I've ever heard on any of her songs over 35 years. It's pretty much a perfect song, right up there with "Why" & "Songbird" in my opinion.

Don't be too sure that this is the last Christine McVie music we'll get from her. In one of those video clips on her website, she didn't close the door on any future music. She seemed to have a lot of fun making this album. I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear that she's writing songs again a few years down the road. :)

[Gailh]

[QUOTE=Keith
“Well, I’m gonna go tell everyone
even the rising sun..
to go buy the new McVie record and make it go to number one..
where it belongs..”[/QUOTE]


Classic!

Great review by the way.

Gail

[jwd]

Great review Keith!

I’ve always felt that if an album has at least six songs that you really like, then it’s a keeper. "In the Meantime" has ten songs that I can easily put into that really like category.

Just curious, which two don't you really like, and why?

“Forgiveness” gets better after each listen. I’m having a hard time describing the song, so buy the record and see for yourself how good it is. "Funny little white car with the broken lights."

Yea, I like it better with each listen too....it's a bluesy rock number, yet I think it has a more pop melody type chorus and I love the way it ends with the orchestration between the keyboards and drum cymbals. By the way those lyrics are from "So Sincere". :)


My heartfelt thanks to Christine for givin’ this beautiful music back to her fans. And in the words of a sage old song writer.. "Don't Stop."


Absolutely. I hope she never does. I don't care if she never tours. Just having songs like these I can enjoy forever is enough for me.

“Well, I’m gonna go tell everyone
even the rising sun..
to go buy the new McVie record and make it go to number one..
where it belongs..”


I sent my sister a copy for her birthday on the 13th of this month. I think she'll love it!


:wavey:

[Keith]

here in my flat. This record really gets better after each listen.

jwd, the two songs that I don't really like are Liar and Easy Come, Easy Go. I like Liar, mainly because it's a rocker, but I wouldn't have missed it if it was left off. Easy Come Easy Go would be the one track that I would describe as filler.. it just doesn't do much for me..it just seems to sit there.

I do know the lyrics "Funny little white car with the broken lights" are from So Sincere. When I was typing the review, I was listening to the album, and when I heard those words, I felt like typing them - i love the words. It just happened to be when I was describing my thoughts about "Forgiveness." And speaking of "So Sincere".. it's quickly becoming a favorite. What a great little tune.

a friend is dropping by for a beer or two, and he's gonna be treated to the new Christine McVie.. i think he'll like it..

[jbrownsjr]

great review keith

[jwd]

Keith:

the two songs that I don't really like are Liar and Easy Come, Easy Go. I like Liar, mainly because it's a rocker, but I wouldn't have missed it if it was left off. Easy Come Easy Go would be the one track that I would describe as filler.. it just doesn't do much for me..it just seems to sit there.

Yea, I agree. If I listed out my songs in order of preference, I think those two would be at the bottom of the list. If anything, they make the album seem more rounded out or varied by adding a few rocking numbers. I do like them though.

I do know the lyrics "Funny little white car with the broken lights" are from So Sincere. When I was typing the review, I was listening to the album, and when I heard those words, I felt like typing them - i love the words. It just happened to be when I was describing my thoughts about "Forgiveness." And speaking of "So Sincere".. it's quickly becoming a favorite. What a great little tune.


Oh ok. I love the words too. It seems befitting when describing something "quirky" about someone that either identifies them or attracts you to them, or both. As only a good songwriter can do! "So Sincere" quickly moved up my A-list.


a friend is dropping by for a beer or two, and he's gonna be treated to the new Christine McVie.. i think he'll like it..

Well?!


:wavey:

[macfan 57]

Here's a review of In The Meantime. The reviewer got it wrong about who most of the songs are about. But, he liked the album & gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

http://www.yorktwenty4seven.co.uk/york/whatson/YORK_WHATSON_CD_REVIEWS6.html

[blinker12]

Here's a review of In The Meantime. The reviewer got it wrong about who most of the songs are about. But, he liked the album & gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

http://www.yorktwenty4seven.co.uk/york/whatson/YORK_WHATSON_CD_REVIEWS6.html

Yeah, I don't know if it's about John, but I like the reviewer's analysis of how the songs' order fits logically with how a doomed relationship evolves...

[Gailh]

Yeah, I don't know if it's about John, but I like the reviewer's analysis of how the songs' order fits logically with how a doomed relationship evolves...

The songs are NOT about John. Neither are they about Dennis Wilson. Christine herself said on Radio 2 that "nobody knows this bloke, he's not famous"

So it's either Eddy Quintela or a post Eddy relationship that nobody knows about out.

My money's on Eddy

Gail

[macfan 57]

My money's on Eddy
Gail

I agree. :)