Review of Billy's show in Nashville

[Livia]

http://www.nashvillescene.com/Stories/Arts/Music/The_Spin/2006/04/20/The_Spin/index.shtml

Memphis in Manhattan in Nashville

Plastic eggshells with raffle tickets buried inside were the Easter-themed currency at last Sunday’s Billy Burnette show at 3rd & Lindsley. While rockabilly stylist Burnette provided a fascinating character study in rock star poise, the real clucker was watching Music Row moguls juggle the plastic goodies in one hand while pecking away on their Blackberries with the other. Burnette, a onetime member of Fleetwood Mac who also toured as a backing guitarist with Bob Dylan for 2001’s Love and Theft, packed enough biz veterans in the club to warrant the repositioning of Music Row, if only for one night. Pitchfork darling and opening act Nicolai Dunger was missing in action, but wattage from Burnette’s frequent songwriting collaborators Shawn Camp and Bekka Bramlett more than made up for the Swedish rocker’s absence. Bramlett accompanied her former Fleetwood Mac bandmate for much of his set, flailing away with her tambourine like a madwoman possessed. But it was Burnette himself, playing in support of his live album Memphis in Manhattan, who really made the show tick. Flanked by guitarist Jedd Hughes, Burnette’s end-of-show barnburner “Tear It Up” produced a rousing standing ovation. Elvis may have been king, but as audience reaction showed, Burnette can certainly hold his own.

[foxyluva]

Bramlett accompanied her former Fleetwood Mac bandmate for much of his set, flailing away with her tambourine like a madwoman possessed.

And people say that Bekka was not a Stevie Nicks replacement

[Miss Vicky]

And people say that Bekka was not a Stevie Nicks replacement


She isn't.

The main difference between the two being, of course, that Bekka can actually sing.

[chiliD]

She isn't.

The main difference between the two being, of course, that Bekka can actually sing.

AND, play tambourine. :D

[HomerMcvie]

Gawd I love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup: :laugh: :woohoo: :laugh: :thumbsup:

[David]

Billy has such a winning personality--so self-effacing & gracious--that I'm glad to see he's still out there rockin'.

He was probably the funniest member ever of Fleetwood Mac (several of the others have been periodically funny to varying degrees but Billy is by far the quickest with a quip).

I love his song "The Bigger the Love, the Harder the Fall." Is anyone able to YouTube the video from the Graham Nash show where Mick & Billy & Co. performed that? I vaguely remember Sharon Celani singing backup, too.

[foxyluva]

She isn't.

The main difference between the two being, of course, that Bekka can actually sing.

Your kidding right?

Im not even going to go there ;)

p.s. Im halfway through listening to that Billy record!

[HomerMcvie]

Your kidding right?


Gawd, I hope not!!!!:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Johnny Stew]

Your kidding right?

Im not even going to go there ;) It's ok, Foxy. No matter what anyone says, just remember that Bekka's still a backup singer. ;)

Thanks for posting the review, Livia. :xoxo:

[foxyluva]

It's ok, Foxy. No matter what anyone says, just remember that Bekka's still a backup singer. ;)

Well aint that the truth ;)

[Miss Vicky]

Your kidding right?

Not even a little bit. :wavey:

[foxyluva]

Not even a little bit. :wavey:

Oh poor sweet delusional Victoria...





:laugh:

[Miss Vicky]

Oh poor sweet delusional Victoria...

Now that's the pot calling the kettle black, Michael.

[foxyluva]

Now that's the pot calling the kettle black, Michael.

:laugh: I love you anyway, despite the awful music taste :p


Bekka better than Stevie :rolleyes: not in a million years.... ;)

[amber]

She isn't.

The main difference between the two being, of course, that Bekka can actually sing.

By saying that, you've just discredited your own opinion about singing, and any kind of ear you claim to have.
:laugh:
Anyway, I'm glad he got a good review.

[SteveMacD]

It's ok, Foxy. No matter what anyone says, just remember that Bekka's still a backup singer. ;)
Just a backup singer? Sharon is JUST a backup singer. Bekka writes songs for albums that sell in the millions. Bekka tours with acts that do things like sell out arenas in major cities. (The last time Sharon was on a tour like that was the short SYW tour.) I think it's a safe bet to say that Bekka is having THE most successful career today of any of the ex-Mac.

Honestly, I don't think Bekka wants to be the headline artist. She's reportedly turned down a few very lucrative deals. I don't think she has any interest in having the superstardom that Stevie has. Bekka makes a buttload of cash singing in stadiums, but isn't so popular that she couldn't enjoy a night out without being hassled by people (other than the ultra die-hards like a few of us on here) wanting an autograph.

Bekka has considerably more range and volume than Stevie ever had. But, Stevie is the singer/songwriter, and a personality. Her vocal range is pretty limited, especially compared to her bandmates, and she didn't have the lion's share of hits, but her voice is almost instantly recognizable and her image, though simple, is larger than life. She's the Grace Slick of Fleetwood Mac.

So, who's the better singer? It's a matter of preference, or as I like to say, Christine McVie. But, there's ABSOLUTELY no disputing the fact that Bekka Bramlett SMOKES Stevie Nicks as a tambourine player.

[foxyluva]

Just a backup singer? Sharon is JUST a backup singer. Bekka writes songs for albums that sell in the millions. Bekka tours with acts that do things like sell out arenas in major cities. (The last time Sharon was on a tour like that was the short SYW tour.) I think it's a safe bet to say that Bekka is having THE most successful career today of any of the ex-Mac.

Honestly, I don't think Bekka wants to be the headline artist. She's reportedly turned down a few very lucrative deals. I don't think she has any interest in having the superstardom that Stevie has. Bekka makes a buttload of cash singing in stadiums, but isn't so popular that she couldn't enjoy a night out without being hassled by people (other than the ultra die-hards like a few of us on here) wanting an autograph.

Bekka has considerably more range and volume than Stevie ever had. But, Stevie is the singer/songwriter, and a personality. Her vocal range is pretty limited, especially compared to her bandmates, and she didn't have the lion's share of hits, but her voice is almost instantly recognizable and her image, though simple, is larger than life. She's the Grace Slick of Fleetwood Mac.

So, who's the better singer? It's a matter of preference, or as I like to say, Christine McVie. But, there's ABSOLUTELY no disputing the fact that Bekka Bramlett SMOKES Stevie Nicks as a tambourine player.

Stevie may not have a range as large as Bekka - but if Bekka did all the touring and lived the crazy life Stevie has, Im sure Bekka's voice would have changed as well. Don't forget, Stevie is damn near 60. While Bekka's voice may be "better" - Stevie's voice has alot of character.

And who cares about who is a better tambourine player :confused: Stevie playing the tambourine is more of a gimmick than anything else....

[amber]

Stevie may not have a range as large as Bekka - but if Bekka did all the touring and lived the crazy life Stevie has, Im sure Bekka's voice would have changed as well. Don't forget, Stevie is damn near 60. While Bekka's voice may be "better" - Stevie's voice has alot of character.

And who cares about who is a better tambourine player :confused: Stevie playing the tambourine is more of a gimmick than anything else....

Besides, I bet Stevie was better. Also, Stevie's sense of harmony smokes anyone else's.
Also - who does Bekka tour with? :confused: Not that I don't believe you, I just didn't realize she, uh, was with such big acts or whatever. And how is she having the most successful career? :confused: Do you mean she tours with acts as their opener or something? :confused:

[Miss Vicky]

Besides, I bet Stevie was better. Also, Stevie's sense of harmony smokes anyone else's.

But then, you're not biased or anything.

[foxyluva]

Besides, I bet Stevie was better. Also, Stevie's sense of harmony smokes anyone else's.
Also - who does Bekka tour with? :confused: Not that I don't believe you, I just didn't realize she, uh, was with such big acts or whatever. And how is she having the most successful career? :confused: Do you mean she tours with acts as their opener or something? :confused:

No, she is just a back-up singer who writes the occasional song - So Johnny Stew was right.

[SortaSavageLike]

But then, you're not biased or anything.

Why are you talking to yourself from the third person again? :confused:

[Miss Vicky]

Why are you talking to yourself from the third person again? :confused:


:rolleyes:

You're so amusing, truly. You should make a career out of stand-up.

[amber]

But then, you're not biased or anything.
Not as biased as you are against her. :laugh: I think an objective person would also site Stevie's unusual sense of harmony as smokin' as well. I think she's awesome because she uses her voice in unusual, never before heard, completely unique ways. But others like a more straightforward, less complex singer, and I understand that. Nevertheless, to say she cannot sing strikes me as someone who maybe hasn't heard a lot of her live performances, or even most of her album tracks.

[SteveMacD]

Besides, I bet Stevie was better.
Actually, Bekka's tambourine was used in the mix, which wasn't the case for Stevie. But, honestly, if you get offended that somebody thinks Bekka did a better job of slapping around a tambourine, then you need to get a life.
Also, Stevie's sense of harmony smokes anyone else's.
I've always admired that about Stevie. Actually, it's probably the biggest thing I admire about Stevie.
Also - who does Bekka tour with? :confused: Not that I don't believe you, I just didn't realize she, uh, was with such big acts or whatever. And how is she having the most successful career? :confused: Do you mean she tours with acts as their opener or something? :confused:
No, she is a backing vocalist, to be sure. But, to say that she's ONLY a backing vocalist doesn't really tell the full story. She tours with the likes of Faith Hill and Billy Joel. In fact, the latter called her personally to sing for him. Now, how many other former members of Fleetwood Mac (or even current members of Fleetwood Mac as solo artists) are playing THAT size show? NONE! No, she isn't a headline or opening act, but damn that's an impressive gig! The only step up from that level gig is something like a Rolling Stones gig, which is ironic, as I always thought Bekka would be perfect for "Gimme Shelter." Plus, Bekka has contributed material to Faith Hill's albums. Those certainly tend to sell well, which means she's probably getting a nice chunk of money from the royalties.

Calling Bekka "just a backing vocalist" is like calling Neal Heywood "just a backing guitarist." Neal contributed to an album and did two tours (about 220 gigs) with the band. He is an important part of the overall process of making music for Fleetwood Mac, and saying anything less really undercuts his importance to that process. And, I think the same is true for Bekka in regards to Faith Hill.

[amber]

Actually, Bekka's tambourine was used in the mix, which wasn't the case for Stevie. But, honestly, if you get offended that somebody thinks Bekka did a better job of slapping around a tambourine, then you need to get a life.

I've always admired that about Stevie. Actually, it's probably the biggest thing I admire about Stevie.

No, she is a backing vocalist, to be sure. But, to say that she's ONLY a backing vocalist doesn't really tell the full story. She tours with the likes of Faith Hill and Billy Joel. In fact, the latter called her personally to sing for him. Now, how many other former members of Fleetwood Mac (or even current members of Fleetwood Mac as solo artists) are playing THAT size show? NONE! No, she isn't a headline or opening act, but damn that's an impressive gig! The only step up from that level gig is something like a Rolling Stones gig, which is ironic, as I always thought Bekka would be perfect for "Gimme Shelter." Plus, Bekka has contributed material to Faith Hill's albums. Those certainly tend to sell well, which means she's probably getting a nice chunk of money from the royalties.

Calling Bekka "just a backing vocalist" is like calling Neal Heywood "just a backing guitarist." Neal contributed to an album and did two tours (about 220 gigs) with the band. He is an important part of the overall process of making music for Fleetwood Mac, and saying anything less really undercuts his importance to that process. And, I think the same is true for Bekka in regards to Faith Hill.

I was joking about the tambo thing. :) That's cool Bekka is singing with those people, I didn't realize. Although, do Billy Joel's shows really sell better than Big Mac's? It already sucks that Faith Hill's shows sell better....:laugh:
I'm not really familiar with Bekka, thanks for the info. I have nothing against her, I'm sure she's outstanding, I would just never like anyone's voice as well as Stevie's. I don't love it, I'm in love with it. :laugh:

[Johnny Stew]

I owe Vicky an apology. It's turns out you were right, hon -- it is fun to rile people up. :angel:

[David]

I've been watching a couple of old videos, & I saw Bekka & Billy on TNN sing from their Bekka & Billy album. They were a charming duo & the country crowd really dug them. They sounded good. I don't know what song they sang because I don't have that album.

[amber]

I owe Vicky an apology. It's turns out you were right, hon -- it is fun to rile people up. :angel:
I'll remember you said that. I can't wait. :cool:

[Miss Vicky]

Nevertheless, to say she cannot sing strikes me as someone who maybe hasn't heard a lot of her live performances, or even most of her album tracks.

Right... 'cause I just bought all those f*cking cds, videos, etc because I thought they'd look pretty sitting on my shelf. :rolleyes:

And Stew? Now you know: Don't knock it 'til you've tried it. :)

[SteveMacD]

Stevie may not have a range as large as Bekka - but if Bekka did all the touring and lived the crazy life Stevie has, Im sure Bekka's voice would have changed as well.
I doubt it. Bekka's parents still have very strong voices. I saw a recent clip of Delaney Bramlet singing "Everybody Loves A Winner" on his website, and it sounded every bit as good as how he did it in 1967 on Delaney & Bonnie's album "Home." Bonnie's voice is very strong, too. They lived even crazier lives, partied a lot harder, and are a little older than Stevie. Bekka, too, from what I've heard, used to date a lot of the big hair metal guys back in the day. But, I think she decided early on that she wasn't going to make the same mistakes as her folks or their friends.

Stevie NEVER had a strong voice. That doesn't mean it isn't good. In fact, that it's not as strong is why I think she is able to blend her voice in with others so well. She doesn't have the vocal strength to overpower the mix. And, I think it lends itself well to that fragile quality that makes her music so powerful to people. To be fair, Bekka probably had the strongest voice of ANY Fleetwood Mac singer, male or female.

Stevie and Bekka come from two completely different schools of music. Stevie is a singer/songwriter. Singer/songwriters aren't necessarily known for their amazing vocal ability. Bekka comes from a family that is known for their powerful voices. (So, there is the who genetic thing.) Comparing Stevie to Bekka is like comparing James Taylor to Al Green.

Don't forget, Stevie is damn near 60. While Bekka's voice may be "better" - Stevie's voice has alot of character.

Please. Bekka just turned 38. She's hardly a spring chicken anymore. Bekka's voice sounds about the same today, with a lot of touring under her belt, as it did when I first heard it in 1992. Stevie's voice had changed drastically by 1986 (when she was 38). BTW, I didn't say Bekka's voice was better. I said it was stronger and had more volume. What they do is so different that it's not really worth comparing. The only Stevie Nicks song I've heard Bekka sing is GDW, and, again, too apples-and-oranges to compare. I like both versions (well, Stevie's not so much during the 87-90 period).

[amber]

Right... 'cause I just bought all those f*cking cds, videos, etc because I thought they'd look pretty sitting on my shelf. :rolleyes:

And Stew? Now you know: Don't knock it 'til you've tried it. :)

I'll have to refer you back to my first theory, then. Especially if you've heard "Insider, Live", and almost anything else, and continue to make your claims. :wavey: :p

Also, people who rile people just for the sake of riling them piss me off. Isn't there enough to argue about/debate without that? There certainly is for me. Plus, sadism is ugly in people. :laugh:

[SteveMacD]

I was joking about the tambo thing. :)
So was I on the intial post...

[amber]

So was I on the intial post...
Well, I guess we'll just have to agree to agree, then!!! :laugh:
Yeah, I saw that you were joking. :woohoo:

[Miss Vicky]

Also, people who rile people just for the sake of riling them piss me off... Plus, sadism is ugly in people. :laugh:

I do it for the sake of my own amusement, and that's good enough reason for me.

And quite frankly, I really don't give a damn if you find that an ugly trait. I stopped caring about what you think a long time ago.

[amber]

I do it for the sake of my own amusement, and that's good enough reason for me.

And quite frankly, I really don't give a damn if you find that an ugly trait. I stopped caring about what you think a long time ago.

Yeah, I know. It's the part of the sadism that is ugly, the amusement. That's what sadism is, people who are amused at the discomfort or pain of others, and I find it creepy that someone's twisted mind finds that sort of thing amusing.

Wow, you're totally aggressive right now for no apparent reason. I mean, not that I mind or anything, just noticing with amusement.
I guess I've inadvertently riled you up while you were trying to rile others up. How funny! :laugh:
First you cuss at my totally innocuous reply to your post and roll your eyes, and now this explosion of purposeless aggression. In fact, it's even more purposeless if you don't even care what I think, yet are aggressive anyways.
Oh, now I remember why I rarely answer your posts. Your temper is even quicker and much more illogical than mine!
Congrats, your trophy is in the mail!!! :wavey: :woohoo: :laugh:

[SteveMacD]

I owe Vicky an apology. It's turns out you were right, hon -- it is fun to rile people up. :angel:
What ever you say you Lefty Commie Pinko Homo. All you need to remember is that Jesus loves you, support the troops and President Bush, and be proud to be an American. Now, here are some images that hopefully help you change your poor, sick, disgusting, misguided ways:

http://bcshirts.pscsrv.net/images/GODBLAMJE.JPG

http://www.soothsayer56.com/files/AmericaJesus.jpg

http://www.usdat.us/secretary/archives/america_sm_1.jpg

http://www.theflagpole.com/images/jesus%20holding%20flag.JPG

http://www.parkergop.org/images/America%20for%20jesus%20724.JPG

http://www.lillyofthevalleyva.com/PresGWBush2004.jpg

http://www.perrspectives.com/features/Large%20BushJC.jpg

[Johnny Stew]

Also, people who rile people just for the sake of riling them piss me off. Isn't there enough to argue about/debate without that? There certainly is for me. Plus, sadism is ugly in people. :laugh:It can be fun if done sparingly... and in a fairly tongue-in-cheek kind of way.
As with most things in life, it requires a certain amount of finesse... otherwise it becomes heavy-handed and unamusing. At least that's my take on it.

And though by this point I'd hope everyone would know what page I'm on, I'll just say that I quite like Bekka. I think she's extremely talented and has one hell of a voice. :thumbsup:

[Johnny Stew]

What ever you say you Lefty Commie Pinko Homo. All you need to remember is that Jesus loves you, support the troops and President Bush, and be proud to be an American. Nope, no good, Steve... I'm still watching Golden Girls on Lifetime and listening to old Judy Garland records!

http://www.theodora.com/flags/new12/rainbow.gif

Rainbow Flag'd!

[amber]

It can be fun if done sparingly... and in a fairly tongue-in-cheek kind of way.
As with most things in life, it requires a certain amount of finesse... otherwise it becomes heavy-handed and unamusing. At least that's my take on it.

And though by this point I'd hope everyone would know what page I'm on, I'll just say that I quite like Bekka. I think she's extremely talented and has one hell of a voice. :thumbsup:
Oh, I guess I was confused cause that's not the way Vicki does it, she's more like the second thing you said. You must be talking about what I call "teasing with humor". :woohoo:

[SteveMacD]

Nope, no good, Steve... I'm still watching Golden Girls on Lifetime and listening to old Judy Garland records!

http://www.theodora.com/flags/new12/rainbow.gif

Rainbow Flag'd!
Honestly, I don't care which hole you use, just don't turn into THIS guy:


http://www.tronguy.net/TRONcostume/portrait.jpg

[Johnny Stew]

Oh, I guess I was confused cause that's not the way Vicki does it....Come on, gals... let's not get personal.

Life's short -- let's have fun together. Just don't try to touch my bum... I don't let girls do that. :p

[Johnny Stew]

Honestly, I don't care which hole you use, just don't turn into THIS guy....You know, it's pretty rude to post a pic of my dad in such a snarky way.

Not cool, dude. Not cool.

[Miss Vicky]

Wow, you're totally aggressive right now for no apparent reason. I mean, not that I mind or anything, just noticing with amusement.
I guess I've inadvertently riled you up while you were trying to rile others up. How funny! :laugh:

Don't flatter yourself. I'm not riled, just mildly annoyed.

First you cuss at my totally innocuous reply to your post and roll your eyes, and now this explosion of purposeless aggression.

Your "innocuous" reply implied that I speak out of ignorance, which isn't the case.


Oh, now I remember why I rarely answer your posts. Your temper is even quicker and much more illogical than mine!

And I rarely respond to yours because they're often rambling and non-sensical. :shrug:

[amber]

Don't flatter yourself. I'm not riled, just mildly annoyed.



Your "innocuous" reply implied that I speak out of ignorance, which isn't the case.




And I rarely respond to yours because they're often rambling and non-sensical. :shrug:

Yes, rambling and nonsensical, that's me! I should try to cultivate that rude and stubborn, yet not funny or deep thing that you have going.

It's fine, Vicky. Whatever you say. I was just trying to have some banter, without first taking into account with whom I was speaking. My bad, I'm way at fault on this one. :wavey:

[amber]

Come on, gals... let's not get personal.

Life's short -- let's have fun together. Just don't try to touch my bum... I don't let girls do that. :p
That's what I was trying to do, Stew, but it didn't work. (not the bum, the fun). :angel: :shrug:

[SteveMacD]

BTW, am I the only straight guy here who's a little pissed that the GLBT community turned rainbows gay? I mean, now I have to explain to my kids that before ninteen eighty something, rainbows didn't mean you were gay, or were even bi-curious, whenever I show the pics of my youth. And then I have to explain bi-curious, and why they'll go to HELL if they even think about it. It's either that, or the OTHER two choices, which are make them watch "Philadelphia" until they're too scared to have sex OR just crush their self-esteem at an early age and make them feel overly self-consious for the rest of their lives. Oh sure, they'll have issuses, and will no doubt have to go through a lot of therapy. On second though, if I play that last card too hard, then they'll give it up to the first buck-tooth idiot they find. So, what I should do is make them watch "Philadelphia" AND crush their self-essteem early on, thus sending them the message that sex COULD be deadly, but honestly, nobody would want to have sex with you in the first place. Yeah, that will work. THAT'S good parenting. But, ONCE AGAIN, thanks gay community for making EVERYBODY else's job a litle more difficult.

[Miss Vicky]

I should try to cultivate that rude and stubborn, yet not funny or deep thing that you have going.

Like it or not, there are actually people on this forum and others that appreciate my bluntness and sense of humor, even some Stevie fans. Just because it's lost on you doesn't mean that's the case for everyone.

And your telling me that I lack the knowledge or right to judge vocal abilities does not fall under the category of "banter." So don't feign innocence with me.

[amber]

BTW, am I the only straight guy here who's a little pissed that the GLBT community turned rainbows gay? I mean, now I have to explain to my kids that before ninteen eighty something, rainbows didn't mean you were gay, or were even bi-curious, whenever I show the pics of my youth. And then I have to explain bi-curious, and why they'll go to HELL if they even think about it. It's either that, or the OTHER two choices, which are make them watch "Philadelphia" until they're too scared to have sex OR just crush their self-esteem at an early age and make them feel overly self-consious for the rest of their lives. Oh sure, they'll have issuses, and will no doubt have to go through a lot of therapy. On second though, if I play that last card too hard, then they'll give it up to the first buck-tooth idiot they find. So, what I should do is make them watch "Philadelphia" AND crush their self-essteem early on, thus sending them the message that sex COULD be deadly, but honestly, nobody would want to have sex with you in the first place. Yeah, that will work. THAT'S good parenting. But, ONCE AGAIN, thanks gay community for making EVERYBODY else's job a litle more difficult.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
It's time we took the rainbow back!

[Johnny Stew]

BTW, am I the only straight guy here who's a little pissed that the GLBT community turned rainbows gay? I mean, now I have to explain to my kids that before ninteen eighty something, rainbows didn't mean you were gay, or were even bi-curious, whenever I show the pics of my youth. And then I have to explain bi-curious, and why they'll go to HELL if they even think about it.Ah, but how are you going to explain that video you made in college? "Daddy was taking one for the team," just isn't gonna cut it, my man!

[amber]

Like it or not, there are actually people on this forum and others that appreciate my bluntness and sense of humor, even some Stevie fans. Just because it's lost on you doesn't mean that's the case for everyone.

And your telling me that I lack the knowledge or right to judge vocal abilities does not fall under the category of "banter." So don't feign innocence with me.
lighten up. You dissed Stevie, I was kidding around with you, and my innocence is not feigned. Just because you're so serious and staid doesn't mean everyone is. What the heck did you expect when you said she couldn't sing? And then you get all mad when someone answers (with laughing emoticons, I may add)?
I'm sure there are people that like you, I never said otherwise. Your sense of humour isn't lost on me, It's just not clever and playful like I enjoy, it's mean and thudding like I think is very easy and obvious. Oh, wait, I guess it is lost on me. Just like you can't seem to understand my "rambling".
So don't feign innocence that you didn't expect a reaction by saying that Stevie can't sing. Oh, unless you are mentally deficient, then I might buy that. But I don't think you are.
And, if you really think Stevie "can't sing", in all seriousness, then I am now questioning your knowledge basis for judging vocal abilities. Does that make you happy? Gosh, I hope so, that would be at least one time you are happy this decade. :laugh: :laugh: Sorry, I'm just not much of a lumpy sour pants.

[SteveMacD]

Ah, but how are you going to explain that video you made in college? "Daddy was taking one for the team," just isn't gonna cut it, my man!
Hey, I was the only person in that Fleetwood Mac tribute band who could even remotely sing like... All I'm saying is that SOMEBODY had to sing "Rhiannon," and, honestly, the chiffon really did a great job of covering up my then large arse.

[Miss Vicky]

What the heck did you expect when you said she couldn't sing?

My original post was in response to one by Michael (Foxyluva), who has been having true "banter" with me about our respective musical tastes both here and on SevenWonders.

I certainly did not expect to find you posting in the "Post-Rumours" forum.

[amber]

My original post was in response to one by Michael (Foxyluva), who has been having true "banter" with me about our respective musical tastes both here and on SevenWonders.

I certainly did not expect to find you posting in the "Post-Rumours" forum.
Not my fault. No way for me to know that you only wanted one person to read and respond to your replies, or banter with you. I do think it's funny that two people say the same thing, and you only get mad at one. Sounds personal, which is why I thought your aggression was funny, because it so obviously was personal, rather than relating to the actual content of what I said. Especially when you take into account my use of the smiley, and the fact that we both already know you don't like Stevie and I do.
Just because I don't know much about post rumours, doesn't mean that I'm never interested. I read a lot of things. :shrug:
Anyway, you obviously don't like me, I'm sure if I said "I love phil collins more than anyone, and the Time lineup is my favorite" you'd still have a problem. Which is probably why you might want to put me on ignore. I mean, why read posts from someone you hate no matter what they say? Just so you can yell at them for no reason?
But honestly, I'm really not that invested in this, it just seems strange and absurd to me. I certainly don't want people yelling at me that I'm just trying to banter with! I was just trying to have a good time, not offend you. If you love bluntness so much, I'm suprised you took offense at all. I mean, I was trying to kid around, but either way I'm suprised you took offense, you valueing honesty and bluntness so highly. :( :confused:
So take care :nod: :)

[Miss Vicky]

Okay... you maintain that your posts are just friendly banter. Obviously, your sense of humor is as lost on me as mine is on you. Take this quote for example:

Also, people who rile people just for the sake of riling them piss me off. Isn't there enough to argue about/debate without that? There certainly is for me. Plus, sadism is ugly in people. :laugh:

Smiley faces not withstanding, I fail to see how this could in any way, shape, or form be construed as a joke.

Also, back to your implication that I might be speaking out of ignorance, I'd like to point out that while I am a former Stevie fan and am pretty well versed in her career, you - by your own admission - know nothing of Bekka's

I'm not really familiar with Bekka, thanks for the info. I have nothing against her, I'm sure she's outstanding, I would just never like anyone's voice as well as Stevie's. I don't love it, I'm in love with it.

And who is it again that has no right to compare their vocal abilities?

[amber]

Okay... you maintain that your posts are just friendly banter. Obviously, your sense of humor is as lost on me as mine is on you. Take this quote for example:



Smiley faces not withstanding, I fail to see how this could in any way, shape, or form be construed as a joke.

Also, back to your implication that I might be speaking out of ignorance, I'd like to point out that while I am a former Stevie fan and am pretty well versed in her career, you admittedly, know nothing of Bekka's



And who is it again that has no right to compare their vocal abilities?

Whatever Vicky. Apparently it's okay for you to be blunt and rude in your jokes, but no one else? Do you expect people to love everything you say and agree with it?
And it's not my fault if you don't find that humorous. And you seem to be missing my point (is it too rambling?) that you don't like me, and so therefore look for things to find offense at, ie, anything I say.
I told you I wasn't trying to offend you, so just let it go.
And I wasn't comparing Bekka and Stevie, I was countering your statement that Stevie can't sing, or rather that the diff between Bekka and Stevie is that Bekka can sing (which obviously implies Stevie can't), to be exact. And then I said I wouldn't ever like anyone's voice as well as Stevie's, and never did I comment at all on bekka's voice, except to say "I'm sure she's outstanding, but..."
Sorry to blow holes in your theory, or to take away one of your reasons to try to argue with me and be mad at me. And if you are well versed in Stevie's career and still think she can't sing (notice again I make no mention of bekka, I'm only talking of Stevie) then I still think you must not have a good ear. I think even her worst critic would still acknowledge that she can sing, in fact I believe some of her worst critics have.
:rolleyes:
Sheesh. I try to come to read what SteveMacD says, cause he's hella funny, and to read a review, and to try to joke around, and I get pounced on by someone who likes to be rude for the sake of amusing herself. Great.
I wasn't trying to offend you. Get it?

[Miss Vicky]

Do you expect people to love everything you say and agree with it?

Obviously not. Just as I don't love or agree with everything other people say, even those I have great respect for.

You've still failed to explain how your statement could be construed as a joke. Shall I just assume that there is no such explanation?

And if you are well versed in Stevie's career and still think she can't sing (notice again I make no mention of bekka, I'm only talking of Stevie) then I still think you must not have a good ear. I think even her worst critic would still acknowledge that she can sing.

Yeah, sure. Stevie can sing. :rolleyes:

And that's why even her own fans wonder at what caused such a drastic deterioration in her voice.

Sheesh. I try to come to read what SteveMacD says, cause he's hella funny, and to read a review, and to try to joke around, and I get pounced on by someone who likes to be rude for the sake of amusing herself. Great.

Oh poor, poor Amber. :distress:

I'm sorry. I should be more sensitive to your feelings because you don't like what I have to say. I'm rude and stubborn and not at all deep and since you want to be here to read SteveMacD's posts, I should vacate the premises so that you can do so in peace.

Here's a hint: If you don't want to read my posts because you feel like you're being "pounced on," then take your own advice and put that "someone who likes to be rude for the sake of amusing herself" on ignore. :thumbsup:

[Johnny Stew]

Yeah, sure. Stevie can sing. :rolleyes:

And that's why even her own fans wonder at what caused such a drastic deterioration in her voice.Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you're referring more to technique than anything -- and that may be where the difference of opinions is arising between you and Amber (well, at least in this situation), who is, I believe, referring to the more intuitive aspects of Stevie's singing.

Technique is important, true... but I think being an intuitive singer is equally important. Celine Dion has technique in spades, but I'd rather listen to voices such as Dylan's or Marianne Faithful's. Both are ravaged by time (and drugs and alcohol and whatever else), but endlessly more interesting to me than voices such as Celine's or Mariah's or, hell, Anne Murray's.

[Miss Vicky]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you're referring more to technique than anything -- and that may be where the difference of opinions is arising between you and Amber (well, at least in this situation), who is, I believe, referring to the more intuitive aspects of Stevie's singing.

I was mostly referring to range, which I suppose would fall under the category of "technique" but to me, it equates more to overall talent than anything.

I also think that Bekka is quite adept at harmonizing, as evidenced by her collaborations with Billy Burnette.

In any case, when I first heard Stevie Nicks, I liked what I heard but was not blown away by it. Also my opinion of her may have been swayed a little by the fact that my introduction to her came in the form of "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" and I was already a rabid Petty-head at the time.

Bekka, on the other hand, absolutely floored me when I first heard her. I didn't know who she was and had no internet connection at the time to facilitate the necessary research to find out, but I knew that whoever that was singing backup on Jonny Lang's "Lie to Me" was a talent to be reckoned with.

[amber]

Obviously not. Just as I don't love or agree with everything other people say, even those I have great respect for.

You've still failed to explain how your statement could be construed as a joke. Shall I just assume that there is no such explanation?



Yeah, sure. Stevie can sing. :rolleyes:

And that's why even her own fans wonder at what caused such a drastic deterioration in her voice.



Oh poor, poor Amber. :distress:

I'm sorry. I should be more sensitive to your feelings because you don't like what I have to say. I'm rude and stubborn and not at all deep and since you want to be here to read SteveMacD's posts, I should vacate the premises so that you can do so in peace.

Here's a hint: If you don't want to read my posts because you feel like you're being "pounced on," then take your own advice and put that "someone who likes to be rude for the sake of amusing herself" on ignore. :thumbsup:

Um, after reading this, I realize you aren't really reading what I say carefully, just continuing insults and...um...I don't know what, but it's not logical.
again:
1. I'm sorry you don't get my jokes, or see what is funny. In that case, though, my opinion was real about people who bother people just for their own amusement. Are you actually saying it's offensive to you that someone would think it was appalling that anyone enjoys make other people mad for their own amusement???? I'm pretty sure most people would find a person who pisses people off/hurts them/riles them/etc for their own amusement...lets just say they would think that sadism was a less than stellar personality trait. Seriously, you're mad that someone disagreed with you about that? I actually thought you were kidding, which is why I put the smileys.
2. Well, now, that is different. Are you saying Stevie can't sing now, or can't sing at all? You said she couldn't sing, I thought you meant she couldn't sing. But even if you mean right now, yes, her voice is diminished, but she can still sing. If you think she can't, we'll never agree. But I don't understand how you could seriously be offended that I questioned you for saying Stevie couldn't sing. Maybe I give you more credit for intelligence and awareness than is warranted. I mean, that can't have come as a shock. :shocked:

3. I don't care if you are sensitive to my feelings, but the problem with your little paragraph preceded by "poor, poor, Amber" - is that you didn't attack me for not agreeing with your assessment of Stevie (jokingly) - I know that because someone else said the same thing I did - You attacked me for reasons you made up, because you don't like me. I didn't say you should vacate any premises, in fact you implied that I was out of place on the forum. If you'll recall, I was joking around with you - or as it turns out, at you - and you took actual offense at someone saying stevie can sing. As if millions of people on the forum wouldn't disagree with you and say Stevie can sing, just like I did. I mean, unless you're a mental midget you had to have anticipated that, right?

4. I'm just confused because it's like you're yelling at me in some foreign language about things that don't have any relation at all to what I actually say to you, or the intent behind my words, or to what I say about Bekka. It's almost exactly like you didn't actually read what I wrote. :confused: And I would call that pouncing, because it's violent, unexpected, and totally inexplicable. It feels the same as if....say...I was walking down the street, and someone I didn't know threw something at me from their car - not because of anything I did, but just becuase that person (you) was really pissed off and wanted to hit someone for no reason. Of course, you are self admittedly rude, I just didn't know you were so illogical and obtuse about it, and so obviously vengeful.
Oh, and I didn't have you on ignore b/c I don't usually care one way or the other what you say. On this fateful day, I made the mistake of trying to converse with you like a normal person.

[foxyluva]

I was mostly referring to range, which I suppose would fall under the category of "technique" but to me, it equates more to overall talent than anything.

I also think that Bekka is quite adept at harmonizing, as evidenced by her collaborations with Billy Burnette.

In any case, when I first heard Stevie Nicks, I liked what I heard but was not blown away by it. Also my opinion of her may have been swayed a little by the fact that my introduction to her came in the form of "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" and I was already a rabid Petty-head at the time.

Bekka, on the other hand, absolutely floored me when I first heard her. I didn't know who she was and had no internet connection at the time to facilitate the necessary research to find out, but I knew that whoever that was singing backup on Jonny Lang's "Lie to Me" was a talent to be reckoned with.

Im sorry dear - but Bekka's voice is just another voice - just turn on American Idol and you hear a million other Bekka's. Stevie is an original :sorry:

[Johnny Stew]

I was mostly referring to range, which I suppose would fall under the category of "technique" but to me, it equates more to overall talent than anything.The only "problem" I have with Bekka, is that sometimes she goes a bit overboard in her singing. Take her renditions of "Imagine"... Lennon wrote and sang a really lovely, straightforward song. In Bekka's hands, it became too overrought. The line, "above us, only sky," for example, became "above us, only sky-y-yy-y-ooh-yy-hyyy."
It's just too much, in my opinion. And a little of that goes a very long way.

It's not just Bekka, of course... a lot of soul and r&b singers fall into the same trap. They over-emote to the detriment of the song, and I start to care very little about how impressive their range is, and only about how soon they're going to shut-up. Which is never something you want your listeners to feel.

Bekka... absolutely floored me when I first heard her. I didn't know who she was and had no internet connection at the time to facilitate the necessary research to find out, but I knew that whoever that was singing backup on Jonny Lang's "Lie to Me" was a talent to be reckoned with.Bekka sounds amazing on "Lie To Me." The moment I heard that song, I said, "that's Bekka!" I was excited to hear her, and her voice sounded terrific next to Jonny's.

[Miss Vicky]

Are you actually saying it's offensive to you that someone would think it was appalling that anyone enjoys make other people mad for their own amusement????

No. You argued that I should have understood your statements to be joking because of your use of emoticons. So I used that particular quote - which is followed by the laughing emoticon - to show why I might interpret your words as being anything but joking. And if your statement truly wasn't a joke, then why follow it with a :laugh: ?


Are you saying Stevie can't sing now, or can't sing at all? You said she couldn't sing, I thought you meant she couldn't sing. But even if you mean right now, yes, her voice is diminished, but she can still sing.

The word "can" is the present tense form of the word that means "to be able to" and thus refers to now. And if Stevie can't sing now, then she can't sing at all. "Used to be able to" doesn't cut it in my book.

You attacked me for reasons you made up, because you don't like me.

Wrong again. I simply stated that I don't care what you think and you took offense to that and interpreted it as an attack.

[Miss Vicky]

Im sorry dear - but Bekka's voice is just another voice - just turn on American Idol and you hear a million other Bekka's.

And thus I chalk your comments up to bad taste, again. :laugh:

:xoxo:

[Johnny Stew]

And thus I chalk your comments up to bad taste, again. :laugh:Well, if he's referring to the note-scaling/over-emoting thing that I was referring to, then I can see where he's coming from in regards to that comparison. :shrug:

[Miss Vicky]

Well, if he's referring to the note-scaling/over-emoting thing that I was referring to, then I can see where he's coming from in regards to that comparison. :shrug:

I haven't heard her version of "Imagine," so I can't comment on that and I don't find her to be over-emotive on the performances that I have heard. :shrug:

In any case, even the best musicians lay the occasional egg. None of them are perfect (though I'm still waiting for Tom Petty to lay his). Even my precious Walter Egan (who I'll be meeting in two weeks!!! :blob2: ) has recorded some songs that I absolutely can't stand. So I'm sure Bekka has some of her own duds as well.

[foxyluva]

And thus I chalk your comments up to bad taste, again. :laugh:


:xoxo: You always know just what to say :laugh:

[HomerMcvie]

I owe Vicky an apology. It's turns out you were right, hon -- it is fun to rile people up. :angel:
What about me, oh Bri Bri?

[Johnny Stew]

I haven't heard her version of "Imagine," so I can't comment on that and I don't find her to be over-emotive on the performances that I have heard. :shrug:The over-emoting is well evidenced here, too (though I guess I can forgive her in this instance, since she co-wrote this particular tune): http://www.bekka-bramlett.com/rv/sath_one.ram

Cool news about your upcoming meeting with Walter Egan... that rocks!

[Johnny Stew]

What about me, oh Bri Bri?It's always fun to rile you up, Homie!

Or is that not what you meant? ;)

[Miss Vicky]

:xoxo: You always know just what to say :laugh:

Yes, yes I do. :laugh:

And you always know just how to take it. (Wow, that sounds kinda dirty!) :eek:

[foxyluva]

Yes, yes I do. :laugh:

And you always know just how to take it. (Wow, that sounds kinda dirty!) :eek:

Oww :laugh: Although I have been told Im good at taking it now that sounds dirty :laugh:

[Miss Vicky]

Although I have been told Im good at taking it now that sounds dirty :laugh:

:lol:

Too bad there's no karma here to give you for that.

[foxyluva]

:lol:

Too bad there's no karma here to give you for that.

Amber doesn't know how to take it :laugh: I can't even understand what the argument is about :rolleyes:

[Miss Vicky]

The over-emoting is well evidenced here, too (though I guess I can forgive her in this instance, since she co-wrote this particular tune): http://www.bekka-bramlett.com/rv/sath_one.ram

Okay. I'll give you that. However, I think it's better to over-emote than to strip away all of the emotion in an otherwise very moving song, as Stevie did with TISL's "Planets of the Universe." So I still remain firmly in Bekka's camp.

[Miss Vicky]

Amber doesn't know how to take it :laugh: I can't even understand what the argument is about :rolleyes:

Basically it boils down to the fact that neither of us "gets" the other.

[amber]

No. You argued that I should have understood your statements to be joking because of your use of emoticons. So I used that particular quote - which is followed by the laughing emoticon - to show why I might interpret your words as being anything but joking. And if your statement truly wasn't a joke, then why follow it with a :laugh: ?




The word "can" is the present tense form of the word that means "to be able to" and thus refers to now. And if Stevie can't sing now, then she can't sing at all. "Used to be able to" doesn't cut it in my book.



Wrong again. I simply stated that I don't care what you think and you took offense to that and interpreted it as an attack.

Seriously?
I told you I followed it with a laughie because I thought you were joking.
Which I said already.
Nice try on the grammar, but no.
No I didn't. :confused: To wit, I said "Wow, you're totally aggressive right now for no apparent reason. I mean, not that I mind or anything, just noticing with amusement."
Again, it's like you didn't read what I said.
Are you the one who said even though you're a writer, you don't read that much? Because your justifications for what you say aren't related to what I wrote. You just got really aggressive for reasons that you made up. And you keep making them up. It's quite amazing at this point. It's like talking to a brick wall. A really rude, illogical brick wall. :laugh: A brick wall who will never get it. :lol: A brick wall who gets mad when people say Stevie can sing. :woohoo: A brick wall who takes offense when someone comments on her sadism. :laugh: :laugh:
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[foxyluva]

Basically it boils down to the fact that neither of us "gets" the other.

I think you are both fighting an endless battle :shrug:

[Miss Vicky]

I think you are both fighting an endless battle :shrug:

Oh, it's ending now. There's no resolution in sight (and there never will be) so I'm not going to bother with it anymore.

Like I said, we don't get each other. Never have. Never will.

[Johnny Stew]

Okay. I'll give you that. However, I think it's better to over-emote than to strip away all of the emotion in an otherwise very moving song, as Stevie did with TISL's "Planets of the Universe." So I still remain firmly in Bekka's camp.Personally, I don't think it's ever better to over-emote! :laugh:

And I think Stevie's vocal is perfect on the TISL version of "Planets Of The Universe." She starts out sounding composed, with just the right hint of resignation... and then builds to the song's climax. I think it's more effective that way than if she came right out of the gate at a full gallop.
But, of course, that's just my opinion. :)

I have to say that all of this talk of "can sing," "could sing," "used to be able to sing," makes me wonder how fans of other artists feel. Two people I mentioned earlier, Dylan and Marianne Faithful, have markedly different voices than they did earlier in their career. Did any of their fans throw their hands up in the air, and say, "Gawd, he/she can't sing anymore -- I can't listen to this ****!"? Or do they find beauty in their flawed, latter-day vocals?

If Bekka's or Christine's voices ever changed dramatically, for whatever reason, would their fans run the other way? Or would they find an appreciation for their new sound?

[Miss Vicky]

Two people I mentioned earlier, Dylan and Marianne Faithful, have markedly different voices than they did earlier in their career. Did any of their fans throw their hands up in the air, and say, "Gawd, he/she can't sing anymore -- I can't listen to this ****!"? Or do they find beauty in their flawed, latter-day vocals?

I'm not a Dylan or Faithful fan, so I don't know. On the other hand, I think most hardcore fans overlook or embrace such changes, I'm just not one of them.

If Bekka's voice, Lindsey's voice, or that of any other of my current favorites deteriorated as much as Stevie's has - to the point where the very sound of it grates on my nerves - I would certainly turn tail and run. On the other hand, there are still some Stevie songs that I do love, as evidenced by my response to the "Create Your Own Best of Stevie CD."

Edit: In the case of Bob Dylan, I don't think he ever had a <i>good</i> voice to begin with, so that example doesn't quite seem to fit to me. :laugh:

[Johnny Stew]

If Bekka's voice, Lindsey's voice, or that of any other of my current favorites deteriorated as much as Stevie's has - to the point where the very sound of it grates on my nerves - I would certainly turn tail and run.Fair enough. If we're talking about a singer that I only ever marginally liked to begin with (which I think would be a fair assessment of your overall feelings for Stevie), then I suppose it's possible that I'd lose interest, too. I'm an oddball though, because I usually find my interest increasing as a singer's voice becomes more ragged and worn.

Edit: In the case of Bob Dylan, I don't think he ever had a <i>good</i> voice to begin with, so that example doesn't quite seem to fit to me. :laugh:I'm not familiar with every Dylan song there is to know, but I think his vocals on early songs like "Lay, Lady, Lay" or "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" are beautiful.

[Miss Vicky]

If we're talking about a singer that I only ever marginally liked to begin with (which I think would be a fair assessment of your overall feelings for Stevie), then I suppose it's possible that I'd lose interest, too.

Well, yes and no. Obviously I don't much care for her now, but I liked her a lot in the beginning and continued to do so for quite some time. I bought all of her solo albums, as well as quite a few cds worth of demos, and was even a shipper and briefly part of a fanfiction Yahoo group. I even considered dressing up as Stevie for Halloween one year. I'm not sure I would categorize that as marginal.

[Johnny Stew]

Well, yes and no. Obviously I don't much care for her now, but I liked her a lot in the beginning and continued to do so for quite some time. I bought all of her solo albums, as well as quite a cds worth of demos, and was even a shipper and briefly part of a fanfiction Yahoo group. I even considered dressing up as Stevie for Halloween one year. I'm not sure I would categorize that as marginal.I didn't realize that -- and I didn't mean to sound like I was questioning your right to be called a fan. It's just been my impression that, even when we're discussing early-Stevie, you seem somewhat dismissive of her talents. Certainly I knew you liked her to some degree, but I figured it was more incidental than anything (ie: moreso through her work with Buckingham or Petty or Egan, than her own material).

Again, there's nothing wrong with it, either way. Stevie has one hell of an unusual voice, and always has. So it doesn't surprise me that some people don't care for it now or then or ever. My favorite era for Stevie's voice (1983-1987) is long-gone, but I also love what her voice has become. It continues to effect and move me in ways that no one else's voice ever has, and it brings me endless joy... so hopefully everyone has a singer (or musician) that does that for them.

[Miss Vicky]

I didn't realize that -- and I didn't mean to sound like I was questioning your right to be called a fan.

Don't worry, I didn't think you were questioning it. :)


Certainly I knew you liked her to some degree, but I figured it was more incidental than anything (ie: moreso through her work with Buckingham or Petty or Egan, than her own material).

At the very beginning, my interest in her was incidental to her association with Tom Petty, but then I bought "Bella Donna" (I first heard her around '91 and got "Bella Donna" around '94 or '95) and not long afterward "The Dance" was released, so it quickly went from mild interest to obesession.

As for Lindsey Buckingham and Walter Egan, my initial interest in them was incidental to their association with her. The same can be said for John Stewart, Billy Burnette, and Warren Zevon - all of whose music I now love far more than I ever loved Stevie's.

Stevie has one hell of an unusual voice, and always has. So it doesn't surprise me that some people don't care for it now or then or ever... So hopefully everyone has a singer (or musician) that does that for them.

She certainly does have a very unusual voice but I don't think it's a very good voice, at least not anymore. I have nothing against people with unusual voices, which is apparent considering the list favorite musicians mentioned above. And while I respect the fact that there are a lot of people out there that still love her music (and certain other members of the band, for that matter), they should also respect the fact that I don't, and have every right to say so. Don't get me wrong, I'm not pointing any fingers at anyone here or even really talking about anyone specific (or about the incident that just happened), I'm just speaking in general terms, because I've found that even when I am respectful in my posts I often find myself being attacked for my opinions.

[SteveMacD]

Technique is important, true... but I think being an intuitive singer is equally important. Celine Dion has technique in spades, but I'd rather listen to voices such as Dylan's or Marianne Faithful's. Both are ravaged by time (and drugs and alcohol and whatever else), but endlessly more interesting to me than voices such as Celine's or Mariah's or, hell, Anne Murray's.
ENOUGH WITH THE CANADIAN BASHING, STEWBALL!!!

[David]

I have to say that all of this talk of "can sing," "could sing," "used to be able to sing," makes me wonder how fans of other artists feel. Two people I mentioned earlier, Dylan and Marianne Faithful, have markedly different voices than they did earlier in their career. Did any of their fans throw their hands up in the air, and say, "Gawd, he/she can't sing anymore -- I can't listen to this ****!"? Or do they find beauty in their flawed, latter-day vocals?Point taken, although you can definitely find examples of what you bring up hypothetically. For example, with Billie Holiday fans. There has always been a huge contingent of them, from the 1950s to the present, who felt her last ten or fifteen years, when her vocals were very different from her work in the '30s, were bad years for her vocally; whereas other listeners find a beauty in her croaky middle-age (which for her was old age) singing. You can't pick up any Holiday CD without liner notes that mention the chasm of preference between the early Holiday vocals & the later years.

So yes you can find these battles with millions of other singers, even classical or art music singers. The camps divvy up for Callas between "early," "middle" & "late." It isn't just Stevie.

And as for the bickering, heck that goes for everyone who elicits any sort of comment in his fans at all. I post on & read some forums for Bach & Beethoven, & these otherwise sedate, older commentators get *really* bitchy with one another. The Stevie Nicks fans are just one more grouping in a sea of groupings--nothing particularly special about them at all. They're like everyone else.

[SteveMacD]

I like both Stevie and Bekka, for very different reasons.

How lucky a fan like myself has been to have become familiar with both of their works. Is one better than the other? Not in my book. "Better Days" and "Silver Springs" are perhaps my two favorite songs from 1997.

Can Stevie sing? Yes. I think her voice can be inconsistent, sounding great on one song, but boring (or worse) on others. Hey, I can say the exact same thing about Bob Welch and Peter Green these days, too. I find a lot of Stevie's new songs boring or cringe worthy. But, I can say the same about Bekka, Christine, Lindsey, Peter, Billy, Bob...and even people who've never been in Fleetwood Mac. That having been said, I prefer Lindsey's SYW songs with Stevie on them than the GOS demos without Stevie. I absolutely detest Stevie's 1986-1994 period, but she was classic before then, and a legend since. (Hey, we all have are awkward periods. Why should Stevie be different?)

And this crap about Bekka over emoting? Huh? Does "Dreams unwind, love's a state of mind" mean anything to anyone? Or, what about "Talk To Me" from Red Rocks? Or "Edge Of Seventeen" from that very same video? Or, "Sisters Of The Moon" from the "Mirage" concert video? I mean, let's be fair here. BTW, I think the best worst offender in this category would be Bonnie Bramlett's singing at the end of "That's What My Man Is For" from Delaney & Bonnie's "On Tour With Eric Clapton" album.

As I've said, Stevie and Bekka come from two very different schools of music. I think both are valid, and frankly, I enjoy the contrast. Is one better than the other? Who gives a ****?!? Enjoy both of them for their different talents. There's a lot of great stuff there.

[Johnny Stew]

She certainly does have a very unusual voice but I don't think it's a very good voice, at least not anymore.I think having a "good voice" is subjective in rock & roll. I don't think guys like Mick Jagger or Steven Tyler really ever had "good" voices either... but they had perfect voices for rock.

I'm just speaking in general terms, because I've found that even when I am respectful in my posts I often find myself being attacked for my opinions.Unfortunately it seems that a lot of people in this world treat others with disrespect, whether it be in their daily lives or on a message board. Too many people are only interested in how they feel, and couldn't care less about anyone else.
I'm not sure when we collectively stopped being considerate, but it's a damn shame that we did.

I guess the only thing we can do, is to try and give better than we get. That way, at least we can live with ourselves.

[Johnny Stew]

ENOUGH WITH THE CANADIAN BASHING, STEWBALL!!!Blame Canada! Blame Canada!

Eh? :D

[Miss Vicky]

I think having a "good voice" is subjective in rock & roll. I don't think guys like Mick Jagger or Steven Tyler really ever had "good" voices either... but they had perfect voices for rock.

Of course it is, as are all things that are subject to opinion and cannot really be considered fact. Going along with your examples, I don't think that Tom Petty or Walter Egan have especially great singing voices, but they fit well with the music they play and with their overall sound. Same can be said for the late great Warren Zevon. And, in my opinion, Stevie fell into that same category once upon a time as well.

And I agree that her voice does work well still for some of her recordings, "Illume" for example, but for others it certainly does not. I remember still being very much in my short-lived Stevie obsession and hearing the Practical Magic version of "Crystal" and just cringing it because was so painful to hear. That was the beginning of the end of my Nicks fandom.

[Johnny Stew]

And this crap about Bekka over emoting? Huh? Does "Dreams unwind, love's a state of mind" mean anything to anyone? Or, what about "Talk To Me" from Red Rocks? Or "Edge Of Seventeen" from that very same video? Or, "Sisters Of The Moon" from the "Mirage" concert video? I mean, let's be fair here.Don't get me wrong, almost all singers overemote on stage at some point or another, even other members of Fleetwood Mac (Stevie on the songs you mentioned, Lindsey on "Not That Funny" and a few others -- only Christine is guilt-free there!), but whereas some overemote on a section or two of a few songs, Bekka tends to do it on every line of every song.
A little goes a lonnng way, in my book.

Now, again, don't get me wrong -- I quite like Bekka. I just tend to prefer when she sings in a more straightforward way, like she usually does on studio recordings. But that's just my personal taste.

It also must be said that I don't compare the two. Just as I never compare Stevie and Christine, or Bekka and Christine.
Each woman is an individual, with a very distinct style of her own. I prefer to view them through their own merits, not by how they stack up to someone else.

[Johnny Stew]

I remember still being very much in my short-lived Stevie obsession and hearing the Practical Magic version of "Crystal" and just cringing it because was so painful to hear. That was the beginning of the end of my Nicks fandom.Really? God, I love that version. It's the only recording of that song I listen to these days (well, unless I'm playing 'Buckingham Nicks' or 'Fleetwood Mac' straight through). Her voice is so gritty and worn there... so world-weary and moving.
But, like you said, it's all subjective and a matter of taste.

[Miss Vicky]

Really? God, I love that version.

As much as I love Lindsey's versions, I always thought it was odd that a man was singing that song and I had really wanted to hear Stevie singing it but it ended up being a case of "be careful what you wish for." Her gritty voice just totally ruined the delicate beauty of the song for me.

To be fair, though, I think that if Lindsey were to sing it now, he'd ruin it too.

[Richard B]

As much as I love Lindsey's versions, I always thought it was odd that a man was singing that song
Why is that? Your comment sounds sexist. I think it's better with a male vocal; it's more sensitive and more touching.

[Miss Vicky]

Why is that? Your comment sounds sexist. I think it's better with a male vocal; it's more sensitive and more touching.


Oh great, first I'm sexist against women, now I'm sexist against men, too! :laugh:

For one thing, I found it odd that Lindsey was singing Stevie's song when she could very well have sang it herself.

Other than that, it has always struck me as being a more feminine song, for some reason. Incidentally, I tend to find it rather odd when a man sings any of Stevie's songs, such as Walter Egan's version of "Sisters of the Moon." That's not to say that I dislike these other versions, however.

[David]

So what I wanna know is, How come you Billy collectors don't have a recording of that time on the Fleetwood Mac tour when he sang Rhiannon?

[foxyluva]

Oh great, first I'm sexist against women, now I'm sexist against men, too! :laugh:


You are such a awful person :laugh:

[Angel69]

And Walter Egan boy can he can sing. Oh, he is defiantely up there with the other all time great rock and roll vocalists. I know a lot of people who are really into his music:laugh: He has also made some great contibutions to the music business and is also a cultural icon:laugh:

[Miss Vicky]

And Walter Egan boy can he can sing. Oh, he is defiantely up there with the other all time great rock and roll vocalists. I know a lot of people who are really into his music:laugh: He has also made some great contibutions to the music business and is also a cultural icon:laugh:

If you had actually read my statements before posting, you might have noticed this:

I don't think that Tom Petty or Walter Egan have especially great singing voices, but they fit well with the music they play and with their overall sound.

I also highly doubt that you know anything of the man's career beyond "Magnet and Steel."

[Angel69]

I did read your posts and have heard enough of Walter's stuff thank you very much.

[Miss Vicky]

I did read your posts and have heard enough of Walter's stuff thank you very much.

And boy you sure proved it with your insightful statements. :thumbsup: :rolleyes:

[Angel69]

And boy you sure proved it with your insightful statements. :thumbsup: :rolleyes:

Thank You.

[David]

The other day, I watched my old tape of Billy & Bekka on TNN. The studio audience really loved them. Why didn't they stick it out & do more albums?

[chiliD]

Why didn't they stick it out & do more albums?

Apparently, when their romance ended, they didn't have the "sticktoitiveness" that Lindsey & Stevie had after THEY broke up.