Mirage

DavidMn · #1 08-20-2005, 12:05 PM

Ok, everyone knoes this album was mainly recorded in France. The question I have is this; what was the main reason? I've heard it was becuse of Mick's tax issues he was having at the time. I've read some stuff about that in his book, but if anyone knows more, or if I'm wrong please let me know. And as long as I'm at it, I'll say this too; I'd love to know more about the recording of Mirage. I mean it kind of gets left behind in discussion for the most part when it comes to the albums the big 5 were on. As a matter of fact, I think it would be somewhat interesting to see somthing come out on the making of Mirage, although that will probably never happen. I mean, its the only album with Stevie, Lindsey, CHristine, John and Mick that wasnt recorded in the U.S for the most part. AM I cuckoo here?

David · #2 08-20-2005, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidMn

Ok, everyone knoes this album was mainly recorded in France. The question I have is this; what was the main reason? I've heard it was becuse of Mick's tax issues he was having at the time. I've read some stuff about that in his book, but if anyone knows more, or if I'm wrong please let me know. And as long as I'm at it, I'll say this too; I'd love to know more about the recording of Mirage. I mean it kind of gets left behind in discussion for the most part when it comes to the albums the big 5 were on. As a matter of fact, I think it would be somewhat interesting to see somthing come out on the making of Mirage, although that will probably never happen. I mean, its the only album with Stevie, Lindsey, CHristine, John and Mick that wasnt recorded in the U.S for the most part. AM I cuckoo here?

I think the majority of the album was recorded in the United States. Basic tracks were laid down in France, but the band went there in April 1981 & came home in May. The entire rest of the year, for the most part, was spent recording, mixing & mastering Mirage at Larrabee Sound & a few other studios.

In fact, there's a radio interview out there -- I forget which -- with Stevie, & she's doing the interview from Larrabee. The radio station must have caught her on one of the few days she actually showed up at the band's sessions. Ken Caillat, Mick & Lindsey have all said Stevie wasn't around much -- around 10 percent of the recording time, & most of that was the work in France. Lindsey estimated Stevie was available for the U.S. sessions for about ten or fifteen days total. That's out of seven or eight months. Lindsey & Christine & the engineers played around with vocal tricks on the board to get the effect of Stevie without her actual singing. For example, "Book of Love" backup vocals were made to sound like Stevie even though she didn't sing on it. (Stevie was, as everyone knows, busy promoting her solo album at this time.)

The only reason I've ever really heard about going to France was because the band wanted to intentially isolate itself from Los Angeles hullabaloo.

DavidMn · #3 08-20-2005, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

I think the majority of the album was recorded in the United States. Basic tracks were laid down in France, but the band went there in April 1981 & came home in May. The entire rest of the year, for the most part, was spent recording, mixing & mastering Mirage at Larrabee Sound & a few other studios.

In fact, there's a radio interview out there -- I forget which -- with Stevie, & she's doing the interview from Larrabee. The radio station must have caught her on one of the few days she actually showed up at the band's sessions. Ken Caillat, Mick & Lindsey have all said Stevie wasn't around much -- around 10 percent of the recording time, & most of that was the work in France. Lindsey estimated Stevie was available for the U.S. sessions for about ten or fifteen days total. That's out of seven or eight months. Lindsey & Christine & the engineers played around with vocal tricks on the board to get the effect of Stevie without her actual singing. For example, "Book of Love" backup vocals were made to sound like Stevie even though she didn't sing on it. (Stevie was, as everyone knows, busy promoting her solo album at this time.)

The only reason I've ever really heard about going to France was because the band wanted to intentially isolate itself from Los Angeles hullabaloo.

Well, I've certainly got somethings still to learn, that's for sure. Oh well, thank you for enlightening me.

tuigirl · #4 08-20-2005, 04:31 PM

Did I read that they used the same recording studios as Elton John did for his "Honky chateau" album....Chateau D'herouville? I think this is near Paris, I need to google and find out......Also wasn't there an interview from sometime then (maybe a mag) that suggested they had a miserable time esp with some of the food ..I have a feeling I heard about that from Mick...perhaps it's in his book.

macfan 57 · #5 08-21-2005, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuigirl

Did I read that they used the same recording studios as Elton John did for his "Honky chateau" album....Chateau D'herouville? I think this is near Paris, I need to google and find out......Also wasn't there an interview from sometime then (maybe a mag) that suggested they had a miserable time esp with some of the food ..I have a feeling I heard about that from Mick...perhaps it's in his book.

Yes, they used the same studio as Elton John did. In his Q & A, Ken Caillat mentioned that both Stevie & Lindsey complained about everything in France. I also have a Fleetwood Mac promo interview in which Stevie complained about the food, cold showers & just generally pretty much everything.

tynan88 · #6 08-21-2005, 06:33 AM

I read an article about Stevie in which she says she was haunted by a ghost in her bedroom in France..it was in a book in our school library so I haven't got it...can anyone else know what that is?

David · #7 08-21-2005, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tynan88

I read an article about Stevie in which she says she was haunted by a ghost in her bedroom in France..it was in a book in our school library so I haven't got it...can anyone else know what that is?

Timothy White's "Out There with Stevie Nicks," Rolling Stone cover story

It's in the Blue Letter Archives

HomerMcvie · #8 08-21-2005, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macfan 57

I also have a Fleetwood Mac promo interview in which Stevie complained about the food, cold showers & just generally pretty much everything.

I'm not surprised. I've told my story of a lady I know, who was responsible for taking care of Stevie's dressing room at one of her solo shows. She said Stevie complained about eveything, and was a total b***h. She said NOTHING pleased her. Of course, when I tell this story, the army comes at me with bayonets.

Taking cover now....

shackin'up · #9 08-21-2005, 06:35 PM

I know dutch Debbie was there outside that castle camping to get in touch with them.............

Sugar · #10 08-21-2005, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HomerMcvie

I'm not surprised. I've told my story of a lady I know, who was responsible for taking care of Stevie's dressing room at one of her solo shows. She said Stevie complained about eveything, and was a total b***h. She said NOTHING pleased her. Of course, when I tell this story, the army comes at me with bayonets.

Taking cover now....

What tour?

vermicious knid · #11 08-21-2005, 09:02 PM

I read that going to France was Mick solution to the problem of every band member's manager getting in the way of things. He made it be in France to get away from the managers. The individual managers having been introduced after Mick's role as band manager ended after the Tusk tour debacle.

HomerMcvie · #12 08-21-2005, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugar

What tour?

I'm not sure. I think the lady told me it was the late 80s.

DavidMn · #13 08-22-2005, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HomerMcvie

I'm not surprised. I've told my story of a lady I know, who was responsible for taking care of Stevie's dressing room at one of her solo shows. She said Stevie complained about eveything, and was a total b***h. She said NOTHING pleased her. Of course, when I tell this story, the army comes at me with bayonets.

Taking cover now....

Well, if the stories true, it doesnt really bother me, but I will say this, we can all have bad days, and maybe this person only took care of her for one show?

HomerMcvie · #14 08-22-2005, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidMn

Well, if the stories true, it doesnt really bother me, but I will say this, we can all have bad days, and maybe this person only took care of her for one show?

Yes, it was one show. She was with the promoter or venue.
The only time I'm a real bitch is if I'm overheating(no A/C, or lack of working A/C). So, let's say it was too hot, and forgive her.

DavidMn · #15 08-22-2005, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HomerMcvie

Yes, it was one show. She was with the promoter or venue.
The only time I'm a real bitch is if I'm overheating(no A/C, or lack of working A/C). So, let's say it was too hot, and forgive her.

good point. I wholeheartedly agree