I love that song, but it would not have been a very good choice as a lead off single. It doesn't exactly reach out to the demographic that was buying FM records at the time. Was country music even that big in the early 80s? Regardless, I don't think FM would have been trying to lure them in. But I like your thinking here.

Wasn't that the longest single ever released or something along that line? It's amazing that it was a solid hit or that it even got the airplay that it did considering its' length. Shows the strength of FM at the time and "Sara" is a masterpiece!

I love the Tusk tour version too. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFOZTi0fE7o


Kevin

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I find it hard to believe that Warners picked "Tusk" as the lead off single. Especially knowing how fearful they were that when they heard Tusk, they weren't exactly hearing another Rumours. I'm thinking FM had the upper hand in the decision on what to release, given their huge success with Rumours. You don't want to tick off the band that was generating so much revenue for your company.

Really cool version. Very fun rendition of the song. Perfect concert song. Thanks for sharing that!

I love it too. Lindsey and Richard Dashut really went over the top throwing all kinds of little touches in the mix to further "countrify" Stevie's original demo almost to the point of parody. It definitely would not have played to the core FM demographic group but yes, in the early 80s alongside the New Wave, the country sound was also a big deal in the wake of John Travolta's starring role in the film Urban Cowboy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_Cowboy

I guess we have to clarify what the country sound was. Here is the soundtrack from Urban Cowboy:

Side A:

"Hello Texas" – Jimmy Buffett (2:33)
"All Night Long" – Joe Walsh (3:50)
"Times Like These" – Dan Fogelberg (3:02)
"Nine Tonight" – Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band (6:35)

Side B:

"Stand By Me" – Mickey Gilley (3:35)
"Cherokee Fiddle" – Johnny Lee (4:06)
"Could I Have This Dance" – Anne Murray (3:14)
"Lyin' Eyes" – Eagles (6:23)

Side C:

"Lookin' for Love" – Johnny Lee (3:41)
"Don't it Make You Want to Dance" – Bonnie Raitt (3:29)
"The Devil Went Down to Georgia" – Charlie Daniels Band (3:35)
"Here Comes the Hurt Again" – Mickey Gilley (2:41)
"Orange Blossom Special" / "Hoedown" – Gilley's "Urban Cowboy" Band (2:06)

Side D:

"Love the World Away" – Kenny Rogers (3:11)
"Falling in Love for the Night" – Charlie Daniels Band (3:00)
"Darlin'" – Bonnie Raitt (2:34)
"Look What You've Done to Me" – Boz Scaggs (5:39)
"Hearts Against the Wind" – Linda Ronstadt with J. D. Souther (2:58)


Not exactly your George Jones type of country music. More like the "country music" of today. On second thought, maybe this could have worked for FM releasing "That's Alright" as lead off single. :shrug: :laugh:

Exactly, we're not talking Hank Williams either. This was the country equivalent of pop rock. I remember reading an article that said Lindsey practically puked when a WB rep suggested Fleetwood Mac change their sound in that direction. I think this may have been much later though, sometime after The Dance reunion.

I love that man! It's a damn shame he's gone. At least in the FM world.

Couldn't agree with you more. A huge loss. :(

Great night to listen to this song! I voted 2/18/79! :woohoo: Every once in a while.......think about me!

I belive Irv Azoff produced that soundtrack.

Indeed, you are right.



Companies, etc.

Manufactured By – Elektra/Asylum/Nonesuch Records
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Asylum Records
Copyright (c) – Elektra/Asylum Records
Pressed By – Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Terre Haute
Mastered At – Capitol Studios

Credits

Art Direction – Johnny B. Lee*, Ron Coro
Compiled By [Album] – Becky Shargo, Howard Kaufman, Irving Azoff
Executive-Producer [Album] – Irving Azoff
Mastered By – Wally Traugott
Photography By [Cover, Poster] – Ted Grant
Photography By [Inside Gatefold] – Elliot Marks, Ron Phillips (3)