What was the most important song of the Early Fleetwood Mac

[DavidMn]

There are alot of choices here. My 2 personal choices are Oh Well, which will FOREVER stand the test of time, and the instrumental Fleetwood Mac, it being the first song they recorded. What are your choices?

[chiliD]

As much as I love "Oh Well"...the "most important" would definitely have to be "Fleetwood Mac". If that hadn't been recorded, the band wouldn't have gotten its name, nor possibly even BEEN a band.

[Wouter Vuijk]

For me personally it was "I loved another woman" from the dog and dustbin album. It got me hooked on blues (I absolutely loved the reverb on the guitar). From then on took I up guitar playing rather seriously and started investigating on blues and found all the originals. Still love em as much as I still adore Peter's style in his old days.
Cheers :woohoo:

[brightfire]

Oh Well is a good choice. I would choose World In Harmony, another great early song.

[sharksfan2000]

Of course it all depends on what you mean by "important", but one song I haven't seen mentioned yet is "Albatross". That's the song that really took the band to another level in terms of broad popularity. The commercial success of that song was certainly a key for the band - I wonder if they would have taken the musical direction they did if "Albatross" had not been so successful.

[aleuzzi]

On a professional level, I'm with Sharkfan on this. Even though Green was anti-money and fame later on, in the early days, he--along with the rest of the band--were eager to make it big. "Albatross" catapulted the band into the major leagues.

On a musical level, I think "Black Magic Woman" was the most important. It's a great blues but one that allowed the band--in several incarnations-- to explore all sorts of directions in a live setting. It was a touring staple for them until '75, which meant the newer Macs could connect with original fans, as well as more recent ones.

[desertangel]

Albatross gets my vote too. Kinda wondered if the band felt that way too since they played it at the end of every SYW show. Love that song.

Somewhere in the back of my mind ... I seem to recall a story about a UK DJ who got a hold of a copy of Albatross and played it as the intro, or was it outro, to his late night radio show and next thing ya know, people are calling in asking for it to be played as part of the regular programming and it rocketed to it's number one spot on the charts back in '69. But I can't seem to find that story anywhere online... what book was that in... did I dream this up? I have had a few Fleetwood Mac Dreams over the years. :laugh:

[aleuzzi]

Somewhere in the back of my mind ... I seem to recall a story about a UK DJ who got a hold of a copy of Albatross and played it as the intro, or was it outro, to his late night radio show and next thing ya know, people are calling in asking for it to be played as part of the regular programming and it rocketed to it's number one spot on the charts back in '69. But I can't seem to find that story anywhere online... what book was that in... did I dream this up? I have had a few Fleetwood Mac Dreams over the years. :laugh:

You're not dreaming about this. I read it, too. Maybe in Mick's book? Or maybe it was in Samuel Graham's book from 1978...Can't recall, but the info is right.

BTW: I once dreamed Stevie was dancing before a black El Dorado in parking lot lit only by a sole street lamp in the distance. John McVie was filming her with a camcorder. That image (minus their identities) formed the basis of a short story I wrote a few years back...:laugh:

[bretonbanquet]

Albatross gets my vote too. Kinda wondered if the band felt that way too since they played it at the end of every SYW show. Love that song.

Somewhere in the back of my mind ... I seem to recall a story about a UK DJ who got a hold of a copy of Albatross and played it as the intro, or was it outro, to his late night radio show and next thing ya know, people are calling in asking for it to be played as part of the regular programming and it rocketed to it's number one spot on the charts back in '69. But I can't seem to find that story anywhere online... what book was that in... did I dream this up? I have had a few Fleetwood Mac Dreams over the years. :laugh:

That was the recently-defunct, long-running, late-lamented British chart TV show, "Top of the Pops". Apparently they played "Albatross" over the closing credits one night, and they had lots of people asking who the band was etc, so they featured it the following week. The single had been out for quite a while, but that was the point at which it took off :)

Can't recall where I read that story, but I'm sure that's how it went.

As for Mac dreams, I quite regularly see members popping up at odd times in random dreams. Usually it's just one of them on their own, and most of them have appeared at one time or another. Usually it's Danny telling me he's OK :o , but sometimes it's John or Mick, Peter or Chris.

[DavidMn]

Albatross gets my vote too. Kinda wondered if the band felt that way too since they played it at the end of every SYW show. Love that song.

Somewhere in the back of my mind ... I seem to recall a story about a UK DJ who got a hold of a copy of Albatross and played it as the intro, or was it outro, to his late night radio show and next thing ya know, people are calling in asking for it to be played as part of the regular programming and it rocketed to it's number one spot on the charts back in '69. But I can't seem to find that story anywhere online... what book was that in... did I dream this up? I have had a few Fleetwood Mac Dreams over the years. :laugh:

Not to be too picky, but they didnt start playing it at the end of shows until about 35 or 40 shows into the tour.

[shackin'up]

for me, it's Looking for Somebody. I've never heard a more simple song with so much vibe. It shows the strenghth of the rythmsection that still carries on 'till this day with the same strength and recognizable Mac-feel.

[DavidMn]

for me, it's Looking for Somebody. I've never heard a more simple song with so much vibe. It shows the strenghth of the rythmsection that still carries on 'till this day with the same strength and recognizable Mac-feel.Geez, I'm embarrased to say I've never heard of that song. What album is it on?

[shackin'up]

Geez, I'm embarrased to say I've never heard of that song. What album is it on?

the first. Brilliant album.

[SteveMacD]

That depends. "Fleetwood Mac" is the song that gave the band its name, and probably lit the spark in Peter that lead to the ultimate formation of the group. That's pretty big. HOWEVER...

"Oh Well" could be argued to be their signature song. I think the only tours it wasn't played on since its release were the "Kiln House," "Dance," and SYW tours. It's be covered by quite a few artists, but is still thought of first and foremost as a Fleetwood Mac song. Fans always went crazy when they played it in concert. BUT...

"Albatross" was their first #1 hit in Europe, and was so big, the Beatles (yes, THOSE Beatles) were compelled to write "Sun King" as a bit of a tribute. It was so good, it hit #2 when rereleased as a single in 1973. STILL...

"Hypnotized" was really the first Fleetwood Mac song to get a lot of regular airplay in the USA, the market they had to crack to become what they became.

So, I'd say it's one of those songs. "Black Magic Woman" should get an honorable mention. It gave the band certain bragging rights it needed in that transition phase. However, by 1974, I think those may have been milked for all they were worth.

[desertangel]

Not to be too picky, but they didnt start playing it at the end of shows until about 35 or 40 shows into the tour.

Are you serious? Well heavens to mergatroid! I just ASSumed... since they played it at the shows I attended, read other mentions of it and with the crickets and canned stage antics, etc. figured it had been there all along. I feel lucky I got to hear it then.

After reading all the replies to this thread, it isn't easy to pick just one song. Going on my own recollection from back in the day and what made me notice early Mac... Albatross, Hypnotized and Oh Well all were played quite a bit in my circle of friends and on the radio stations we listened to.

I have the "dog and ash can" album on vinyl and it really is a stand out.

Anyone like Rattlesnake Shake? Has anyone ever seen the video of them performing it on Playboy After Dark? It's a HOOT!!!

[chiliD]

Not to be too picky, but they didnt start playing it at the end of shows until about 35 or 40 shows into the tour.

Are you sure you just didn't leave before they played it? It's been a tradition since the 1987/88 tour to play the original recording of "Albatross" after the house lights come up.

[bretonbanquet]

Anyone like Rattlesnake Shake? Has anyone ever seen the video of them performing it on Playboy After Dark? It's a HOOT!!!

That's a fantastic piece of film - the audience are amazing quite apart from the band :p They also did "Coming Your Way" on that show, over the closing credits :nod:

[desertangel]

That's a fantastic piece of film - the audience are amazing quite apart from the band :p They also did "Coming Your Way" on that show, over the closing credits :nod:

The audience shots are great... love to watch the way people used to dance, the clothes they wore, hair and make up. So hip, so cool.

[P90pup]

I can't believe no ones mentioned Green Manalishi. Besides Oh Well, it is one
of the most ORIGINAL, prophetic, Peter Green songs ever written. It's a great
song. The exclamation point to Pete's departure.:nod:

[David]

There are alot of choices here. My 2 personal choices are Oh Well, which will FOREVER stand the test of time, and the instrumental Fleetwood Mac, it being the first song they recorded. What are your choices?
You'd have to specify what you mean by "important."

I never draw conclusions without first defining my terms. I learned that from Blaise Pascal.

[Villavic]

That depends. "Fleetwood Mac" is the song that gave the band its name, and probably lit the spark in Peter that lead to the ultimate formation of the group. That's pretty big. HOWEVER...

"Oh Well" could be argued to be their signature song. I think the only tours it wasn't played on since its release were the "Kiln House," "Dance," and SYW tours. It's be covered by quite a few artists, but is still thought of first and foremost as a Fleetwood Mac song. Fans always went crazy when they played it in concert. BUT...

"Albatross" was their first #1 hit in Europe, and was so big, the Beatles (yes, THOSE Beatles) were compelled to write "Sun King" as a bit of a tribute. It was so good, it hit #2 when rereleased as a single in 1973. STILL...

"Hypnotized" was really the first Fleetwood Mac song to get a lot of regular airplay in the USA, the market they had to crack to become what they became.

So, I'd say it's one of those songs. "Black Magic Woman" should get an honorable mention. It gave the band certain bragging rights it needed in that transition phase. However, by 1974, I think those may have been milked for all they were worth.

Good analysis. So I'd say ALBATROSS is the most important song of the early FM. The lineup from Hypnotyzed is not early FM, it is pre-Rumours, but I think ealry FM means the blues era.

I thnik they should have impulsed BMW on radios, and not let Santana popularize it. But.. destiny is destiny.

[becca]

My vote is for Albatross as well, with Black Magic Woman runner up.

I have always had it in my head that the "Fleetwood Mac" track was technically a Blues Breakers recording, non?

Importance personally to me getting interested in the early FM would be Closing My Eyes, Although The Sun Is Shining and Coming Your Way from Then Play On because my Dad had a copy and I remembered hearing those ones.

[DavidMn]

Are you sure you just didn't leave before they played it? It's been a tradition since the 1987/88 tour to play the original recording of "Albatross" after the house lights come up.No, I never leave before the end of a show. Not saying you thought I did, but I always stay late, and I distinctly remember they did not start playing Albatross until the 2 Anaheim shows.

[DavidMn]

You'd have to specify what you mean by "important."

I never draw conclusions without first defining my terms. I learned that from Blaise Pascal.Fair enough. I guess the enst way I could describe what I was trying to say is most recognizable, and what defined their early sound. BTW, I dont like to learn too much from Pascal, after all he only lived to be 39. Not that he wasnt a brilliant man in those 39 years mind you.

[P90pup]

You'd have to specify what you mean by "important."

I never draw conclusions without first defining my terms. I learned that from Blaise Pascal.

:shrug: The Ledge.edu:D When I saw these guys at the Warehouse, I was
standing between 2 girls who were Blues (haters), they were waiting for the Dead....until they decided that Danny was beyond cute:laugh:
I on the other hand thought that Pete played as well as BB King...and that
those girls that were hanging backstage (Micks wife and Christine) were beyond cute. That Friday night, Jumping at Shadows and Uncle Johns Band
sent me on my way...for better or worse....I never looked back and I would do it all over again...ya had to be there:cool:

[maryellen healy]

oh well and black magic woman should get the honors together because both are the two songs most likely to be played as covers by others. Tom Petty played OH Well last week in Cicago. How many wedding receptions in the past 35 years have you gone to without black magic woman being played?

[chiliD]

How many wedding receptions in the past 35 years have you gone to without black magic woman being played?

Every one I attended. I've NEVER heard BMW played at a wedding reception. :shrug: (not even my OWN)

I've heard it (and played it) at BLUES Jams almost weekly, though. :thumbsup:

[maryellen healy]

but it certainly has gotten its fair share of airplay over the years

[hmcannally]

I cannot single out one song more than any other so I will list my fav 3 from back then: Albatross, Black Magic Woman and Oh Well.

[Ghost_Tracker]

There are alot of choices here. My 2 personal choices are Oh Well, which will FOREVER stand the test of time, and the instrumental Fleetwood Mac, it being the first song they recorded. What are your choices?


How about "Man of the World?" :thumbsup: :nod:


I'm also especially partial to "Linda" because I think it demonstrates wonderfully how well Mick Fleetwood and the rest of the band could play off of each other even back then; and I think M.F.'s drumming is just amazing in that song.

[zoork_1]

There are alot of choices here. My 2 personal choices are Oh Well, which will FOREVER stand the test of time, and the instrumental Fleetwood Mac, it being the first song they recorded. What are your choices?

“Closing My Eyes” and “When You Say” keeps on touching me…

//M

[macmar71]

Albatross, World in Harmony & Oh Well Part 2....the beautiful instrument guitar stuff really moves me!:nod:

[foxyluva]

Definately "Oh Well" :nod:

[BlackWidow]

Dreams..only #1 record.

[foxyluva]

Dreams..only #1 record.

Not really early Fleetwood Mac dude :)

[macfan 57]

Not really early Fleetwood Mac dude :)

Also, not the only #1 Fleetwood Mac single. "Albatross" was #1 in the U.K.

Albatross is also my choice as the most important song of the early FM.

[zoork_1]

Albatross, World in Harmony & Oh Well Part 2....the beautiful instrument guitar stuff really moves me!:nod:

The part with cello/acoustic guitar (Oh Well 2, 06:39 - 07:35) is really beautiful...

//M

[HomerMcvie]

Also, not the only #1 Fleetwood Mac single. "Albatross" was #1 in the U.K.

Albatross is also my choice as the most important song of the early FM.

Oh, c'mon now. Stevy wasn't in the band, so HOW could it be important?

[macfan 57]

Oh, c'mon now. Stevy wasn't in the band, so HOW could it be important?

Do you mean to say that Fleetwood Mac existed before 1975? ;):D

[BlackWidow]

Not really early Fleetwood Mac dude :)

early enough for me..DUDE!

[HomerMcvie]

Do you mean to say that Fleetwood Mac existed before 1975? ;):D
Not in the minds of idiots!













:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[BlackWidow]

Not in the minds of idiots!













:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
omg..grow up...:laugh:

[robm]

Isn't this the Pre-rumours thread?:nod: Oh Well...all parts are quite catchy...Albatross best instrumental

[chiliD]

omg..grow up...:laugh:

Take your own advice.

[HomerMcvie]

Take your own advice.
Hey Chili, I sent you an email through the Ledge email function. Did you get it?

[BlackWidow]

Take your own advice.

after you sir...:laugh: