Break down of Mystery to Me

[GateandGarden]

I couldn't find a thread for this, and it appears that someone else always starts these things (obviously, seeing how I'm new) but I LOVE this CD, so I really wanted to start this thread.

Beyond Amazing: "Why," "Hypnotized"

Amazing: "Keep On Going," "Miles Away," "Believe Me," "Forever,"

Quite Good: "Emerald Eyes," "Just Crazy Love," "Somebody"

Good: "The Way I Feel," "The City"

Still a Mystery to Me: "For Your Love" (Just don't like this cover).

Hillary

[strandinthewind]

I couldn't find a thread for this, and it appears that someone else always starts these things (obviously, seeing how I'm new) but I LOVE this CD, so I really wanted to start this thread.

Beyond Amazing: "Why," "Hypnotized"

Amazing: "Keep On Going," "Miles Away," "Believe Me," "Forever,"

Quite Good: "Emerald Eyes," "Just Crazy Love," "Somebody"

Good: "The Way I Feel," "The City"

Still a Mystery to Me: "For Your Love" (Just don't like this cover).

Hillary

Ditto - only I'd move Emeral Eyes and Miles Away up a notch each!!!

[wondergirl9847]

Flawless: Why, Hypnotized

Great stuff: Just Crazy Love, Keep On Going, Miles Away, Believe Me, Emerald Eyes

Good: Somebody, Forever, Miles Away, For Your Love

Just no: The City

[chiliD]

BEYOND AMAZING: everything except...
SIMPLY AMAZING: The Way That I Feel, Somebody

[ThePenguin]

Amazing: Why, Believe Me
Great: Keep On Going, Hypnotized, Just Crazy Love, Miles Away
Very Good: The Way I Feel, For Your Love, Emerald Eyes, Forever
So-So: The City, Somebody

I was just watching my video of the 1973 band doing 'Miles Away' and 'Believe Me' the other night. Gosh did they kick *ss. Bob Weston was quite a hottie LOL. And John was pretty darn hot himself w/ his sexy cap on. To be honest they all looked great in that performance, except for Mick, who was sort of repulsing me the way he kept sticking his tongue out all over the place....sort of gross.

-Lis

[ShamHy89]

Awesomely Euphonious: Everything except perhaps,
Amazing: The City, The Way I Feel

Shamus :)

[ontheEdgeof17]

Love: Why, Believe Me, Emerald Eyes, Hypnotized, Just Crazy Love, The Way That I Feel

Like: Keep on Going, Miles Away


Not So Much: The City, Somebody, Forever


-Curt

[HomerMcvie]

I love them ALL. It is absolutely my favorite album(I JUST finished listening to it before seeing this thread!). Oddly, I find it summer music(if that makes any sense). I love listening to it at the pool. It just seems to go with beautiful weather.
This album should've been their BIG breakout album. I love it alot more than Rumours.
Why, Hypnotized, and Emerald Eyes would have to be my top three songs. The rest are amazing, too.

[Hippocampus]

Simply The Best: Keep On Going, Hypnotized, Why

Great: Just Crazy Love, Forever, Miles Away, For Your Love

Good: Emerald Eyes, Believe Me, Somebody

Ok: The City, The Way I Feel

[macfan 57]

A gift from God: Why(one of the best songs ever written by anyone)

Amazing: Emerald Eyes, Believe Me, Hypnotized, The Way I Feel

Great: Just Crazy Love, Forever, Keep On Going, The City, For Your Love

Good: Miles Away, Somebody

This is the best Fleetwood Mac album. It puts all the others to shame, in my opinion.

[HomerMcvie]

This is the best Fleetwood Mac album. It puts all the others to shame, in my opinion.
Agreed 100%.
The shame is that this lineup exploded. What might've been.......

[GateandGarden]

Oddly, I find it summer music(if that makes any sense). I love listening to it at the pool. It just seems to go with beautiful weather.
This album should've been their BIG breakout album.I totally agree. It just sounds like summer. I got it in June, so it has been my album of the summer. And I just don't know why it wasn't their big breakout album. I love
Rumours, but this one seems to mesh better.

Agreed 100%.
The shame is that this lineup exploded. What might've been.......I wish all of them could record together, with Stevie, Bob, Christine, and Lindsey on vocals! I bet that would be an incredible album! They could do another double album like Tusk so all the songwriters could get a good bit of their stuff in! :blob2: :blob1:

Hillary

[Hawkeye]

Beyond Amazing: Hypnotized, Keep On Going, Why, For Your Love

Amazing: Miles Away, Believe Me, Somebody, The Way I Feel

Very Good: Just Crazy Love

Good: Emarald Eyes, The City

Bad: Forever

[xdreamsunwindx]

Amazing - Believe Me
Awesome - Why, Hypnotized, Keep on Going, Emerald Eyes
Good - The Way I Feel, Forever, The City
Okay - Miles Away, For Your Love, Somebody
Ew - Just Crazy Love

-Kate

[Cristian]

I think this has to be their best album, maybe along with Rumours. At least it's one of my favorites, solid, really solid pop/soft rock. So...

Beyond the boundaries of perfection: Why

A gift from the Gods: Emerald Eyes, Hypnotized, The Way I Feel, Just Crazy Love, Keep On Going, Believe Me, Forever

Truly fantastic songs: Somebody, Miles Away, The City

Really good: For Your Love

[SteveMacD]

AMAZING: Emerald Eyes, Believe Me, Hypnotized, Keep On Going, Miles Away, For Your Love, Why
GOOD: Somebody, Just Crazy Love
COULD LIVE WITHOUT: Forever, The Way I Feel
GREAT MUSIC, CRAPPY LYRICS: The City

[macmar71]

The Best~~ Why, Hypnotized, Believe Me, Emerald Eyes, Just Crazy Love




Fair~~~ For Your Love, Keep On Going, Miles Away, The Way I Feel, Somebody, Forever





Not My Cup Of Tea~~ The City

[jbrownsjr]

AMAZING: Emerald Eyes, Believe Me, Hypnotized, Keep On Going, Miles Away, For Your Love, Why
EXCELLENT: Somebody, Just Crazy Love, The City(agree that the lyrics are average)
SOLID: Forever, The Way I Feel

This is a solid album, and I think it's reaches amazing heights. Most people say Christine shined during Tango, but I think she shined her too. Bob Welch was just as solid.

Emerald Eyes have jazz harmonies that really please my ear. AAAhhh I love those harmonies and that drum kick!

[stefan]

I create 5 categories for this jewel of an album:

1. These songs are among the best the band-community ever did- I am thrilled listening to: Hypnotized, Forever, Miles away, Keep on going, Emerald eyes (A+)

2. Believe me ledgies - these ones are great: Believe me, Just crazy love, The city, Why (B)

3. I'm not somebody who totally loves: Somebody (C)

4. I`m not feeling too excited listening to: The way I feel (C-)

5. I want to be Miles away when this song starts to play: For your love (D)

Stefan :wavey:

[Mari]

Seriously addicted to: Believe Me, Why, Hypnotized, Keep on Going, Just Crazy Love, The Way I Feel

.. and the rest is great too

:woohoo:

I can't get enough of "Believe Me" since I heard the Rumours Rehearsals versions of it, those are just brilliant.

[Claudia]

Amazing - Why, Hypnotized, Keep On Going, Believe Me, Emerald Eyes, The Way I Feel

Very Good - Miles Away, Forever, Somebody

Good - Just Crazy Love, The City, For Your Love

[snoot]

Gotta love digging up some of these older threads ... :p

Simply The Best: Bob Welch shines with 14 karat gold! :thumbsup:

Great: Hypnotized, Keep On Going, Miles Away, Why, Emerald Eyes, Believe Me, The Way I Feel, Somebody

Good: The City, Forever, For Your Love

Ok: Just Crazy Love

All around * CLASSIC * middle era Mac

Of Note:
- Bob Welch + Bob Weston guitar interplay, and Weston's knockout arrangement of Christie's Why
- Christie's first huge album splash with the Mac, and her dynamite delivery on Welch's Keep On Going :angel: - great strings too!
- Mick and John's rhythmic muscle
- For Your Love (the old Yardbird's cover) replaced Welch's Good Things (Come To Those Who Wait) on the album just before official release (too bad too)

[aleuzzi]

I enjoy this record a lot. When I first heard it (back in 1982) I remember comparing it to Penguin and Heroes (which I already owned). I recall thinking some of the raw spark from Penguin was missing but none of the studio murkiness from Heroes was there. In all, I thought it was good: not great.

As I got older, I returned to the record and thought quite differently. At least half of the album is excellent. The rest is good--not exceptional. To my ears, only "For Your Love" and "The City" are genuine duds.

Here's my breakdown:

Excellent: Emerald Eyes, Believe Me, Hypnotized, Keep on Going, Miles Away, and Why

Good: Just Crazy Love, Forever, Somebody, and The Way I Feel

My favorite moments of the record are when Christine backs Bob Welch vocally on his tunes. "Hypnotized" is a classic in large part BECAUSE of her presence on that song. Her harmonies on "Emerald Eyes" are amazing. Her lead vocal on his "Keep on Going" is a revelation.

[nicepace]

Her lead vocal on his "Keep on Going" is a revelation.

Revelation? I thought that was on 'Penguin.'

(ducks)

[snoot]

Revelation? I thought that was on 'Penguin.'

(ducks)

Ducks? Don't you mean Penguins?

(ducks)

[snoot]

aleuzzi: To my ears, only "For Your Love" and "The City" are genuine duds.

The City?? :eek: With those great guitar licks, and novel talk box guitar, all circa 1973? Move over Peter Frampton, Welch and Weston rip! Then there's the put down of NYC. That should count for extra points!

aleuzzi: My favorite moments of the record are when Christine backs Bob Welch vocally on his tunes. "Hypnotized" is a classic in large part BECAUSE of her presence on that song. Her harmonies on "Emerald Eyes" are amazing. Her lead vocal on his "Keep on Going" is a revelation..

We can thank one Mr. Kirwan for introducing harmony to Fleetwood Mac. Christy did it additional justice, working so well with the guys in the band right to the very end, to include Bob Welch.

Keep On Going is one of the few times you'll see a Mac song composed by one but handed over to another for vocal treatment. Bob tried his voice at it initially, felt it didn't hit the intended mark, and asked Christie to give it a go. Instant magic!

[chriskisn]

Actually I can't separate the songs on this album, they are all great. I just love the Bob Welch stuff from this album, Penguin and Heroes. I think he really started doing great stuff once Danny had gone.

I bought this album (along with Penguin and HAHTF) from a second hand shop many years ago and played them until my parents were sick of hearing them! Maybe thats why they wanted me out of home? ;)

[aleuzzi]

aleuzzi: [I]
We can thank one Mr. Kirwan for introducing harmony to Fleetwood Mac. Christy did it additional justice, working so well with the guys in the band right to the very end, to include Bob Welch.


This may be true, but Bob Welch's experience with soul music in the 60s definitely helped him shape vocal arrangements. You can hear interesting harmonies on "Lay it All Down," "Future Games," "The Ghost," and of course "Sentimental Lady"--and none of these appear to have been shaped or guided by Kirwan's hand. In fact, the presence of harmonies increases once Kirwan leaves.

[michelej1]

I liked Christine's cyberchat when she observed, "The nature of the beast, singing with them in 3 part harmonies, along with Stevie and Lindsey, created some chemical reaction that, even to this day, I don't know what it really is. With Bob Welch, there was not as much chemistry. It was harder work. Not that the sound was not as good, but just a different sensation altogether."

I've also seen her discuss how in the earlier days singing with another person would throw her off key, but then it began to feel natural SnL.

Michele

[snoot]

This may be true, but Bob Welch's experience with soul music in the 60s definitely helped him shape vocal arrangements. You can hear interesting harmonies on "Lay it All Down," "Future Games," "The Ghost," and of course "Sentimental Lady"--and none of these appear to have been shaped or guided by Kirwan's hand. In fact, the presence of harmonies increases once Kirwan leaves.

My only point was that Danny introduced that element to the band, as further proof of his impact on Mac history (and not that he was the ringleader in each instance of it). The others in the front line all added substantially, that goes without saying. Bob was a master of it, like you said, having that expansive and unique rock & soul & funk background to tap from. Not sure if it really increases after Kirwan's departure, considering the Kiln House example from early on, but it certainly didn't decrease!

Christine always found it harder to work directly with Danny, so that may attribute to the seeming tailing off you're perceiving (she was also not as sure of herself, or her place, as she was later). We have to remember, Kirwan came to FM for Peter, and not Christie or Jeremy - or to front the unit! His only true failing in the group was not being able to go front and center with confidence, shades of Green and Spencer before him. Varying degrees of insecurity got to them all, much of it drug or substance fueled. Kirwan was also innately shy and reserved (except with the guitar), which didn't help -- nor did the abrupt departure of his mentor Green.

Danny also kept the great instrumental card on the table after Peter left. Welch and Weston kept it alive during their tenures, but I'm drawing a blank as to whether Buckingham added much to it, or at all. I remember Stephanie from B&N, but surely there was more. Someone set me straight!

The Mac kind of lost me somewhere around Tusk city (and beyond). Not fully mind you, they still turned out some pleasant (and at times inspired) stuff, just as a willing accomplice.

[michelej1]

Welch and Weston kept it alive during their tenures, but I'm drawing a blank as to whether Buckingham added much to it, or at all. I remember Stephanie from B&N, but surely there was more. Someone set me straight!


Well, not much, but I guess Teen Beat.

Michele

[snoot]

Well, not much, but I guess Teen Beat.

Michele

Ah we're making progress. Michele to the rescue! :thumbsup:

Good to know there is something left of the tradition right into the B&N era. I also like your Christy quote from earlier. Says a lot, and directly from the source!

[snoot]

Oh no, I see it never made it onto an original release! That appears to mean the great instrumental bonus track went down with Welch. Noooooooooooo. :sorry:

Lindsey, for gawd's sake, do something about this before it's too late!
(wonder if he ever stops in here for pointers). :rolleyes:

[doodyhead]

It took me a couple of days to have time to focus on this Album
This is my take:
Well I will send in next transmission

back in a momentEmerld Eyes: pop song Bad choice for first cut. Probably what made it get few listens when it was released\

Believe Me soft rock, nice no substance

Just crazy Love nice song with no guitar solo when band finally gets groove

Hypnotized: best song on Album, should have been First cut topical reference to Scientology, Budism, Carlos Castenada, which begs the question of if Bob was taken in by any or all of above.

Forever, pseudo Rasta beat breaks into nice groove and back. Aimless

Keep on Going, Take off on Masquerade by George Benson. Without groove of Bensons tune

The City. Take off on Don Nix’s Going Down, a lot of riffing but no gut when it counted at the end

Miles Away, Messrs McVie and Fleetwood do a solid on this and band grooves, second good song throughout. Brings back another reference to Carlos Casteneda.. Might Welch have been hypnotized.


Somebody: This song appears to be a screed aimed at Peter Green. Awhile back I read on Welch’s website his encounters with Green. I sense animosity turned into contempt. Song is not memorable in any event.

The way I Feel. Another pop song

For Your Love not a straight cover, song can’t make up its mind. So so

Why: third good song, starts off with a nice slide part. A cross between Showbiz Blues and Ry Cooder’s rendition of Vigilante Man. Then the song shfts to Christine showing her possibilities.

[chiliD]

Take off on Masquerade by George Benson. Without groove of Bensons tune

Ummm...Leon Russell wrote "This Masquerade", not Benson.

[doodyhead]

Ummm...Leon Russell wrote "This Masquerade", not Benson.

you are right, but I was thinking of Bensons version.

I could have said Freddie King's Going Down....still the best by anyone.

[sharksfan2000]

you are right, but I was thinking of Bensons version.

I could have said Freddie King's Going Down....still the best by anyone.
Agree about Freddie King's version of "Going Down" - and another Leon Russell connection there, of course.

[snoot]

It took me a couple of days to have time to focus on this Album
This is my take:

Oh boo hoo to pop. Vinnie, you and your pop aversions! Well at least I'll give you credit for sitting down and spinning 'er up. Must have been like going to the dentist though. At least you see a few shining flourishes! Emerald Eyes was hardly a bad choice for first cut, and MTM got plenty of listens by the Mac devoted when it was released -- where were you back then? Oh yeah, lost in the blues. Hypnotized was too good a song to open the disc with. You kinda build up to a climax, ya know?

The City, a lot of riffing but no gut when it counted at the end

Well then enjoy the early talk box guitar novelty. That riffing is great, only a blues fanatic couldn't appreciate it.

"Animosity bordering on contempt"? Welch has and holds nothing against Green! He always points to Peter's brilliant guitar takes (though he does state Kirwan pretty much matched it - could that be the issue here?). Kindly want to furnish a few quotes to back up yer accusation? Inquiring minds would love to see them. :D

Your read of Why is good though. That slide is Bob Weston, who also arranged the song (later converted to strings nearly note for note, sans Weston credit). Great CM composition for sure.

Keep on Going, Take off on Masquerade by George Benson. Without groove of Bensons tune.

Uh, hate to ring your bell big boy, but how can that be a rip-off of Benson's Masquerade when it was recorded + released 3 years prior? Maybe Benson was ripping off Welch, eh! Groove-wise, Masquerade burns no brighter imo.

So 3/12 = 1/4 good. :eek: I'll say it again, getouttahere!

[doodyhead]

where were you back then? Oh yeah, lost in the blues. Hypnotized was too good a song to open the disc with. You kinda build up to a climax, ya know?

The City, a lot of riffing but no gut when it counted at the end

Well then enjoy the early talk box guitar novelty. That riffing is great, only a blues fanatic couldn't appreciate it.

"Animosity bordering on contempt"? Welch has and holds nothing against Green! He always points to Peter's brilliant guitar takes (though he does state Kirwan pretty much matched it - could that be the issue here?). Kindly want to furnish a few quotes to back up yer accusation? Inquiring minds would love to see them. :D

Your read of Why is good though. That slide is Bob Weston, who also arranged the song (later converted to strings nearly note for note, sans Weston credit). Great CM composition for sure.

Keep on Going, Take off on Masquerade by George Benson. Without groove of Bensons tune.

Uh, hate to ring your bell big boy, but how can that be a rip-off of Benson's Masquerade when it was recorded + released 3 years prior? Maybe Benson was ripping off Welch, eh! Groove-wise, Masquerade burns no brighter imo.

So 3/12 = 1/4 good. :eek: I'll say it again, getouttahere!
Opinions are like belly buttons, everybody has them


lyrics to "Somebodt"
Don't think your dreams are sane
They're taking over your life
I stuck to you but I found out
That you was the crazy kind
Now way inside your heart
Do you have a grain of love for me
'Cause all I see is decadence
And the end of everything

You can bend over backwards
I ain't gonna kiss your ring
Somebody

I looked into your eyes
And saw a real bad thing
I saw desires that burned in you
The need for power to be a king
And I saw that you would use this world
You know you might have to crawl
But it's one of my eyes for one of yours
And you'll never get no love at all

what do you think?

as far a s which came first. I did not check the dates but that is hardly relevant to what they sound like. comparing two pop songs is judged by which gets airplay. "truly the work of the devil" and if it were true that Benson got inspiration from Welch...thats good aint it? Benson moved into the Pop realm too. Oh Well
There are thousands of incredibly gifted musicians. I don't trash em. It does not mean that everything they do is gold. I have heard all stars play badly together.

doodyhead

as far as "getoutahere" I wish you would stop saying that unless you mean it in the "brooklyn sense"

[doodyhead]

where were you back then? Oh yeah, lost in the blues.


Dear Snoot,

in 1973 I was a working musician in a "blues band". The blues boom had subsided and I got a day job. I never stopped listening to music. My tastes evolved. I don't know what you remember of the 60's and 70's but Fleetwood mac was not on the top of everybody's musical tastes in any era including PG to B/N to poor dave mason.
The pop event of the non music side of FM has obviously had a wilder ride


I am still a musician and I do respect the abilities of Bob Welch and Mr Weston.

taste is relative when it comes to how a song is presented

doodyhead

[aleuzzi]

At the end of the day, only a few thousand people in the world still listen to these albums, if that. If someone doesn't like the bulk of it at least his interests in critiquing it keep the record alive...

To me Mystery is a VERY good album. But it has always gotten very mixed criticism in the press. One of the rare highlights of Brunning's otherwise awful book on the Mac is when he cites the mixed critical reports on this record.

Since then, music journalists have either placed the album in "one of the band's best" or "boring/middling" category.

[doodyhead]

Most Albums have one or two that you remember after the first few plays, then the go into the dustbin of history.

nobody remembers the clinkers unless they are really bad, and then they would be good for that reason.

In this crowd it would be incredibly difficult to get even nominal concensus in a true best of CD collection for fleetwood mac.

There would be a couple of votes for songs in this album no doubt

doodyhead

[snoot]

Opinions are like belly buttons, everybody has them

Right. But of course, what would the world be like without belly buttons? Not one I'd like to be in! :laugh:

As for your reference to Somebody, I'd like to know who Welch's "somebody" actually was - who was that target of his lament? Not that it matters, as we all have our own "somebody". Great tune though.

There are thousands of incredibly gifted musicians. I don't trash em. It does not mean that everything they do is gold. I have heard all stars play badly together.

Quite true. It often takes just the right pairing to produce "magic." That formula often can't be predicted, formulated or force fabricated with purely all-star talent. You can count the number of truly successful "supergroups" on one hand, if even. For whatever reason, the math just doesn't work out.

in 1973 I was a working musician in a "blues band". The blues boom had subsided and I got a day job. I never stopped listening to music. My tastes evolved. I don't know what you remember of the 60's and 70's but Fleetwood mac was not on the top of everybody's musical tastes in any era including PG to B/N to poor dave mason.

That is true also (with the exception that follows). That's why I often refer to the early adopters as the "Mac faithful" or "Mac diehards". Those that go back to the Green or Kirwan years were never overwhelming in numbers, but still there was a reasonably "substantial" base back then (Fleetwood Mac DID have a name early on don't forget). But you are wrong also, in that the West Coast Pop sound that constituted Fleetwood Mac after Lindsey & Stevie came on board WAS on the top of many, many folks musical tastes in the mid to late 70's (between the '75 white album and Rumours to wit). And that's a fact Jack.

taste is relative when it comes to how a song is presented

Yeah sort of again. But come on, most of us know a "winner" when he hear one. There are certain melodies and hooks that are undeniable. The consensus of opinion often indicates just such a validity. That's where and how we often get those things we call "hits". Now not every great melody line or composition gets its due recognition, that's for sure. In some ways what gets airwave time can also be damn near random (payola aside). Beyond that, some of the best music ever produced was never targeted for radio play to begin with. But that withstanding, as to how a song is presented, yeah I'll agree, things are much more relative and subjective.

I respect all blues bangers, never forget that. What I don't respect is undiluted fanaticism over the genre, that is, making more of it than need be, the same as in any other style of music. It's just another great form of crafted musical notes, with its own unique flavor. I never see it as a step up or down from rock n roll, or C&W for that matter (though I am not personally a big C&W fan). As I see it, none of these forms reach the heights of classical music in terms of sheer complexity. Fortunately that doesn't matter when it comes to being able to appreciate each variant - same with jazz, pop, standards, etc.

I am still a musician and I do respect the abilities of Bob Welch and Mr Weston.

I believe it, it's actually evident when you read between the lines. But imo you're still not giving enough credit to MTM. But hey, at least you recognize it has some winning moments. Welch + Weston play well together (but the same could be said for Welch + Kirwan during their tenure). Welch framed the music, and let Weston have wide license to adorn it as he saw fit. And dang if it didn't work well with some of those sweet tradeoffs.

as far as "getoutahere" I wish you would stop saying that unless you mean it in the "brooklyn sense"

getouttahere! = yougottabekiddin! (nothing more, now you know) :thumbsup:

Now go spin up Kiln House. There' s a similar thread here rating that one. Inquiring minds would like to hear Big V's take on it. :p

[snoot]

At the end of the day, only a few thousand people in the world still listen to these albums, if that.

Well maybe at this late point TODAY at best, but not once upon a time. Moreover you'd have to change "a few thousand" to tens or hundreds of thousands to be anywhere near the mark, especially worldwide. Not everyone who has MTM in their collection, or listens to it on a regular basis, shows up at the Ledge. In fact, probably 1 in 10,000 do!

To me Mystery is a VERY good album. But it has always gotten very mixed criticism in the press. One of the rare highlights of Brunning's otherwise awful book on the Mac is when he cites the mixed critical reports on this record.

It's generally cited as one of the Mac's best productions, short of a few whiny Green diehard critics, or detractors of the Welch sound. I remember quite well the "smoke" around it at its time of release, the fact that it was so divergent from the original Blues Mac (oh boo hoo, wah wah wah). But even upon its release, a lot of folks gave it winning marks, to include many Mac "early adaptors." Hypnotized helped immeasurably. That song is just undeniably cool and breezy.

Since then, music journalists have either placed the album in "one of the band's best" or "boring/middling" category.

Some things never change. F*ck the so called music critics. Always go by your own gut instinct, and what your ears, heart and foot tell you. That's always far more reliable measuring stick. ;) But you know that.

[aleuzzi]

It's generally cited as one of the Mac's best productions, short of a few whiny Green diehard critics, or detractors of the Welch sound. I remember quite well the "smoke" around it at its time of release, the fact that it was so divergent from the original Blues Mac (oh boo hoo, wah wah wah). But even upon its release, a lot of folks gave it winning marks, to include many Mac "early adaptors." [/I]

Read Brunning's bad book. And consider Steve Clarke's two books on Mac.

[jbrownsjr]

BEYOND AMAZING: everything except...
SIMPLY AMAZING: The Way That I Feel, Somebody

what he said.... i love the jamming and subtlety of this album...

[snoot]

Originally Posted by snoot
> It's generally cited as one of the Mac's best productions, short of a few whiny Green diehard critics, or detractors of the Welch sound. I remember quite well the "smoke" around it at its time of release, the fact that it was so divergent from the original Blues Mac (oh boo hoo, wah wah wah). But even upon its release, a lot of folks gave it winning marks, to include many Mac "early adaptors." <

Read Brunning's bad book. And consider Steve Clarke's two books on Mac.

Haven't read any published Mac books to date, but you may be misreading my comment. "But even upon its release, a lot of folks gave it winning marks, to include many Mac "early adaptors."" I was referring mostly to fans, not music reviewers and critics (the "smoke"). I never go by what those paid yoyos print in their rags anyway. Too often it's as far off the mark as can be, especially back then when damn near everything factored around a "hipness" quotient (er, hipness according to them). A lot of that "hipness" was socially or politically charged slants, like that has a damn thing to do with music or art. Among fans (and what was left of the old guard by that point, aka the "early adaptors"), many didn't like the fact that Kirwan had departed, leaving none of the original front line by the Penguin~Mystery To Me phase. But most who accepted the Kiln House shift, followed by the Kirwan years, took to the Welch era in stride (unless they held something directly against Bob's voice or phrasings).

Strangely enough, I think the critics today have actually improved somewhat as a whole (still ignore them though). A lot of those same ones who used to be big asses and thumbsuckers have grown up, and tend to be more even handed in their reviews, especially when revisiting those years and productions (AMG to cite but one example). A lot of those positive marks you see today used to be considerably more negative once upon a time.

[snoot]

Snoot: I never go by what those paid yoyos print in their rags anyway. Too often it's as far off the mark as can be, especially back then when damn near everything factored around a "hipness" quotient (er, hipness according to them).

I should add that I'm referring to those dime-a-dozen music scribes back in the day (and even today to some extent), and not the authors you've made mention of, or those of the interviewer class who push to decipher facts from fiction. Most authors tend to dig for more in-depth and balanced coverage so I rarely have a problem with their efforts, but sadly even there we see a lot of "rag" material written primarily to cash in on others' expense (Elvis anyone?).

[Moz]

My favourites: Keep on Going - sounds like very early disco!, Why, Hypnotized

[DavidMn]

Of course Hypnotized and Why are at the top of the list for me, but Emerald Eyes is really one of those beauties that I most definitely listen to alot as well.

[DavidMn]

Ive always been sort or curious about this, and, Mr Welch, if youre ever here and would like to answser this question that'd be great, if not that's fine too. My question is, had things between Mick and Bob Weston started to go south during the making of MTM or did the **** not hit the fan until the tour started?

[mistermike]

A while ago I really tried to get into this album and played it several times, but I find none of it really makes any sense to me. It's all bland background music as far as I can make out. I think what it's missing is Danny Kirwan. I have a really hard time grooving to the band without Danny Kirwan, although I try.

[snoot]

Ive always been sort or curious about this, and, Mr Welch, if youre ever here and would like to answser this question that'd be great, if not that's fine too. My question is, had things between Mick and Bob Weston started to go south during the making of MTM or did the **** not hit the fan until the tour started?

Well I'm far from Bob Welch, but where did you ever hear of things going sour between Mick and Bob Weston prior to the discovery of that affair on the ensuing tour? Mick and Bob were the best of buds!

A while ago I really tried to get into this album and played it several times, but I find none of it really makes any sense to me. It's all bland background music as far as I can make out. I think what it's missing is Danny Kirwan. I have a really hard time grooving to the band without Danny Kirwan, although I try.

DK was hard to beat in many ways, but wow! What's up with Welch + Weston + Christy vibes seen as merely "bland background music"! :shocked: Have you really - and I mean really - sat down and put your ear to Hypnotized, Miles Away, Keep On Going, Why, Somebody, Forever, etc., since you first (or last) formed that impression? The guitar interplay alone between BW & BW is out of this world (spin up Miles Away, The City, Somebody, et al for da gold). Then look at the gorgeous guitar gracings Weston added to Christy's Why and The Way I feel!

Curious if you hold a similar opinion of Heroes and Penguin from what basically amounts to the same cast and crew?

[DavidMn]

Well I'm far from Bob Welch, but where did you ever hear of things going sour between Mick and Bob Weston prior to the discovery of that affair on the ensuing tour? Mick and Bob were the best of buds!



DK was hard to beat in many ways, but wow! What's up with Welch + Weston + Christy vibes seen as merely "bland background music"! :shocked: Have you really - and I mean really - sat down and put your ear to Hypnotized, Miles Away, Keep On Going, Why, Somebody, Forever, etc., since you first (or last) formed that impression? The guitar interplay alone between BW & BW is out of this world (spin up Miles Away, The City, Somebody, et al for da gold). Then look at the gorgeous guitar gracings Weston added to Christy's Why and The Way I feel!

Curious if you hold a similar opinion of Heroes and Penguin from what basically amounts to the same cast and crew?I was referring to the affair Bob had with Micks wife.

[snoot]

I was referring to the affair Bob had with Micks wife.

I know, that's what I responded to. :cool:

I'm not sure if Bob Welch or anyone else knows when the affair actually began (short of Westy of course), but until Mick figured it out, he and Weston remained good ol' drinkin' buddies, well into the MTM tour (the first part of it anyway). They even took in a C&W show together in Nashville at one point. I'd be quite floored if there was personal friction between them during the making of MTM.

[DavidMn]

I know, that's what I responded to. :cool:

I'm not sure if Bob Welch or anyone else knows when the affair actually began (short of Westy of course), but until Mick figured it out, he and Weston remained good ol' drinkin' buddies, well into the MTM tour (the first part of it anyway). They even took in a C&W show together in Nashville at one point. I'd be quite floored if there was personal friction between them during the making of MTM.Oh ok sorry I got it I wasnt paying the best attention there. I guess the better question would be what was going on with Clifford Davis at the time? We all know what occured after the MTM tour stopped but was there friction between him and the band before that point that couldve contributed to all that mess?

[snoot]

Oh ok sorry I got it I wasnt paying the best attention there. I guess the better question would be what was going on with Clifford Davis at the time? We all know what occured after the MTM tour stopped but was there friction between him and the band before that point that couldve contributed to all that mess?

I don't believe so. It simply came down to Mick being less than attentive to his wife (by his own admission), Bob taking advantage of the void and moving in, Mick eventually catching on but well after the fact, then trying to look past it all in the name of the band at large and the current promotional tour. When he realized he couldn't, he bailed to Africa to get his "head together." Mick's wife had already been sent packing to England, and Weston found himself suddenly high and dry - and unemployed - for his indiscretion. A pretty costly faux paus at that, as there is no reason to believe he might not have had a long career with the Mac, since he gelled well with the existing players and was stoked to be in the band right to the end.

Bob has stated he felt like he was a young axe in a solid mentorship, with Welch and Christine on the creative front, and John & Mick on the backing side. More importantly, it may not have led to the eventual burnout of Bob Welch the following year with all that occurred, since Weston had become such an integral player in the mix and could be expected to shoulder a portion of the weight. They were clearly expecting more and more from him (and damn if he didn't work well with Bob and Christy in both the studio and on stage).

To my knowledge, once Davis was informed by Bob Welch that they had cancelled the tour, he flipped out and tried to make it clear HE owned the FM name, and that HE was the one who made such decisions, not the rank and file band members. That's why he compiled the bogus band made up of members of Stretch, and sent them out to complete the tour (which disintegrated before making any real headway). As Weston had basically been sent packing too, he soon found his way back to work on various projects involving Davis Productions, to include a sessions stint on Danny Kirwan's final solo album.

[David]

Don't forget, Dave, that there's a Q&A with Weston on this site somewhere. Check it out. It's pretty informative.

[michelej1]

Don't forget, Dave, that there's a Q&A with Weston on this site somewhere. Check it out. It's pretty informative.

The Q & A is here: http://www.fleetwoodmac.net/fwm/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=110&Itemid=127

[DavidMn]

Thank you Michele and David!:thumbsup: That was very informative. I did not know Bob did a Q&A.

[michelej1]

[We continue with David Bowling's increasingly infamous review of FM albums, for Blogcritics.org, November 3, 2010]

http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-review-fleetwood-mac-mystery-to/


Music Review: Fleetwood Mac - Mystery To Me

Fleetwood Mac may have been a troubled band in 1973, but they managed to produce Penguin and a second album in that year, entitled Mystery To Me. Bob Weston contributed to the album but was not a full-time member, so some of his contributions may have been recorded before his departure. His career in the band came to an abrupt end when he had an affair with Mick Fleetwood’s wife.

Bob Welch and Christine McVie dominate the album. Welch wrote six of the tracks himself and co-wrote a seventh. McVie stepped forward and wrote four tracks. The album would not be a consistent classic but contained two songs as good as anything Fleetwood Mac would ever produce.

Mystery To Me is really a Bob Welch affair, and it was his determination that kept the group alive during this period of its career. His “Hypnotized” is one of the two terrific tracks and was an album-only radio staple for decades. The guitars combined with McVie’s keyboards to create a mystical, druggy type song. It may not have been representative of the Fleetwood Mac sound but was a perfect early seventies song.

There were several other Bob Welch songs of note. “Emerald Eyes” was a track that built as it progressed and proved he could really write sophisticated music. The lyrics dealt with the issue of infatuation and the song remained in the group’s concert act after his departure.

“The City,” “Miles Away,” and “Somebody” introduce the rocking Bob Welch and were presented back-to-back on the original vinyl release. He even manages a competent vocal on the old Yardbirds hit, “For Your Love.”

Christine McVie was responsible for the other memorable track. “Why” is an emotional ballad which closed the album. She created just the right vehicle for her soulful and bluesy voice, and the song would also remain a part of the group’s concert act for decades. Her vocal on “Just Crazy Love” is almost as good, as it is McVie at her wistful best.

Mystery To Me finds Fleetwood Mac in a holding pattern between their blues era and their classic pop era. Most of Welch’s contributions fit into neither style, but McVie’s would look ahead to the Fleetwood Mac of the mid-to-late seventies. It remains a unique and in some ways interesting release in the group's catalogue.

Read more: http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-review-fleetwood-mac-mystery-to/#ixzz14HCJP66h

[chiliD]

[We continue with David Bowling's increasingly infamous review of FM albums, for Blogcritics.org, November 3, 2010]

http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-review-fleetwood-mac-mystery-to/


Music Review: Fleetwood Mac - Mystery To Me

Fleetwood Mac may have been a troubled band in 1973, but they managed to produce Penguin and a second album in that year, entitled Mystery To Me. Bob Weston contributed to the album but was not a full-time member, so some of his contributions may have been recorded before his departure. His career in the band came to an abrupt end when he had an affair with Mick Fleetwood’s wife.

WTF?!? "not a full-time member"?? That's it...this guy obviously knows ABSOLUTELY ZERO about Fleetwood Mac. His articles are total bull****.

His “Hypnotized” is one of the two terrific tracks and was an album-only radio staple for decades. The guitars combined with McVie’s keyboards to create a mystical, druggy type song. It may not have been representative of the Fleetwood Mac sound but was a perfect early seventies song.

F***!!!! "Hypnotized" was a PRIME EXAMPLE of the "Fleetwood Mac sound". This author is a prime example of the need for legal euthanasia.

Christine McVie was responsible for the other memorable track. “Why” is an emotional ballad which closed the album. She created just the right vehicle for her soulful and bluesy voice, and the song would also remain a part of the group’s concert act for decades. Her vocal on “Just Crazy Love” is almost as good, as it is McVie at her wistful best.

"Decades"?? REALLY? So, from 1973-1977 constitutes "decades"?? Was this author in-bred or what?

Somebody associated with the legal department of Fleetwood Mac should issue a "cease & desist" order to this guy making him stop this nonsense. The guy is a public nusance.

[michelej1]

Something Else Reviews OCTOBER 17, 2015 BY NICK DERISO

http://somethingelsereviews.com/2015/10/17/fleetwood-mac-mystery-to-me-hypnotized/

Fleetwood Mac made a bold move toward future success with Mystery to Me

Released on October 15, 1973 as part of Mystery to Me, “Hypnotized” became an album-rock radio staple even as it helped make the final argument for Fleetwood Mac’s move into pop music.

Bob Welch’s dreamscape journey across an majestic, unknowable landscape — delivered vocally with a whispery detachment — unfurls amid an insistent conversation on the hi-hat from Fleetwood and this thrilling series of jazz-inflected guitar fourths. Sound familiar?

Much has been made, and justifiably so, of the arrival of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks — but “Hypnotized” illustrates how far Fleetwood Mac had come toward their polyester-era California singer-songwriter style in the era before that duo joined.

True, “Hypnotized,” with its dreamy AM-era sexuality and garrulous, riffy guitar soloing, is only just getting the hang of the success that would follow — but it’s the most complete portion of the bridge between Fleetwood Mac’s first and second hit-making periods.

Fleetwood Mac continued to evolve. Mystery to Me would be the final album to feature Bob Weston as guitarist and songwriter; Welch’s departure in 1974 then opened the door for Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Weston later worked with Murray Head and Steve Marriott’s All-Stars Band, while Welch had his own subsequent solo hit with “Sentimental Lady” – which was originally featured on Fleetwood Mac’s Bare Trees in 1972.

Still, as Bob Weston’s Wes Montgomery-isms are surrounded by a swirling, sometimes wordless breeze of voices from Bob Welch and Christine McVie on “Hypnotized,” it’s easy to see — just over the next horizon, after a few more personnel switches — Fleetwood Mac’s charttopping promised land.

[chiliD]

Something Else Reviews OCTOBER 17, 2015 BY NICK DERISO

http://somethingelsereviews.com/2015/10/17/fleetwood-mac-mystery-to-me-hypnotized/

Still, as Bob Weston’s Wes Montgomery-isms are surrounded by a swirling, sometimes wordless breeze of voices from Bob Welch and Christine McVie on “Hypnotized,” it’s easy to see — just over the next horizon, after a few more personnel switches — Fleetwood Mac’s charttopping promised land.


{sigh} :distress: It was WELCH who played the "Wes Montgomery-isms", Weston's style is more typical British Blues sounding (the lead guitar during "For Your Love" & solo in "Miles Away" are the typical Weston guitar styles)...that's how you can differentiate between Welch & Weston on both Penguin & Mystery To Me. :nod:

[sharksfan2000]

{sigh} :distress: It was WELCH who played the "Wes Montgomery-isms", Weston's style is more typical British Blues sounding (the lead guitar during "For Your Love" & solo in "Miles Away" are the typical Weston guitar styles)...that's how you can differentiate between Welch & Weston on both Penguin & Mystery To Me. :nod:

Sadly, it seems rare these days for any new article on the early years of Fleetwood Mac to be without glaring errors such as this. And too often these articles are posted on this site without comment (I know, it's a pet peeve of mine) so it's up to the rest of us to make sure that misinformation like this is corrected. Thanks for taking the time to do that in this case, chiliD! :thumbsup:

[aleuzzi]

"Wordless breeze of voices"---huh?

[michelej1]

Sadly, it seems rare these days for any new article on the early years of Fleetwood Mac to be without glaring errors such as this. And too often these articles are posted on this site without comment (I know, it's a pet peeve of mine) so it's up to the rest of us to make sure that misinformation like this is corrected. Thanks for taking the time to do that in this case, chiliD! :thumbsup:

I'm not posting the articles for their truth or implying that they are truthful or factually accurate. It's not here for educational purposes. I'm posting them because it's interesting to know what the media is saying about FM, so that fans of the band can agree, disagree or nitpick.

There's no reason the poster should post the article with comment when anyone reading it can do so, if they like.

Michele

[~*BellaDonna*~]

Mystery To Me is a top notch, pre Rumours album full of underatted songs in Fleetwood Mac's extensive catalogue of music. In my opinion, the best track on there is "Why". It is wonderfully performed. Such a sadly under appreciated little gem, if you ask me.

[Macfan4life]

I came across this and thought it was funny. Mystery to Me is a great album and in the better half of Mac albums. IMHO its when the Mac got its groove and was fairly successful in the USA. Rolling Stone always has had odd reviews for the Mac or Mac members (excluding Lindsey). Any hoooo....here it is ;)

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/mystery-to-me-19740103

[~*BellaDonna*~]

That article was, uh, interesting. Thanks for sharing this. :)

[Macfan4life]

Sorry :(
I did not realize reviews of this album were in the other Mystery to me thread. Maybe Michele will delete this or move it there.