The “New Album” thread
 

So I hear that the new Mac may record after this tour. I would welcome this but I really can’t see this happening. (For obviously reasons) I still think based on all of what has happened since January and timing etc.... This new band should have cut one or two new songs and and put it on the “Don’t Stop 50” album. This could have been done and should have been done to back Mick/Stevie’s words on the New Fleetwood Mac.

I definitely think there will be a new FM album. Stevie clearly wouldn't record with Lindsey, but she will without him. While I would have liked it if they could have put a new song or two on the compilation, I understand there wasn't enough time to. They needed to play on this tour together first, just like they did with Rick and Billy back in 1987.

I suspect some people on this board will be angry if FM does record another album. The fact is, Stevie never wanted to record with Lindsey again after Say You Will. She gave him an old song for the EP that she didn't even perform on their tour, and wouldn't even give him one song for the last album, which ended up being the Buck/Vie album. Stevie all but gave an interview saying she'd never record with Lindsey again. It's frustrating but for whatever reason, she just wouldn't do it. But now that Lindsey is out of FM, she will record with them again. She loves Mike and I think she enjoys Neil, and they will likely light a fire under her butt. I know this is hard for some people, but even the concert reviews are pointing out how much she's enjoying the new guys on the tour.

Yes. Mick is giving interviews saying that they plan to record a new studio album in the next year or two. And he's saying that he expects all four songwriters (Stevie, Christine, Neil, and Mike) to contribute songs. Stevie was against recording a new album because it meant that Lindsey would be the pilot of the project meaning he would be in complete control of how the album would sound and how long the project would take. Neil and Mike work in a much more spontaneous manner. The Heartbreakers and Crowded House used to record albums in weeks rather than many months like Lindsey used to do. It's a question of when, not if, the new lineup records a new studio album.

I'm sure they did perform Without You on the 2013 tour. Re the "angry" bit, I'm very split at the moment. I'm not a "Rumours five only" fan (as my many posts defending BTM will testify) but I hate the way LB's been treated of late.

It sounds awful to say this but it's a bit like when say your parents have split up (perhaps I shouldn't say this as I haven't been through that experience) and on the one hand you feel sorry for your mum but on the other you can't help thinking your dad's landed a really hot new partner and you get on really well..

I just think MF should have put his foot down with Stevie before BuckVie was recorded and said "If you don't like the heat, stay out of the kitchen."

But at the same time I'd rather have a Fleetwood Mac that brings out albums than one that won't darken a studio because one member gets cold feet round another. I'd love to hear a Neil/Chris co-write balanced out by a Mike rocker or two. Perhaps even a Finn/Campbell guitar workout. And we all know Mike brings out Stevie's creative streak.

Still think the following idea is wonderful:

1. Re-record some select pre-Lindsey songs perhaps with new arrangements. They've already been practicing these songs so they should be able to record these quickly.

2. Have each of the songwriting members bring 1-2 new songs to the table.

3. Invite someone like Rick Rubin or Mitchell Froom to produce the project.

4. Call the album something like: Lost and Found.

5. Consider recording the new album live on Facebook. Could be a great way to generate interest.

Sugar Mick is like a pom pom wearing FM fake band cheerleader. LMFAO HI MICK!

They are like sandpaper and an open wound in the studio. I suppose they have both finally split up as the Buckingham Nicks duo. Too fractious—they get on each other's nerves (and the two of them kind of get on our nerves).

But there are a couple of strange, strange incidents in the years between 2003 and today that make one think they've both been victims of their own ambivalence. In 2011 Stevie reached out to Lindsey (quite out of the blue) and asked for his help with Soldier's Angel on her album. He obliged. She praised his help in the press afterward. Also, he reached out to her to do some live songs for one of his concert videos, didn't he? She obliged, as well, and they made a good pairing at that point.

Any incidents like these in the last two or three years? Or was it wall-to-wall aggravation for both of them? I haven't been following them closely enough in recent years to know, but I think bad mojo was happening very recently to make this situation impossible to carry forward—and that Buckingham McVie album had something to do with it.

I'd wondered about that. I figured Chris and Stevie have two songs each that were only ever on live albums and they could be done in studio (much as I cringe at Sweet Girl). The one they MUST redo is Freedom, with both its writers in the group now. Maybe All Over Again given its current revival (but preferably with just Chris on the leads).

Other than that it should be about giving Neil and Mike room to be creative within the band.

The live recording online is an interesting idea. Neil did his last solo album pretty much like that. I was abroad and had to miss out.

I’d like a proper studio version of “Gold And Braid” and I think the Tim Finn/Richard Thompson song “Persuasion” would make a good Fleetwood Mac song.

ETA: I kind of think they should do their remake of “Black Magic Woman.” It’s just different enough that it could be justified.

I disagree, Persuasian is not a Mac-y song. I don't think even Neil would do this justice particularly. If you want to pick any Tim Finn songs to cover surely Fraction too much Friction is the one, at the very least it's extrembly topical.

Is is that Time again?
 

Sandpaper And An Open Wound should be the title of the new lineup's album.

Alternatives to consider.


Stevie Nick's Fleetwood Mac
Mr. Woundful
Then Pay Up
Crowdin House
Futile Blames
Bare Hypocrises
Misery To Me
Replacements Are Hard To Find
Busk
Mélange
Tango In The Court
Greatest Hurts
Behind The Farce
Time Pt. II

Have you heard the Richard & Teddy Thompson version?

I think you have to put talk of a new album into perspective. Of course they are saying it and need to say it to promote the idea the new members are not tour replacements. Just remember the Mac also said they were going to make lots of albums with Rick and Billy and they were much younger then.
Lots of talk. Lindsey even stated there was most likely another Buck/Vie album last year. Yeah, right! It was never going to happen but now its certain not to happen.

I can see it now. The Fleetwood Mac 2022 tour sponsored by Depends
Chris can barely play now if she is playing at all. The last song of the tour she needs to sit in a chair. I get it, she stood all night and is doing fantastic for her age. She could be a great grandma. But I just don't see them touring again.

I think Christine would love to record again with FM, and we all know John and Mick would, too. I'm pretty sure Mike and Neil would, too. That leaves Stevie, and one of the main reasons she didn't record with FM before is no longer there, so I think she would, too.

People have been saying Christine is playing keyboards on this tour. We've all made a lot of assumptions why she wasn't playing much on the Buck/Vie tour, so I'm not going to bother speculating what's changed now, I'm just glad she's able to.

As far as touring goes, how's this for their tour slogan: "Would you see FM without Lindsey Buckingham? DEPENDS!"

At least they managed one album with Billy & Rick. I don't think they could have foreseen Rick getting fed up or the whole feud over Silver Springs or the sudden (I think) death of Chris's father which pushed things in the direction they went.

Lindsey and Chris both told Uncut (or somesuch magazine) that although a second BuckVie album would be fun it wasn't an immediate priority for either of them. Sadly I have to agree that short of either Mick or John croaking it or going into a care home and F Mac finallly being declared defunct and Chris freed from the corporate "Don't talk to Lindsey" rule, it's about as likely as Yoko Ono kissing Mark Chapman.

Can someone please point me to the latest article that talks about them recording a new album? I find this very unlikely to happen, and an even sadder ending to all this drama if it does.

It's all speculation. That's why the OP put "new album" in quotations.

Why do you find it unlikely? Stevie was never going to record with Lindsey again- she was given the opportunity to contribute to their album and she didn't, which was why it became Buckingham McVie rather than FM. Now Lindsey is gone.

I can see some Lindsey fans are going to be furious if FM releases a new album. Lindsey has already said he's planning to release an album next year. It's a win-win for me, 2 albums by 2 great acts.

Here is the article that discusses new music from the new lineup.

https://www.theoaklandpress.com/ente...8e63c3017.html

Thanks for posting the link. I read an article like this that contains the standard calculating responses by Mick and I honestly feel sick to my stomach. I know there are many of you who are happy or at least willing to go along with this new lineup but I just don’t get it. I’m really trying to see your point of view, but how can you as fans support this? They tossed there creative leader out like he was garbage and now we are all supposed to just go along with a band playing covers and pay $300? I just can’t stand by silently seeing how wronged Lindsey Buckingham was here knowing how much of his life he devoted to this band. How can you guys as long time fans?

I would be surprised if there was new music by this group. Watch Campbell’s instagram account. He pushes the Dirty Knobs in every other video. Don’t think he is in this for the long haul, I could be wrong.

I feel the exact same way you do wilsonmac.

I feel the exact same way you do wilsonmac.

I feel the exact same way you do wilsonmac.

I object to this album! I will NOT buy it! No, I say! :mad:

I have indeed....and I don't like it

If you HAVE to have someone cover that song, I prefer Stellar's version with a female vocal, compared to the Thompson version despite him being a co-writer

If they WERE to record a new album, I would love to imagine the web of nonsense Stevie would spin about why they did it. "We just all felt so inspired by the new band blah blah blah" Fact is, reporters (since she and her team set conditions for interviews, or request the tapes/transcripts so they can edit out what they don't like) will likely not be allowed to bring out her past statements about how she doesn't record because people don't buy albums blah blah and ask her to explain what's changed. You can't question the queen.

I would respect her more if, should they do a new album, she actually cuts the bulls*t and says "I didn't want to record with Lindsey".

Her saying this may in some way be impacted however by the lawsuit and its outcome.

I guess it's just perspective. Being a teenager when Lindsey left in 1987, I was devastated, freaked out, depressed, you name it, but I didn't hate or begrudge Lindsey for leaving the band. When FM added Billy and Rick for the tour, I skipped the tour, because I felt it wasn't really FM. Then I read all the reviews, and then later I bought their Greatest Hits and fell in love with As Long As You Follow, which gave me hope that a new album by FM would be worth checking out. And when Save Me came out, I was hooked again, just like when I heard Big Love for the first time on the radio. So for me, there was life for FM after Lindsey left. But, I didn't feel the same way when Time came out. However, I didn't hate or begrudge FM for recording Time without Lindsey, Stevie, or Rick. And I didn't hate or begrudge Lindsey when he vetoed letting Christine record songs with them for Say You Will. Likewise, I don't hate or begrudge FM for firing Lindsey. Nor do I hate or begrudge Lindsey for suing FM. And just like I gave FM a chance when Lindsey left, and then when Stevie and Rick left, and then when Dave Mason and Bekka joined, and then when Christine left, I'm going to give them a chance now with Lindsey gone and Neil and Mike on board.

Wilsonmac, I don't expect you to change your mind based on my response, but I hope you CAN see how I, as a fan, could support this latest incarnation of FM.

I felt the exact same way when Lindsey completely denied to an interviewer that the Buck/Vie album was NEVER meant to be a Fleetwood Mac album. His agent even interrupted and told the interviewer to move on from the subject or the interview was over. Pretty much exactly what you say you know would happen in an interview with Stevie already happened with Lindsey- all of them will lie, for whatever reason. If you think setting perimeters in an interview makes Stevie the queen, then I guess that makes Lindsey the king.

This!!! Well, except for Time. That was when Stevie was at her worst, thanks to Klonopin, so I was happy Bekka was there. And Dave Mason seemed like a step up, at least in terms of name recognition. Plus, I was also a big Delaney & Bonnie fan. I wish they had done a proper tour for the album.

I really wanted to like Time but I just couldn't get into it. I had the same problem with In the Meantime by Christine. I gave it a real chance but again, I just couldn't get into it. I know both albums have their fans, though. I have a concert video with Belinda Carlisle, and Bekka is featured prominently as a backup singer. Might be worth checking out, depending on how much of a fan you are of Bekka (or Belinda Carlisle).

My brother saw the Time incarnation of FM live and he said it was a good concert and specifically mentioned a song by Bekka as a highlight, though I have no idea what the name of it was.

What a joke. Last year with BuckVie was the ONLY time they should have recorded an album. Chris' voice has deteriorated by A LOT in the last 3 years and is nearing 80!!!!! A fog horn has more range then Stevie does now.

Although many of you won’t believe this, I completely get why many of you won’t buy into the new lineup without Lindsey. For me, though, I do.

I do because I don’t see Lindsey as the sole creative leader of the band. I see him as a very talented man who produced and arranged their songs for years. However, he didn’t write most of their best songs.

To me, its sort of like when a band moves on from a long time producer. Like U2 have done several times in their run.

I resonate mostly with the Christine and Stevie songs so it’s not the change to me it is for others who resonate more with the Lindsey songs.

I also am more cynical to believe that Lindsey is a pure victim here I am very confident that the blame lies fairly equally on both sides and it’s more of an equitable parting of the ways Han you may think.

Lastly, I believe the band needed a jolt of creative energy and was stagnating for years and Neil and Mike can offer that jolt. Neil has written and recorded something like five albums in the last six years and is a creative force who works very well with others.

Mike is similar in his creative energy and brings the musical chops necessary to bring those Finn and Christine melodies and Stevie angst to life.

For these reasons, I’m excited about the new lineup. It’s not that I don’t respect Lindsey as an artist. I adore Lindsey as an artist.

I just think it’s best to focus on the blessings we have rather than what we don’t have.

“Dreamin’ The Dream,” which had me choked up when I saw it. I didn’t know the song, since it hadn’t been released, but there were fireworks going off and it made for a really beautiful moment.

Suffice to say that one mouse's blessing is another fan's curse!

I feel sorry for you in advance because once this tour dies it will be your turn to feel Stevie's curse--endless postponement of FM projects in favor of her solo or Heartbreaker or acting pursuits, and none of the above involving any new material.

It doesn't matter how many electric cattle prods Neil has brought over from NZ to "reinvigorate" and "energize" the situation; this project is dead in the water.

And if Lindsey's complaint is mentioning the relatively poor sales or critical reception of the FM albums released during his absence, they may think twice before rushing out another hodgepodge release that ends up corroborating his assertions.

I'm not sure how anyone that has been paying attention can possibly believe what Mick has to say .

Yes to all of this.

Its worth also mentioning Stevie will most likely be inducted into the R&R HOF as a solo artist soon. She's going to be dying to show the world what she's all about. If she's inducted she'll be desperate for the end of this tour so she can do her solo thing and milk all the additional interest that comes her way. She'll want to cement her legacy as a solo artist.
I feel for Neil and Mike- though they are obviously party to the inner working of the band I feel us fans are more knowing than them in some ways.

I absolutely agree...if Stevie records a full new album with the Mac after this tour, I'll eat my shorts

Not sure I can wrap my head around why anyone would think new music could be a sad thing, but that's ok I guess. We are all entitled to our opinions.

Memory Lane. I was 22, I guess. I wasn't devastated or depressed (like the suicides following the Beatles breakup?). But I was a little freaked out—surprised because, although I knew that there was trouble in Mac-Land, as I've written in other threads, I didn't think the trouble would climax with anyone literally leaving. That part seemed slightly unreal to someone who hadn't yet firsthand experienced anyone leaving from Mac. Guys we know like Steve Denison, who experienced several band departures firsthand, probably thought, "Oh, boy, another one down."

That's sort of an odd response, I think. It's like standing on principle when principle is irrelevant. What's relevant to seeing a concert is whether there's anyone or anything onstage you want to see. In that case, four of the five Rumours people are still there, playing and singing. Didn't you want to see them? Even if you no longer considered the band Fleetwood Mac, how is seeing the concert any different from seeing Stevie play live with Todd Rundgren or Kenny Loggins or Walter Egan or Bob Welch or any of the other guys she cameo'd with? You should have gone to the concert and just imagined you were seeing Stevie and Christine cameo onstage with some anonymous group.

Aside from Rick and Billy looking and sounding sort of swallowed up when they were playing big Mac hits in 1987, I think I began to worry about the future after hearing As Long as You Follow and No Questions Asked in 1988. They were both sludgy and pudgy to my ears, which were more attuned to the previous era's crystalline mixes. The new tracks sounded like bland pop songs that had inexplicably been mixed for a heavy metal album on vinyl. So I began to worry that the guy with the great ear was out of the picture quite noticeably.

Nothing on Behind the Mask hooked me, but I did have fun singing along to most of the songs, especially the Christine songs Skies the Limit, When the Sun Goes Down, and Do You Know. Stevie's vocal style post-drughead held no appeal, but I liked it when she wore a beret and long earrings and tossed her head like a Beverly Hills cookie.

For me, there was life in the sense that there were some good ideas: Rick's quietly mourning I Loved Another Woman in concert, for one—made me want to hear an entire Fleetwood Mac concert of slow, minor-key blues from that configuration. And I thought everyone in the band was airbrushed beautifully in photos on the album and in the press. Bunch of handsome people!

YouTube and Spotify are terrific ways to allow one to give a new band a chance. I've been watching some of the live videos on YouTube. Sometimes I like what I see and other times I can't believe how zorch it is. I'm getting as strong a sense of Neil and Mike being swallowed up in the glamour of the Rumours catalog the way that I felt Rick and Billy were, and feel strongly that they're going to need to record something new with Fleetwood to put themselves across distinctly. (But they're still light years ahead of where Dave Mason was onstage in 1994.)

So bring on the new music, kids, and let's hear what ya got! My Spotify is ready.

except-- he and the rest (Mick, Chris) were forced to backtrack about it being a FM album because if they did so it would incite the ire of Stevie "they're out there badmouthing me and making me the bad guy" (even if true). If she's mad about a smirk, imagine how mad she'd be at being portrayed as the hindrance she actually was re; that album.

In other words, they weren't lying to aggrandize themselves, or to disguise their diva-ness, they were kowtowing to her. She, on the other hand, was making sh*t up to cover her own refusal to work. BIG difference.

Maybe. I could also just as likely see Mike pushing an album and playing the Heartbreakers card to get Stevie on board.