Bowling Review of Christine Albums

[michelej1]

[David Bowling reviewed all of the FM albums for Blogcritics.org and now he is doing the solo albums. I thought he would start with Christine's first, but I suppose he skipped it because it was released before she became a member of FM. His reviews have been more than a little flawed, but I like the fact that he's undertaken this task and maybe ushered a few readers into the band's history]

http://blogcritics.org/music/article...ristine-mcvie/ Friday December 24, 2010 by David Bowling

Christine McVie is one of those artists I will follow anywhere. She has produced excellent music from her time with Chicken Shack, to her Christine Perfect solo album, to the blues of early Fleetwood Mac, to the masterpieces of the classic Fleetwood Mac pop lineup, and down to the present day.

During early 1984 she followed in the footsteps of her Fleetwood Mac bandmates, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, and Mick Fleetwood by releasing her own self-titled solo album.

She may not have received the glamour of the Buckingham-Nicks duo, but she was the heart and soul of Fleetwood Mac for over three decades. Her melodic voice and ability to write catchy songs were some of the foundations of their sound and commercial popularity.

Christine McVie explores pop, rock, and the blues, and while it may be a little inconsistent in places, it was still an enjoyable album.

She assembled a capable group of musicians to assist her. The basic band was guitarist Todd Sharp, bassist George Hawkins, and drummer Steve Ferrone. Sharp also co-wrote seven of the ten tracks. Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Winwood, Mick Fleetwood, and Eric Clapton all make appearances on various tracks.

The album produced two top forty hits. The biggest was “Got A Hold On Me” which reached number ten on the pop chart and number one on the adult contemporary chart in The United States. It was a pop/rocker that would have fit on many of the Fleetwood Mac albums of the era. The other hit was “Love Will Show Us How” which topped out at number 30 on the pop charts. McVie’s wonderful voice is always a pleasure and here it is at its best.

The album's best performance may be the song “Ask Anybody” which was co-written by Stevie Winwood. It is a dark and haunting tune that stays with you; plus it is a nice departure from her usual bubbly songs.

There are several other tracks of note. “One In A Million” has some nice shared vocal work by Stevie Winwood. Lindsey Buckingham is the lead guitarist on “The Smile I Live For,” which is always welcome. Clapton’s appearance on “The Challenge” could have been a little more up front but the track is fine.

It would be twenty years before she would release another solo album. Christine McVie is an album that plays to her strengths which is always welcome. It remains a comfortable listen over a quarter of a century after its release.



Read more: http://blogcritics.org/music/article...#ixzz196IeR4Hf

[jbrownsjr]

He likes the phrase "always welcome" lol

I like the review..

[michelej1]

Blogcritics.org David Bowling, January 11, 2011

http://blogcritics.org/music/article...-mcvie-in-the/

Christine McVie is living the quiet life of retirement far from the rock world of Fleetwood Mac. She was a member of The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame band for close to three decades. She interrupted her retirement in 2004 to release her first solo album in twenty years.

Her nephew, Dan Perfect, wrote or co-wrote nine of the twelve tracks, co-produced the album, provided the guitar work, and also contributed backing vocals. Also on hand were bassist George Haskins, drummer Steve Ferrone, percussionists Lenny Castro & Louis Conte, plus backing vocals by David Isaacs. Christine McVie provided all of the lead vocals, plays all types of keyboards, co-wrote ten tracks, and co-produced the affair.

In The Meantime was released September 7, 2004. It was disappointing commercially as it did not chart in The United States and only reached number 133 in the U.K. It deserved more success as it was a very consistent and creative pop/rock album that was both melodic and soothing. Her keyboards are up front on most of the tracks which enables the sound to be instantly recognizable to her fan base. Her voice also remains a strong instrument that has not been worn down by the passage of years.

Many of the lyrics move in a personal direction as she looks at life. This is particularly true with a number of the ballads that inhabit the release.

The albums first three songs establish the excellent pop nature of the release. “Friend,” “You Are,” and “Northern Star” are all smooth productions. Her voice soars on the first song and the third is a well performed ballad.

Some other highlights include “Anything is Possible,” which has a nice funky feel and “Givin’ It Back” which was co-written by former bandmate Billy Burnette. It is a guitar song which provides a good vehicle for another strong vocal. Songs such as “Bad Journey,” “Forgiveness,” and “Sweet Revenge” brings her life journey up to date.

In The Meantime may not have the well known songs of her past but the twelve tracks come together to create a cohesive listening experience.

It has been seven years since Christine McVie has released a solo album. It is unknown when she will come out of retirement again but hopefully it will be soon.


Read more: http://blogcritics.org/music/article...#ixzz1AtU2KdPO