LB Says FM: With or Without Sheryl

[michelej1]

March 25, 2008, 2:25 PM ET

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003733037

Gary Graff, Detroit
Fleetwood Mac -- with or without Sheryl Crow in tow -- is planning to be active again.

Singer/guitarist Lindsey Buckingham -- who's just released a new concert DVD, "Live at the Bass Performance Hall," from his 2006-07 solo tour -- tells Billboard.com that the group is "looking at the idea of touring sometime in the first half of 2009," possibly with some new material to play.

In recent weeks Crow, who's friendly with Mac's Stevie Nicks, has talked about joining the band, which Buckingham acknowledges is a possibility, though he adds, "I don't think anything is written in stone yet."

"I think we were all a little surprised (Crow) was announcing that to the world with such certainty," Buckingham says with a laugh. "We have talked about the possibility of bringing another woman into the scene to kind of give Stevie a sort of foil and shake it up a little bit. (Crow) was certainly a name that has come up. We'll have to see."

Nicks has been the group's sole female member since Christine McVie retired from the band in the late '90s. Buckingham says that he has "a ton of new stuff" that could be used for a new Fleetwood Mac album, though he adds that he might want to step back from the production role he's had in the band.


"I don't think I want to produce again 'cause it takes so much," he explains. "Whatever happens we'll all sit in a room and make something work as a group. a little more like we used to, sort of try to open it up and get everyone sharing the activity a little more."

Buckingham, meanwhile, is also planning another solo album -- the follow-up to 2006's "Under the Skin" -- for this summer. Recorded with members of his touring band as well as Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, it "has a little more of a rock feel to it" than "Under the Skin," according to Buckingham. "It's just another group of tunes that hopefully will translate to stage, and hopefully we can get some more (solo) dates this summer."

Formerly signed to Reprise, Buckingham says he's a "free agent" now, without a label deal as a solo artist. "We're gonna figure out who wants to put it out," he says of the as-yet untitled album. "I'm keeping an open mind. People need to hear the music and we'll see what they think and what the best situation for it will be."

[shackin'up]

GROUNDBREAKING NEWS!!!!!

So lindsey steps back to make FM a more democratic environment when it comes to the artistic direction. (holding my breath)

So lindsey puts out a part of the rest of the GOS-tunes as a soloalbum ( because he talks about the fact that Mick and John are on the recordings. (Twist Of Fate! Shuffle Riff, Gift Of Screws!) And some new recorded stuff with - as I hope - the groovin Cuban on it, who I thought sounded spectacular.
That all is, IF he find a label/way to put it out! GO FASTER DUDE!
AND he wants to tour solo this year.

WOW. I couldn't care less if Crow is in yes or no. He has tons of new material for a Mac-album. I say RICK RUBIN produces the next mac-album.

All steviefans have to admit. This guy is an adult at last.

[Sarah]

solo album and tour... cmon!! i don't want to have to wait through a bunch of mac stuff.

and oooh, i wonder what the label deal is. contractual obligations fulfilled? "dropped" ?? hmmm!

[Livia]

He doesn't need no steeeenking label. No one does anymore, especially established artists. He should do what The Raconteurs have just done - make an announcement that the album's done and will be on sale online and all the usual retail outlets in a week.

[Livia]

GROUNDBREAKING NEWS!!!!!

So lindsey steps back to make FM a more democratic environment when it comes to the artistic direction. (holding my breath)

So lindsey puts out a part of the rest of the GOS-tunes as a soloalbum ( because he talks about the fact that Mick and John are on the recordings. (Twist Of Fate! Shuffle Riff, Gift Of Screws!) And some new recorded stuff with - as I hope - the groovin Cuban on it, who I thought sounded spectacular.
That all is, IF he find a label/way to put it out! GO FASTER DUDE!
AND he wants to tour solo this year.

WOW. I couldn't care less if Crow is in yes or no. He has tons of new material for a Mac-album. I say RICK RUBIN produces the next mac-album.

All steviefans have to admit. This guy is an adult at last.

I second that emotion. Callait and Dashut?

[Phoenix]

GROUNDBREAKING NEWS!!!!!

So lindsey steps back to make FM a more democratic environment when it comes to the artistic direction. (holding my breath)

So lindsey puts out a part of the rest of the GOS-tunes as a soloalbum ( because he talks about the fact that Mick and John are on the recordings. (Twist Of Fate! Shuffle Riff, Gift Of Screws!) And some new recorded stuff with - as I hope - the groovin Cuban on it, who I thought sounded spectacular.
That all is, IF he find a label/way to put it out! GO FASTER DUDE!
AND he wants to tour solo this year.

WOW. I couldn't care less if Crow is in yes or no. He has tons of new material for a Mac-album. I say RICK RUBIN produces the next mac-album.

All steviefans have to admit. This guy is an adult at last.

StevieFan Checkin in:wavey: and THIS sounds VERY promising. All of them sheryl or no back as a team, Good for him.
Also, AMEN to RICK RUBEN.:nod:

[TrueFaith77]

I think Timbaland should produce it.


:sorry:, but it's true. . .

[sywlindseyfan]

haha True faith...I love you, haha

[Maccafan5000]

I think Timbaland should produce it.


:sorry:, but it's true. . .

I definitely yelled out "YES!" in my office. Although I do agree with Rick Rubin, or even Callait and Dashut...Timbaland would just be indescribable.

....yes, I'm strange. :o

[Peestie]

Yes! I can't wait for the summer now :D I'm saving up to fly to the US to see a show since it's unlikely that he'll play outside of it on a solo tour. I'm so glad he's been doing his own stuff and hasn't been hanging about waiting for news from the Mac. The fact that we could get a Lindsey album (that's the most important thing to me) as well as new Mac stuff is great news. Great that he has plenty of stuff that he can even use stuff on a Mac album.

I'm so overjoyed right now!

[trackaghost]

He doesn't need no steeeenking label. No one does anymore, especially established artists. He should do what The Raconteurs have just done - make an announcement that the album's done and will be on sale online and all the usual retail outlets in a week.

Except that The Raconteurs have a record label. XL in the UK, I'm not sure about the States, and they were fully behind that move.

I'm glad to hear the subject of the rock album come up again. I'm sure a smaller, independent would love to have him. It would probably suit him better being a big fish in a small pond anyway, at least he'd get some attention that way. Or else have it to buy as downloads on his own site and possibly iTunes. That way he'd get a bigger chunk of the cash he'd make from the sales and we'd get the music. Everybody wins.

[trackaghost]

GROUNDBREAKING NEWS!!!!!

So lindsey steps back to make FM a more democratic environment when it comes to the artistic direction. (holding my breath)

So lindsey puts out a part of the rest of the GOS-tunes as a soloalbum ( because he talks about the fact that Mick and John are on the recordings. (Twist Of Fate! Shuffle Riff, Gift Of Screws!) And some new recorded stuff with - as I hope - the groovin Cuban on it, who I thought sounded spectacular.
That all is, IF he find a label/way to put it out! GO FASTER DUDE!
AND he wants to tour solo this year.

WOW. I couldn't care less if Crow is in yes or no. He has tons of new material for a Mac-album. I say RICK RUBIN produces the next mac-album.

All steviefans have to admit. This guy is an adult at last.


See, I'm not sure Rubin would work that well with Lindsey. He's not a producer in the way Lindsey is a producer, he's basically a quality control agent pushing songwriters to be the best they can, telling them what stinks and what works, which is why he'd be GREAT for Stevie.

I still say Jim O'Rourke. That would be too awesome for words. Or even someone like Brendan O'Brien. His work with Pearl Jam and Springsteen is fantastic.

[Peestie]

I'm glad to hear the subject of the rock album come up again. I'm sure a smaller, independent would love to have him. It would probably suit him better being a big fish in a small pond anyway, at least he'd get some attention that way. Or else have it to buy as downloads on his own site and possibly iTunes. That way he'd get a bigger chunk of the cash he'd make from the sales and we'd get the music. Everybody wins.

I think he'd do great on an independent label as well, but will his ego allow him to? I would hope that it will because they'll probably promote it better than any major label would. I just hope he's not so used to being on a major label that he doesn't consider an indie one. As long as it gets released I don't care who does it. I just want to get my hands on it.

[MacMan]

Excellent news! I was just wondering this morning if the live dvd/cd was the "rock" album promised for the first half of this year... Appears not to be the case. Bring it!!

[SandyMac]

This is so exciting, I am jumping for joy right now.
The LB song cup o'plenty has runneth over. And now we get to enjoy it all, whether it be LB solo or Mac stuff. Yay !

LB handing over the production reins to Sheryl might be a good thing, if he can keep his hands out of the mixing bowl so to speak. The end result could be interesting.

Looks to be an interesting, busy, and fun 2008 and 2009. :]:nod::blob2::blob1:

Edit: I am so ready to hear LB's rockin' CD. You know he knows how to rock the guitar !! Go Lindsey! Rock my world (again)

[Nico]

This is such awesome news! And even more shocking (to me) because he says he has no interest in producing whatever FM project may result...big step for Lindsey. Yay!!! I'm over-the-moon if this goes through!!!:blob2::]:blob1:

[shackin'up]

.which is why he'd be GREAT for Stevie.

I still say Jim O'Rourke.

What's great for Stevie must be great for FM. If lindsey is stepping back, it'll be great for him too. Or even better: great for them WRITING together. That's why I say Rubin. Although I still think that O'Rourke or Jack White would be the perfect match for Lindsey Solo.

[michelej1]

because he says he has no interest in producing whatever FM project may result

I don't believe that. But if he is not miserable and feeling oppressed letting someone else do it, then great. I just hope he's happy. He said the record company (back when he still had one) suggested an outside producer for his next solo album. So, it's an idea he's had time to play with and digest. Full steam ahead. Michele

[danax6]

So, it seems like Stevie's whip still works.

Any time I read or hear 'new material' my heart skips a few beats. Bring it on, but please veto Sheryl Crow.

[John Run]

I find the not producing thing kind of laughable. Those of us who have watched this band for a while have heard that before. In 1987 Lindsey was going to let someone else produce Tango in the Night. 3 weeks into it the producer, Jason Corsaro, was headed home and Lindsey took over the reigns. Every album with this line up from Rumours on, Lindsey has been the point man on producution and the principle sonic architect. He is too much of a control freak when it comes to music. He can't let it go, even when from afar if he thinks it might be a good idea. It just won't happen. Maybe a co -produced project with someone else to provide some balance and contrast, but Lindsey as just the guitar player and vocalist, having someone else tell him how to play his parts, or doing the vocal arrangements on FM songs? Nope.

[David]

I find the not producing thing kind of laughable. Those of us who have watched this band for a while have heard that before. In 1987 Lindsey was going to let someone else produce Tango in the Night. 3 weeks into it the producer, Jason Corsaro, was headed home and Lindsey took over the reigns. Every album with this line up from Rumours on, Lindsey has been the point man on producution and the principle sonic architect. He is too much of a control freak when it comes to music. He can't let it go, even when from afar if he thinks it might be a good idea. It just won't happen. Maybe a co -produced project with someone else to provide some balance and contrast, but Lindsey as just the guitar player and vocalist, having someone else tell him how to play his parts, or doing the vocal arrangements on FM songs? Nope.I completely agree with John Run. Lindsey might talk about another producer, but he won't let another producer stay on in the primary role. Jason Casaro, an engineer, was handed his walking papers in 1986; & even serious talk of getting Nile Rodgers of Chic (a guy with a great ear & a proclivity for miniaturist orchestration) resulted in nothing -- undoubtedly because of Lindsey himself. This is a guy who, for all his adult life, has had a compulsion to oversee his own projects & those of Fleetwood Mac (as long as he's been a member). It isn't just something he can flip on & off like a light switch. It's a fundamental facet of his personality. I know he's been in therapy, but no therapy is that good. He is not going to relegate himself to the position that, say, Stevie or John is in: Record this & that & then go home. It would be like asking an eye surgeon to assist with a tooth extraction in a dentist's office.

[danax6]

^Lindsey's appeasing. For now.

[michelej1]

He is not going to relegate himself to the position that, say, Stevie or John is in: Record this & that & then go home. It would be like asking an eye surgeon to assist with a tooth extraction in a dentist's office.


That's fine. The question then becomes what is going to happen to FM when Lindsey and the outside producer inevitably lock heads? Will they scrap the FM album, because Stevie doesn't want another repeat of SYW or, by that time, will they be too far invested in the album for the band to back out and will they have to forge ahead with Lindsey? If it's the latter -- then Lindscrafter's Machiavellian plan will have worked and all will be right with the world. If it's the former, then the fans will lose big time.

Michele

[SandyMac]

So, it seems like Stevie's whip still works.



The imagery of that statement opens up so many thread jack possibilities. :D

[Betsy]

A new album, a few solo concerts, and working with the Mac?

He puts the Energizer Bunny to shame.

(Or is it the image of Stevie's whip?)

[HejiraNYC]

That's fine. The question then becomes what is going to happen to FM when Lindsey and the outside producer inevitably lock heads?

Well, I think that's a pretty negative attitude. Yes, he's disagreed with producers in the past, but perhaps it's different this time, now that he's had a chance to put out a couple of solo albums and do solo tours where he is the undisputed master of his domain; he got it out of his system. For all we know, maybe he's tired of 'being inside of his own head' and thus receptive to doing things a bit differently. I can certainly relate to feeling paralyzed with decisions; sometimes it's just healthy to hand over the reins to someone you trust.


Will they scrap the FM album, because Stevie doesn't want another repeat of SYW or, by that time, will they be too far invested in the album for the band to back out and will they have to forge ahead with Lindsey? If it's the latter -- then Lindscrafter's Machiavellian plan will have worked and all will be right with the world. If it's the former, then the fans will lose big time.

Why do you think Lindsey is hellbent on leaving FM? If anything, he seems to be the one most vocally championing new FM projects. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Lindsey was the one dangling Sheryl Crow on a stick in front of Stevie to lure her back into the fold. He really wants to make this happen, and I think he will do whatever it takes because it reinforces his faith in cycles!

Although I like the thought of Sheryl in the band as a singer/songwriter/musician, I think she sucks as a producer. Accordingly, I hope, through her associations, she is good for referrals- Bill Bottrell, Tchad Blake, Mitchell Froom, and yes, John Shanks would be wonderful options in my opinion. In fact, I believe Lindsey was the one giving Shanks kudos for figuring out what to do with Stevie's more eccentric songs.

[DavidMn]

Jesus, there's so much great news to process in this article. I feel like I have an ice cream headache!:]

[michelej1]

Why do you think Lindsey is hellbent on leaving FM? If anything, he seems to be the one most vocally championing new FM projects.

I don't think Lindsey is bent on leaving FM. In fact, that's exactly the opposite of what I think.
Michele

[Phoenix]

[QUOTE=HejiraNYC;748266] I wouldn't be surprised if Lindsey was the one dangling Sheryl Crow on a stick in front of Stevie to lure her back into the fold. He really wants to make this happen, and I think he will do whatever it takes because it reinforces his faith in cycles!
QUOTE]

:laugh: That was great. Any reference to Lindseys faith in cycles never fails to get me goin.:laugh:

[GoldDustOrphan]

First choice: Rick Rubin, followed by Brian Eno, Linda Perry, Nigel Godrich, Scott Litt, Brendan O'Brien, Steve Lillywhite, Don Was and Ken Caillat, not because of nostalgia, but he did just produce a platinum album for his daughter Colbie Caillat, whose song "Bubbly" is a massive top 10 hit. Of course, Richard Dashut would have to be there.

Just for fun studio-hijinks, Swedish hitmaker Martin Karl "Max Martin" Sandberg who was also ASCAP's Songwriter of the Year for three years in a row, 1999 - 2001. He wrote & produced all the massive hits for Britney Spears (Hit Me Baby One More Time), Backstreet Boys (I Want it That Way) and N'SYNC (Tearing Up My Heart), before readjusting his sound to write & produce solid commercial pop rock smashes for Kelly Clarkson - Since You Been Gone & Behind These Hazel Eyes. The he salvaged Pink's last CD with two unexpected top ten hits, U+R Your Hand and Who Knew (a song I actually loved) and he co-wrote Daughtry's new hit single, Feels Like Tonight.

Could you imagine him in the studio with LB? It would be like a bad French farce, with lots of slamming doors, odd-balls sound-effects and two grimaced leads prone to awkward physical comedy that can't understand each other. Stevie would just sit and watch - copy of Cat Fancy in one hand, sugar-free Red Bull in the other - maintaining a permanent, detached grin, not because LB has to endure suggestions from the "architect" of Britney/Backstreet/N'SYNC, but because she knows Martin can probably craft a contemporary pop/rock hit (with a big, money-shot chorus) using something from her demo vault.

p.s. I do not want Sheryl Crow to touch a single knob on that soundboard. To be safe, I don't want her to each touch the doorknob to the studio. To be nice, FM can let her think she's singing guest harmony on a track or two, but then they can just overdub Stevie or Sharon's voice. Crow won't even notice. She can open for FM on a big tour and perhaps join them on-stage for Don't Stop and maybe World Turning if she behaves herself. Sheryl Crow......Doesn't Stevie have any really cool rock diva friends her own age? Can't she hang out with that nice Ann Wilson? Or even that lovely Benatar girl from down the street? Debbie Harry would be a bad influence and it's impossible to get Linda Rondstat off ebay, but Annie Lennox was just dropped from her label and I wouldn't mind hearing her sing Songbird....

[face of glass]

That's fine. The question then becomes what is going to happen to FM when Lindsey and the outside producer inevitably lock heads?
If the outside producer is relegated to the role of bringing in drinks and food for the musicians and making sure that they can work in peace, I'm sure it'll be fine. :nod: Provided that there's none of that "chop out the third verse and repeat the chorus four more times" malarkey!

[danax6]

That's fine. The question then becomes what is going to happen to FM when Lindsey and the outside producer inevitably lock heads? Will they scrap the FM album, because Stevie doesn't want another repeat of SYW or, by that time, will they be too far invested in the album for the band to back out and will they have to forge ahead with Lindsey? If it's the latter -- then Lindscrafter's Machiavellian plan will have worked and all will be right with the world. If it's the former, then the fans will lose big time.

MicheleI think the man's got a plan. I do not believe for one second that he is giving away creative control to someone else. He probably couldn't stand Stevie's whining anymore and gave in to her 'demands', knowing perfectly well that he will still hold all the reigns until the very end. Now, who do we know that Lindsey's friends with that's also a producer? He will be part of this evil plan.

Okay, I'm half kidding with that last part, but I do think that Stevie twirled her magic wand and wished for certain things to happen. Lindsey, in realizing that the future of FM is uncertain and the end is always near, gave in. Like I said: For now.

I agree that the last thing Lindsey wants is to leave FM. Or have there be no FM at all.

[shackin'up]

I think it's clear what lindsey wants: Sit in a room to give more creative space to the other members. That means that they have to be there. Stevie hasn't been engaged in the creative process of FM since 86. Lindsey HAD to take the lead otherwise there WAS no FM-album. I'm sure he wants to write together again and use an external producer and engineer: Not to use as a songeditor, but as a processcoach and maybe a soundproducer (which would be the hardest part for him). Nothing wrong with that. Why would that be impossible?

[Matt Lucas]

Hello all---

Regarding non-Lindsey producers, I think Tchad Blake and Mitchell Froom are very interesting suggestions. I am a huge fan of Crowded House, and Froom and Blake produced/engineered their first three records. I wouldn't suggest them for another CH album [been there, done that], but for FM, I say yes. They would bring something totally different to the FM sound, but I think it would work well. They already brought a new vibe to other established artists like Bonnie Raitt and Los Lobos, who made their masterpiece, KIKO, with Froom and Blake. And has anyone heard the Crowded House song, "Instinct?" I played it for a friend of mine who's a big FM fan, and he instantly thought it was a new Mac tune based on the intro and the music. Obviously, singer Neil Finn doesn't sound a thing like Lindsey, but the music---produced by Froom---has a great Mac-sounding-yet-swampy-and-different vibe to it.

As for Rubin, I could see that one happening, too. Rubin seems to enjoy working with artists that the music world has written off or forgotten about, like Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, and even the Dixie Chicks. [Yes, we all love Lindsey and FM, but I think the general view in the music world is that they're dinosaurs.]

And let's not forget that Lindsey has worked with Rubin at least once before: Rubin produced the Tom Petty soundtrack for the film, SHE'S THE ONE, on which Lindsey sang some wonderful backing vocals. Granted, it wasn't a long-term project, but I'm sure Lindsey was able to get an idea of how Rubin works.

For what it's worth, I think Sheryl Crow is a decent producer. She's produced some of her own albums, most notably her second one and GLOBE SESSIONS, both of which sound really good. But, as has been noted by others here, she's worked with some great producers and engineers, so I assume some of their tricks have rubbed off on her.

As a potential band member, I think it could work. *Could.* When I first heard the news, I was shocked because she's a well-established solo artist on the level of Stevie in her day. The thought of her joining a band that is a full generation older than her sounded sort of weird, at first. But then, I realized that she could fill the Christine role quite well. Sheryl plays keys, guitar, and bass and sings and writes really well. [And, lest I offend all of the Christine fans out there, let me say that no one can fill her shoes. But it might be good to have another singer to complement Stevie and Lindsey.]

The real question is whether she can accept a role as a *member* as opposed to the main artist or band leader. If she can do that, then I think it could work quite well, because she has the same background [blues-based pop/rock, albeit a little more Stones-influenced than FM].

The bottom line is that it's reassuring that Lindsey wants the band members to be in the same room and be actively involved in the creative process. That's what being in a band is all about, after all.

mattl

[Sarah]

Well, we know Lindsey started out his solo career to appease his experimental tendencies. He's finished up 2 solo albums (UTS and the new one) in what is, for him, rapid succession. And SYW's experiments weren't that long ago, either.

Really, no, it wouldn't be like him to just give up the control... but if he's feeling satisfied enough with his own solo work, who's to say that he hasn't changed in such a way that he'd be comfortable working with another producer for FM's sell-out sake? I hate to say it like that, but the other members are probably itching for a radio hit, and God knows the label has to want it. Besides, he has everything to gain from it... either 1. it's a huge success and they make a boatload of money, or 2. it's a flop and he gets to hear everyone say, "yeah, at this point in Fleetwood Mac, it just doesn't sound right if Lindsey didn't produce it."

[chiliD]

Well, we know Lindsey started out his solo career to appease his experimental tendencies. He's finished up 2 solo albums (UTS and the new one) in what is, for him, rapid succession. And SYW's experiments weren't that long ago, either.

Well, actually, he had been working on ONE album (probably a double) that his material could easily be spread out over three albums. Remember, 98% of his SYW tunes were intended for Gift Of Screws and about 1/3 of UTS were also GOS leftovers...and there's still more unused GOS songs that will probably finally appear on either his next solo album or the next FMac album. So, using the term "rapid succession" is kind of a misnomer...he's worked on and been harvesting that GOS material for over a decade.

[michelej1]

Okay, I'm half kidding with that last part, but I do think that Stevie twirled her magic wand and wished for certain things to happen. Lindsey, in realizing that the future of FM is uncertain and the end is always near, gave in. Like I said: For now.

I agree that the last thing Lindsey wants is to leave FM. Or have there be no FM at all.

Yes, Lindsey has been talking about working with FM again (and working on an album from the ground up together) ever since SYW was released.

His suspected plan reminds me of the engineering debate in Destiny Rules. He got what he wanted in the end, but it looked like it happened through no fault of his own. What? He can't mix the album because his calendar is booked? Oh darn! Tough luck.

Michele

[michelej1]

So, using the term "rapid succession" is kind of a misnomer... .

But she said rapid succession "for him" which makes all the difference. And I think getting the new UTS songs out which he wrote on the road with FM in just a couple of years was pretty rapid.

But I used to laugh at the Say Goodbye introduction, a song he must have started to write in 1987. Sixteen years in the making man!

I was reading an interview with Matt Stone and Trey Parker in the Onion and they were doing the reverse of Lindsey's favorite thing. They were comparing making a movie or tv show to MUSIC. They said they work best when they only have a few days to crank out a script, because in their view music happens instantaneously. No one writes and rewrites a song for months do they? I just laughed to myself. They don't know the half of it.

Michele

[David]

I was reading an interview with Matt Stone and Trey Parker in the Onion and they were doing the reverse of Lindsey's favorite thing. They were comparing making a movie or tv show to MUSIC. They said they work best when they only have a few days to crank out a script, because in their view music happens instantaneously. No one writes and rewrites a song for months do they? I just laughed to myself. They don't know the half of it.What ignorant little morons they seem to be. (See my Beethoven's Creative Process post on Chat)

[AliceLover]

But she said rapid succession "for him" which makes all the difference. And I think getting the new UTS songs out which he wrote on the road with FM in just a couple of years was pretty rapid.

But I used to laugh at the Say Goodbye introduction, a song he must have started to write in 1987. Sixteen years in the making man!

I was reading an interview with Matt Stone and Trey Parker in the Onion and they were doing the reverse of Lindsey's favorite thing. They were comparing making a movie or tv show to MUSIC. They said they work best when they only have a few days to crank out a script, because in their view music happens instantaneously. No one writes and rewrites a song for months do they? I just laughed to myself. They don't know the half of it.

Michele

True, but in their own field they are comedic geniuses. And they really do finish episodes the DAY of air time. :laugh:

[gldstwmn]

March 25, 2008, 2:25 PM ET

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003733037

Gary Graff, Detroit
Fleetwood Mac -- with or without Sheryl Crow in tow -- is planning to be active again.


In recent weeks Crow, who's friendly with Mac's Stevie Nicks, has talked about joining the band, which Buckingham acknowledges is a possibility, though he adds, "I don't think anything is written in stone yet."

"I think we were all a little surprised (Crow) was announcing that to the world with such certainty," Buckingham says with a laugh. "We have talked about the possibility of bringing another woman into the scene to kind of give Stevie a sort of foil and shake it up a little bit. (Crow) was certainly a name that has come up. We'll have to see."

Mmmhmm. I thought so.


"I don't think I want to produce again 'cause it takes so much," he explains. "

Gasp. :shocked:

[gldstwmn]

Callait and Dashut?

I don't see why not. Rubin would be okay with me too.

[Betsy]

Rick Rubin has worked with a lot of people
-rap and hip hop (LL Cool J),
-hardcore rock (Red Hot Chili Peppers, System of a Down),
-legends (Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Mick Jagger, Neil Diamond)

I even bought Neil Diamond's 12 Songs and was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't the same old, same old.

I'd like to hear his approach.

[louielouie2000]

I personally LOVE the idea of Lindsey relinquishing some control and leaving the producing up to a third party so to speak. IMHO the Mac's best albums (sans Tango) were conceived that way. In my view the less Lindsey has to do producing, the more he can collaborate with the other band members, write songs with Stevie, etc. It will be more of a GROUP again vs seperate parties working under a group name. Perhaps some of that Mac magic will be recaptured if this happens. I'd love to have Dashut and Caillat produce again, but do y'all really think that's feasible? Lindsey has always been the one to want to keep it new and experimental, fresh, etc. Would he really want to have producers whose heyday was in the 70s and early 80s helming this new project? And y'all can say what you will about Ms Crow... but she's a DAMN good producer. Listen to her self titled album from 1996, and the Globe Sessions. Not only did those albums produce some monster radio hits that we're all tired of by now, but they also contained some stellar album tracks, and were just great albums. Say You Will had some good songs but was not a great album because it was truthfully two solo albums spliced together. There needs to be some sort of moderation and cohesiveness, and I think adding Sheryl could possibly be it.

And I agree... Lindsey perhaps has fulfilled his experimentation and control urges with all his solo albums, and the growing rolls he has played within FM since Tusk. Perhaps he's less concerned with doing cutting edge etc and more concerned with just making damn good music again, in whatever form that may take. While I abhor country, FM's newest chapter could be a country flavored album... and I guarantee they'd have a hit from it. Just look at the success Bon Jovi and the Eagles have had with that. Pop and pop/rock has become such a farce that it seems that's where many acts are going (even La Crow is living in Nashville). It's still my two cents that Stevie needs to do that too, or go with an even more niche market that she already has proven recent success with... a dance flavored album. So much for my speculations though :laugh: .

[Betsy]

^^^

Interesting take -- maybe with his solo work, Lindsey has found satisfaction, control and an outlet for himself and wants to leave the producing of an FM project to a neutral party, thereby not having so much acrimony and stress.

[chiliD]

How about THIS idea...

...get Phil Spector to produce the new album. :shocked: :eek: :thumbsup:

Sure, he's a class "A", #1 whack job, but he's one helluva producer.

By the time they start working on the album, Phil's trial will be over...either he'll be wanting to recoup his "defense fund" if he gets off; or, if he's convicted, he could probably get in some work furlough program and get his sentence shortened for "good behavior".

We'd REALLY get a "wall of sound" version of a Stevie Nicks tune in that case. :lol:

[shackin'up]

^^^

Interesting take -- maybe with his solo work, Lindsey has found satisfaction, control and an outlet for himself and wants to leave the producing of an FM project to a neutral party, thereby not having so much acrimony and stress.

which is very understandable, even for our controlfreak, and I'm sure he's mellowed since Tango. SYW was something else: his songs were ready for 7 years, Stevie wasn't there for the production of her old songs, dropped a tape and went off and then in a couple of months the thing was finished. AND it was LB's comeback, he wanted to make a statement. But now, hopefully after two soloalbums and tours, he wants to back off and enjoy the big audience again for legacy-sake. Fully understandable.

although I wished he'd go on with these solo's.

[gldstwmn]

How about THIS idea...

...get Phil Spector to produce the new album. :shocked: :eek: :thumbsup:



Sure. Just outfit the band in kevlar vests and helmets.


We'd REALLY get a "wall of sound" version of a Stevie Nicks tune in that case. :lol:

He would have been better suited to work with Fleetwood Mac during the excesses of the Tusk era when no one would have questioned the playing of 13 pianos at the same time on a given track.

[michelej1]

He would have been better suited to work with Fleetwood Mac during the excesses of the Tusk era when no one would have questioned the playing of 13 pianos at the same time on a given track.

Hold Me has got to be right up his alley. Michele

[Betsy]

How about THIS idea...

...get Phil Spector to produce the new album.
Sure, he's a class "A", #1 whack job, but he's one helluva producer...

...We'd REALLY get a "wall of sound" version of a Stevie Nicks tune...

:wavey::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::wavey:

[Angel69]

First choice: Rick Rubin, followed by Brian Eno, Linda Perry, Nigel Godrich, Scott Litt, Brendan O'Brien, Steve Lillywhite, Don Was and Ken Caillat, not because of nostalgia, but he did just produce a platinum album for his daughter Colbie Caillat, whose song "Bubbly" is a massive top 10 hit. Of course, Richard Dashut would have to be there.

Just for fun studio-hijinks, Swedish hitmaker Martin Karl "Max Martin" Sandberg who was also ASCAP's Songwriter of the Year for three years in a row, 1999 - 2001. He wrote & produced all the massive hits for Britney Spears (Hit Me Baby One More Time), Backstreet Boys (I Want it That Way) and N'SYNC (Tearing Up My Heart), before readjusting his sound to write & produce solid commercial pop rock smashes for Kelly Clarkson - Since You Been Gone & Behind These Hazel Eyes. The he salvaged Pink's last CD with two unexpected top ten hits, U+R Your Hand and Who Knew (a song I actually loved) and he co-wrote Daughtry's new hit single, Feels Like Tonight.



p.s. I do not want Sheryl Crow to touch a single knob on that soundboard. To be safe, I don't want her to each touch the doorknob to the studio. ..


Good choices. I dont even want Sheryl hanging out in the parking lot.

[John Run]

Even if the band uses an outside producer, this idea that Lindsey will just step to the background, does not fly with me. Look at Dashut's comments about Rumours "It was Lindsey who really took the point on Rumours, he has was the one who could craft songs and arrange them into pop-music." Same Thing on Tusk. Lindsey does not have an individual production credit, just a special thanks...Another person might come in and be of assistance in keeping the project focused and keep democracy flowing, but to think that each member of the band will just be idle members playing parts as assigned within someone else's arrangement of theirs songs is really quite naive.

[HejiraNYC]

Even if the band uses an outside producer, this idea that Lindsey will just step to the background, does not fly with me. Look at Dashut's comments about Rumours "It was Lindsey who really took the point on Rumours, he has was the one who could craft songs and arrange them into pop-music." Same Thing on Tusk. Lindsey does not have an individual production credit, just a special thanks...Another person might come in and be of assistance in keeping the project focused and keep democracy flowing, but to think that each member of the band will just be idle members playing parts as assigned within someone else's arrangement of theirs songs is really quite naive.

I think there are wildly different job descriptions for a "producer," which can vary depending on the artist and the project. There are producers who are musicians/composers who actually create the music, e.g., John Shanks, T-Bone Burnett, Lindsey, and then there are producers who are obsessive control room geeks, e.g., Phil Spector, Mitchell Froom, Lindsey, and then there are producers who are none of the above and act more like creative advisers/taskmasters, e.g., Jimmy Iovine, Don Was, Rick Rubin, Ken Caillat, etc. I think FM needs the adviser/taskmaster type of producer who can interpret the overall artistic direction of the project, provide recommendations, lend an objective ear and mediate conflicts. I think the problem with morphing a Lindsey solo project into an FM project is that Lindsey automatically assumes ownership of the project by default. I can see why Lindsey wouldn't want someone to come along and pi$$ all over something that he has labored over for months in isolation; he has too much skin in the game. At the same time I can see how the other members of the band would feel put-off by how much he is trying to control a band effort. I think starting from scratch on a level playing field with an objective third party will help to mitigate this lopsided sense of ownership and will ultimately allow the band to concentrate on the process of creating music rather than waging some petty power struggles.

[louielouie2000]

^^^
That's precisely what I'm trying to say, you just articulated it much better and with much less rambling lol. It seems to me at this point in Lindsey's career that he cares more about making music than he ever has before. He just wants his music out there; be it in Fleetwood Mac, solo, soundtracks, whatever. Between SYW, UTS, this coming solo album, and likely coming FM album, he's putting out more material than he ever has. Lindsey knows he is a boutique product in solo form, and that FM music will be heard by more ears (although not as many as in the past mind you). He knows he can put out his solo albums and do whatever he wants with those, flexing his creative control muscles as much as he wants. At this point he has to really WANT to work with FM to be persuing it still. He's made plenty of money in his lifetime through FM and real estate ventures (!), and if control is all he really wants, he can have that with his solo endeavors. I think he genuinely wants to work within FM, and he realizes that he will have to comprimise to do so at this point. He's a stubborn guy folks, if he didn't want to do this he wouldn't do it. Even though he and Stevie fought a lot during and after SYW, it is for her that he's doing all this comprimising for... looking at outside producers, another female bandmember/muse, etc. The Lindsey of 1987 wouldn't have done that.

[Sarah]

You guys make some good points. I just hope that if Lindsey brings some more would-be solo material to the "group effort", he doesn't let Stevie screw it up with crappy vocals. Again. They sure did a fine job watering down and muddling up Peacekeeper!

[HejiraNYC]

You guys make some good points. I just hope that if Lindsey brings some more would-be solo material to the "group effort", he doesn't let Stevie screw it up with crappy vocals. Again. They sure did a fine job watering down and muddling up Peacekeeper!

Ouch! Dems fightin' words 'round here, Mary! :lol:

[strandinthewind]

. . . I think he genuinely wants to work within FM, and he realizes that he will have to comprimise to do so at this point . . . it is for her that he's doing all this comprimising for... looking at outside producers, another female bandmember/muse, etc. The Lindsey of 1987 wouldn't have done that.

I think the assumption that LB in compromising at all is a large one. For all we know, he may like and even be intrigued by the idea of Crow. Clearly, he would not go back to FM if he hated her, considered her and her work inferior, etc. To the contrary, he has worked with her before both on SYW and in the TISL sessions and made no disparaging remarks about her; she glowed about him and his work - I believe she called it pretty much as close to perfect as she had ever seen. So, I think that the apparently automatic assumption that any collaboration with Crow is made with LB's begrudging compromise is not supported by the comments made in interviews. Rather, I think LB's comments suggest he views it as an opportunity rather than caving in to the demands of the infidels.

[strandinthewind]

Ouch! Dems fightin' words 'round here, Mary! :lol:

Especially considering he is so vocally spot on in a live performance and/or that his live singing in any way sounds like what is on the record :eek:

To me, the thing about him is the playing, not the voice. Maybe if he took some lessons, he could be better or at least stay in one key.

As for La Nicks, her voice is not what it used to be and she has had some truly awful vocals, esp. around the time of TISL, but not really as much since, but she has always been a better and more intuitive singer.

[SteveMacD]

Well, we know Lindsey started out his solo career to appease his experimental tendencies. He's finished up 2 solo albums (UTS and the new one) in what is, for him, rapid succession. And SYW's experiments weren't that long ago, either.

One man's "rapid succession" is another man's horrific dry spell:

Here's what Robert Pollard has done just from 2006. (All are full length projects, except where noted.)

2008
Psycho And The Birds: We've Moved
The Takeovers: Little Green Onion Man EP
Robert Pollard: Superman Was A Rocker

2007
Robert Pollard: Coast To Coast Carpet Of Love
Robert Pollard: Standard Gargoyle Decisions
Circus Devils: Sgt. Disco [Double album]
The Takeovers: Bad Football
Various Artists: Crickets: Best Of The Fading Captain Series 1999-2007 Retrospective Bob's side-projects
Guided By Voices: Live From Austin, TX [Live]
Robert Pollard: Silverfish Trivia EP
Acid Ranch: The Great Houdini Wasn't So Great (Old demos from the 1980s)
Robert Pollard: Meet The King: Asshole 2 [Live recordings of Bob's stage banter.]

2006
Robert Pollard: Normal Happiness
Robert Pollard: Moon [Live]
Psycho And The Birds: Check Your Zoo EP
Psycho And The Birds: All That Is Holy
Keene Brothers: Blues And Boogie Shoes
The Takeovers: Turn To Red
Robert Pollard: From A Compound Eye [Double album]

And, he's released four magazines of his collage art.

[louielouie2000]

I think the assumption that LB in compromising at all is a large one. For all we know, he may like and even be intrigued by the idea of Crow. Clearly, he would not go back to FM if he hated her, considered her and her work inferior, etc. To the contrary, he has worked with her before both on SYW and in the TISL sessions and made no disparaging remarks about her; she glowed about him and his work - I believe she called it pretty much as close to perfect as she had ever seen. So, I think that the apparently automatic assumption that any collaboration with Crow is made with LB's begrudging compromise is not supported by the comments made in interviews. Rather, I think LB's comments suggest he views it as an opportunity rather than caving in to the demands of the infidels.

I think you're totally right! We know Lindsey doesn't do what he doesn't want to do... so he really has to want to do this... and we all know he really wants to put out music right now, and he feels he's at his peak creatively, etc. Perhaps adding Sheryl is a new form of experimentation for him musically. I don't think he's doing anything begrudgingly nowadays... Stevie seems to have taken over that post :p .

I guess like everyone keeps saying, what I hope for most of all is this. If they indeed make a new studio album, I just hope they all start from scratch with it, no plug and play solo albums only needing backing vocals (and I do agree with what Sarah said, Stevie's reedy vocals RUINED Peacekeeper). I truly think they have one more great Mac album within them, if only they can just work closely together on the same playing field at the same pace.

[vivfox]

One man's "rapid succession" is another man's horrific dry spell:

Here's what Robert Pollard has done just from 2006. (All are full length projects, except where noted.)

2008
Psycho And The Birds: We've Moved
The Takeovers: Little Green Onion Man EP
Robert Pollard: Superman Was A Rocker

2007
Robert Pollard: Coast To Coast Carpet Of Love
Robert Pollard: Standard Gargoyle Decisions
Circus Devils: Sgt. Disco [Double album]
The Takeovers: Bad Football
Various Artists: Crickets: Best Of The Fading Captain Series 1999-2007 Retrospective Bob's side-projects
Guided By Voices: Live From Austin, TX [Live]
Robert Pollard: Silverfish Trivia EP
Acid Ranch: The Great Houdini Wasn't So Great (Old demos from the 1980s)
Robert Pollard: Meet The King: Asshole 2 [Live recordings of Bob's stage banter.]

2006
Robert Pollard: Normal Happiness
Robert Pollard: Moon [Live]
Psycho And The Birds: Check Your Zoo EP
Psycho And The Birds: All That Is Holy
Keene Brothers: Blues And Boogie Shoes
The Takeovers: Turn To Red
Robert Pollard: From A Compound Eye [Double album]

And, he's released four magazines of his collage art.

All that music and I've never heard of Robert Pollard! As a fan of Fleetwood Mac/ Stevie I am used to waiting frickin' forever for new music and sometimes like in the case of Trouble in shangri la, I waited for what seemed like 100 years for its release and then decided it sucked. I still feel this way about TISL. The only songs I listen to or like on that cd were the ones produced by John Shanks.

[HejiraNYC]

All that music and I've never heard of Robert Pollard! As a fan of Fleetwood Mac/ Stevie I am used to waiting frickin' forever for new music and sometimes like in the case of Trouble in shangri la, I waited for what seemed like 100 years for its release and then decided it sucked. I still feel this way about TISL. The only songs I listen to or like on that cd were the ones produced by John Shanks.

I actually adore TISL to pieces, although I agree that the John Shanks-produced songs were the best (Every Day being the exception). I could only imagine how much more fabulous it would have been if he was at the helm for every track. That's why I would love to see him working on the next FM album, which is unlikely since it has probably been infinitely more profitable for him to work with the tweenie-boppers :rolleyes: .

[HejiraNYC]

Especially considering he is so vocally spot on in a live performance and/or that his live singing in any way sounds like what is on the record :eek:

To me, the thing about him is the playing, not the voice. Maybe if he took some lessons, he could be better or at least stay in one key.

As for La Nicks, her voice is not what it used to be and she has had some truly awful vocals, esp. around the time of TISL, but not really as much since, but she has always been a better and more intuitive singer.

So true! If only the chiffon-bashers here would take an objective look at what is left of Lindsey's once-soaring voice. :eek: Hint: growling and whispering are not exactly singing. Doing a side-by-side comparison, I would say that Stevie has retained much more of her voice than Lindsey. But then again, Christine has 'em both beat by a mile. :nod:

[michelej1]

I don't think he's doing anything begrudgingly nowadays... Stevie seems to have taken over that post :p .


I just want that to be true. He's at a point in his life now where he has to accept 2nd or 3rd choice, because his options are limited, as his Not Too Late documentary made clear. He decided there to make do with what was offered to him, rather than to continue trying to chase something that was no longer within his reach. That choice worked for him (or at least it worked for me) that time.

Michele

[John Run]

I don't think a new album would be starting from scratch, as Lindsey said he has lots of material that could go towards a Fleetwood Mac album. I am all for a producer to work with the band. As I think parts of Say You Will headed off in self-indulgent tangents and some of the songs became devices to show studio constructed playing, versus having the playing fit the song, which to me was always what made Lindsey such a great craftsman of music. Another voice to offer direction, constructive alternatives, etc., to me would be great. I just don't believe LB will ever cede all creative control.

[SteveMacD]

All that music and I've never heard of Robert Pollard!

Well, we'll have to correct that!


"I Am A Scientist" -A video that decidedly tells you what Robert Pollard/Guided By Voices is/was all about (mostly all shot in Dayton, Ohio).

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"Game Of Pricks" Bob's signature song, from the band's last Dayton show. (I was at this show, BTW.)

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"Hold On Hope" -I can just hear Christine doing this one.

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"King And Caroline/Motor Away" -from MTV's old Jon Stewart show.

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[michelej1]

So true! If only the chiffon-bashers here would take an objective look at what is left of Lindsey's once-soaring voice. :eek: Hint: growling and whispering are not exactly singing. :

From that perspective, Lindsey actually sounds much better live than he does on the recording these days. As, I was astounded at how good his voice was at the UTS concerts, based on his whisper croaking on the album. When I heard Shut Us Down first on Elizabethtown, Peter Jennings had just passed away from lung cancer and it struck me that Lindsey was sounding a lot like Peter Jennings had during his last ABC broadcasts.

To my surprise, he sounded amazing during the UTS tour and made Shut Us Down better for me live than it was on the album. He even sounded better during the UTS tour than he did during the SYW tour.

I do not think Stevie was a better singer than Lindsey during their hey day. She was more distinctive and had a wider range, however. Lindsey could have a very pure tenor that I found sublime. It did occur to me though when I would listen to Walter Egan (or even later when I heard Tom Petty's Walls) that I would not really recognize Lindsey as a background singer if I didn't know it was him. Of all Egan's songs, the only time I would know Lindsey when I heard him was on Where's The Party. Other than that, his voice did not stand out for me. Whereas, you always hear Stevie (with Egan, with John Stewart, with Kenny Loggins, on Over My Head, etc.).

I began to suspect that the only reason I know what Lindsey sounds like in FM is because I know what Christine and Stevie sound like and my brain just decided he must be the other voice, via the process of elimination.

In concert, he has always spent a lot of time just screaming. I don't think he is particularly trying to sing, unless he is on harmony with someone. And, by someone, I don't think he even tries to harmonize much when it's just him and Stevie. It's when there are more people involved (Christine or Mindy, Sharon, Jana) and they are singing together that he puts more effort into it.

As for SYW, I don't think Stevie ruined Peacekeeper and I think she actually helped Miranda, just as I think Lindsey's vocals helped Thrown Down and EFO. But they both had sweetening available for the album and, with that sweetening, a lot of people still found Stevie's vocals off.

As for Christine -- always a warm counterpart to nasal Lindsey and Stevie -- yes I was amazed by her voice on In The Meantime, not only strong and rich, but also extremely interpretative, especially on the songs written by her nephew. I thought she did the best vocals of her career on two of those songs. When Lindsey teamed up with Little Big Town for The Chain I once again heard what I'd been missing on the song ever since Christine left.

Michele

[strandinthewind]

^^^

I agree.

I also think that in the early days (not so much now) La Nicks could make her voice sound like LB's voice. For years, I wondered who was singing the "YEA" in one of the final choruses of "Say You Love Me."

When I watch those Bella Donna sessions on La Nicks' last issue - I literally get chills listening to her seemingly effortless and soaring vocals then. I think she can still do that for the most part (see Circle Dance and R&R) - but she doesn't really try on the older stuff life Rhiannon and SDMHA (which is sung from the gutter) - which pisses me off.

I think LB on the other hand is just a balls out kind of singer. And, since he was never really known for his voice, it does not matter as much that he bends keys, etc.

I wonder if singing with Crow will get them on their toes vocally. Crow does not have the best voice, but she has relative youth and is, from what I see, a trained vocalist as opposed to the innate vocal nature of LB and La Nicks.

[strandinthewind]

. . . She was more distinctive and had a wider range, however . . . .

LOL - that is how I define a better vocalist :laugh:

But, LB in the day did have a cool voice and he still does IMO, it is just that he screams a bunch when IMO a little control might suit him. Maybe it is more that he currently can be vocally sloppy as opposed to the mostly vocally lazy La Nicks.

[billwebster]

The great news in this is the prospect of another Lindsey solo album. From what the newsbit stated, it's fairly complete by now, too. The fact that he's not a Reprise recording artist anymore, but a free agent, is good news, too. He can now license out his recordings to a label or distributor, thereby keeping the rights to the master tapes. And the larger of the indie labels will be happy to release an album by a well-known name. That's the way to go at the time, business-wise.

Good luck for the project, Lindsey! I guess the album will be great.

As for the FM situation including or not including Sheryl, and Lindsey stepping down as a producer, I can understand people want Richard Dashut back. But what has he been up to in recent years? I don't have a clue. Sheryl Crow knows how to produce, which she has shown several times before (her eponymous 2nd solo album, the duets with Stevie on the Practical Magic soundtrack). Rob Cavallo could do a good job, too. But please: not John Shanks. His work on both Stevie's and Chris Isaak's records isn't up to par with what these artists can do without his streamlined, boring production.
Sorry if that last remark offends anybody.

[strandinthewind]

I think LB should release the record on his website and market it and any art work/liner notes that way. It would cost comparatively very little to do it that way. Moreover, he is a large enough artist that he could command a late night Letterman/Leno appreance and actually laud the fact that he is a large artist making use of this non-mainstream way to release his music. He likely would make way more money that way, esp. when Itunes and others picked up the songs.

I also am a little suprised that he did not use the going back to FM method of obtaining a stipend for his solo projects that Reprise could release.

[David]

When I watch those Bella Donna sessions on La Nicks' last issue - I literally get chills listening to her seemingly effortless and soaring vocals then. I think she can still do that for the most part (see Circle Dance and R&R)I don't think so. Here's what I hear: a woman whose throat is totally constricted, a woman who has to push unpleasantly full voice to get the sound out, & who has no remaining pliancy or dynamics (she never sings softly any more). She's a belter only, but you can practically hear the veins in her throat & the capillaries in her eyeballs rupturing.

I think LB on the other hand is just a balls out kind of singer. And, since he was never really known for his voice, it does not matter as much that he bends keys, etc.Yes, he sucks now too. Hoarse & croaky & screechy to my ears. Can't sing up high at all & sounds like Frankenstein's monster when singing down low. His constricting-with-age voice does what Stevie's does, too: repeats the same pitch instead of moving up or down the scale, like in o/~ You can go your own way o/~ Instead of going DOWN on "can" & UP on "your" which is the way the song goes, he just stays on the same pitch practically all the way through. Sounds dreadful. I can't bear these guys' singing any more, which is probably why I only talk about decades ago like an old fart.

Still, I think they're nice people: they're kind & mostly considerate & they probably smell good if you sidle up beside them.

[strandinthewind]

I don't think so. Here's what I hear: a woman whose throat is totally constricted, a woman who has to push unpleasantly full voice to get the sound out, & who has no remaining pliancy or dynamics (she never sings softly any more). She's a belter only, but you can practically hear the veins in her throat & the capillaries in her eyeballs rupturing.

Yes, she most def. strains nowadays when in the BD sessions, it is effortless -the changing of octaves, all of it. Though, in songs like Boodbye baby, she is singing very softly and it works. I also think Circle Dance did not sound too strained. But, her ability to use her upper and even middle range in any consistent manner on a tour is greatly dminished. But, when she shows it, it is IMO stellar.

. . . Still, I think they're nice people: they're kind & mostly considerate & they probably smell good if you sidle up beside them.

Well, LB and La Nicks often wear the same clothing day by day . . . and more important, night by night :eek:

[michelej1]

^^^

I agree. I also think that in the early days (not so much now) La Nicks could make her voice sound like LB's voice. For years, I wondered who was singing the "YEA" in one of the final choruses of "Say You Love Me."


I don't know which "yea -a-a" you mean, but Lindsey does one and during the Dance tour, when they were all standing on the apron of the stage, Christine would always point her tamborine at him to do it.

Thinking of Lindsey's screaming, when he does that (like on a Zevon song) I always recognize that, even if I don't recognize his singing voice. I didn't agree with them, but I know some people who complained about the way Lindsey would yell "lightning strikes, maybe once, maybe twice" during the SYW tour and I joked that's probably what made Stevie decide to drop Gypsy, because he kept scaring her every night with the lightning.

At any rate, when Stevie was working with the voice teacher before an SYW show, I think Lindsey was off . . . picking out his wardrobe.

he is a large enough artist that he could command a late night Letterman/Leno appreance

It upset me that he got Conan, but not Letterman or Leno for the UTS promotion.

Bill, I think Richard has been working on Hawaiian music most recently.

Earlier people had mentioned Ken and I think Ken, Keith, Richard, etc. are all great, but as far as the idea that Ken has some contemporary creds goes, Ken didn't actually produce Colbie's record. He did consult with her on it and she always had him as a sounding board, so if her producers were going astray, I'm sure he helped her keep everything on the right path.

Michele

[HejiraNYC]

I think LB should release the record on his website and market it and any art work/liner notes that way. It would cost comparatively very little to do it that way. Moreover, he is a large enough artist that he could command a late night Letterman/Leno appreance and actually laud the fact that he is a large artist making use of this non-mainstream way to release his music.

Well, I think that is hardly novel anymore after Radiohead gave away their newest album online for free. But as for artist-releasing their own albums... I can't really think of too many instances where this worked successfully. My hunch is that Lindsey should be courting Starbucks "Hear Music" label like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Paul McCartney. I guess that's what you do when you hit 60. :shrug:



I also am a little suprised that he did not use the going back to FM method of obtaining a stipend for his solo projects that Reprise could release.

Um, maybe it's because SYW's sales were a disappointment, that it probably never recouped fully the recording and promotional costs, and UTS sold maybe 11 copies. If I owned a label, as much as I would want to release a Lindsey album, I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole just from a financial perspective.

[strandinthewind]

^^^

With Crow in the mix, FMis much more marketable :shrug: So, I am unsure why he would not latch onto that.

Also, Radiohead is not the level of stardom that LB has with FM, which he could use to get the bookings and press. If he were smart, he could market this as what is left for people of his stature to do and still be an artist. IMO, it is his only real shot at having any kind of palatable sales - though one never knows about hits, etc.

[michelej1]

People weigh in about Crow on the Rolling Stone site:

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/03/26/news-ticker-the-who-fleetwood-mac-rivers-cuomo/

[strandinthewind]

^^

Once again, even though no one said it, people run to assume that Crow will be there solely to take the place of Christine. To my knowledge, no member of the band said that and neither did Crow. What they all did say and imply is that Crow will sing along to the band's hits (not nec. CM's vocal solo stuff) and that new music would result. How that translated into Crow replacing Christine or Crow being there to sing Christine's songs like Everywhere during the concert is beyond me.

[BTFLCHLD]

ok strand...crow will be replacing Lindsey. Better? ;)

[strandinthewind]

ok strand...crow will be replacing Lindsey. Better? ;)

Well, she is a better guitarist :D

[Sarah]

Well, she is a better guitarist :D

I hate everything about you now. :P

[BombaySapphire3]

I don't think Sheryl is silly enough to believe that she would be replacing Christine ..she has her own idenity and long career but I do believe she could bring something to the band that was missing on SYW..that third voice and songwriting and I would hope some of the cohesiveness that Christine brought that some of us didn't even realize until it was gone.The chemistry that the 5 of them had could never be replicated ,in fact after the 1970s were over the 5 of them could only replicate it themselves in sporadic flashes .

[TrueFaith77]

Although I really really really do believe that Timbaland would be the very best producer for a Lindsey/Stevie Fleetwood Mac album (Timba says he wants to do rock... then he should work with the greatest "american" rock band of all time).

Since that won't happen because it's too good to be true, Here's a RADICAL idea that really ought to happen. The producers should be: Dan Perfect and Ken Caillat and Fleetwood Mac.

With the olive branch offered via Dan Perfect, who would be a good and appropriate choice anyway, maybe Christine could come back, and all this Sheryl Crow nonsense could end. I mean really, would Christine take away such an opportunity from Dan? (I'm no expert, but just a hunch).

[strandinthewind]

I hate everything about you now. :P

If you get fat, I am leaving you for a hooker :p

:angel:

[BombaySapphire3]

Since that won't happen because it's too good to be true, Here's a RADICAL idea that really ought to happen. The producers should be: Dan Perfect and Ken Caillat and Fleetwood Mac.

With the olive branch offered via Dan Perfect, who would be a good and appropriate choice anyway, maybe Christine could come back, and all this Sheryl Crow nonsense could end. I mean really, would Christine take away such an opportunity from Dan? (I'm no expert, but just a hunch).

Christine most likely would have participated fully in the SYW sessions as a band member..she just refused to tour as I believe with all certainty she still would..It was Mick's unfailing greed that ruined her participation and the album that might have been.

[strandinthewind]

Christine most likely would have participated fully in the SYW sessions as a band member..she just refused to tour as I believe with all certainty she still would..It was Mick's unfailing greed that ruined her participation and the album that might have been.

I am unsure about that. I think the recording would have had to have happened in Kent. I do not see FM going there for a year no matter how good her food is :cool: I think she wanted out and out she was. I hold no ill will and miss her. But, I do not long to have her back if she does not want to come. Rather, I look forward to a new incarnation which, to me, sounds full of intrigue. That is why I do not get all of the Crow = CM light. FM will be a comnpletely different entity.

[Serrart]

Obviously Lindsey didn't appreciate the fact the rumour about Crow negotiating a possible collaboration with FM came out this way, but it had to, as I'm sure on Stevie's side everyone knows very well. It had to be big and loud.

About Lindsey not producing the album, I'm jubilating. Not because he's not a great producer, but obviously he's lost the chemistry with Stevie in recording room along the way, and she's rightly asking to have more power also there. I've never understood why to be in FM for her must become everytime a "Repent!" time.
Other Ledgies have suggested great producers, I'd like to add (sorry if they've already been mentioned) Jon Brion and Jack White.

I'm glad Lindsey has tons of material, I just hope it's something more universal than the familiar bliss washed with mineral water published on Under the skin.

About Lindsey searching another label for his solo album, I think it's a shame. He made tons of money for Warner and they, to thank him, don't support him for his solo work, but want him back for FM... Greedy idiots.

Regarding the comments about Stevie's and Lindsey's voices, I agree they both sound strained but while I really can't stand Lindsey's voice alone for more than three songs, Stevie's voice alone, as one italian critic wrote about SYW, is like burnt sugar, a storyteller's fascinating and involving instrument.

Romy

[strandinthewind]

But, when they focus - they shine brighter than the sun, to wit:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zO9e_HiVB34&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zO9e_HiVB34&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

Could she be more beautiful or feminine there - Could they be more in love, even for just the 4:00?

As for her voice -- I think she shines brightly here

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DOV1YVtnEW4&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DOV1YVtnEW4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

[strandinthewind]

And - on Circle Dance, her voice is fluid and IMO not strained - it is, however, deliciously aged:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Criil52L4KQ&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Criil52L4KQ&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

But - hardly is what is seen here:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OZZCU_JilRY&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OZZCU_JilRY&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
or here

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_2uJ0Rel6Zk&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_2uJ0Rel6Zk&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

effortless and stunning.

[BombaySapphire3]

effortless and stunning.

I love her voice during the Bella Donna era it was at it's peak IMHO even if she had lost a bit of it's higher register by then it was more full and rich..inexplicably a couple years after this she took up smoking cigarettes and you can hear the difference clearly by The Wild Heart.

[SteveMacD]

I love her voice during the Bella Donna era it was at it's peak IMHO even if she had lost a bit of it's higher register by then it was more full and rich..inexplicably a couple years after this she took up smoking cigarettes and you can hear the difference clearly by The Wild Heart.

Funny how smoking really didn't have too great of an impact on the voices of Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, or Bekka Bramlett.

[BombaySapphire3]

Funny how smoking really didn't have too great of an impact on the voices of Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, or Bekka Bramlett.

Who Bekka Bramlett???:lol:

[strandinthewind]

I love her voice during the Bella Donna era it was at it's peak IMHO even if she had lost a bit of it's higher register by then it was more full and rich..inexplicably a couple years after this she took up smoking cigarettes and you can hear the difference clearly by The Wild Heart.

Well, she smoked pot throughout the 70's, though she tried to control it. Also, I think she started smoking cigs after RAL. There was some interview about it - but I cannot find it and I could be wrong. But smoking pot is just as awful for your voice :shrug:

[louielouie2000]

The most amazing thing is Joni Mitchell still smokes like a train, and her voice has changed not one iota since the late '60s.

I dare say Stevie's vocal damage was caused more by her pot smoking than cigarettes. I still maintain my belief that Stevie smokes pot to this day, and that's why her voice continues to deteriorate. I call on the example of Stevie sitting on the couch in Destiny Rules talking about "this isn't about art." Good lord, look into her eyes! The woman is higher than Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse combined there :lol: . She has also said in recent interviews that she hasn't done any hard drugs since 1986. The evidence is there folks! We know she at least smoked pot well through the '80s, there is a demo of The Dealer where she says "alright where's the dope, I need to smoke a joint, at least a little bit of a joint. Hey... so I'm a rock and roll hippie." :lol:Don't believe me? Listen to the end of the remix of The Dealer here-> http://www.myspace.com/snickremix

[David]

And - on Circle Dance, her voice is fluid and IMO not strained - it is, however, deliciously aged:
I guess we all have different ears. That to me sounds like veins & capillaries popping out all over. Blood everywhere. :eek:

Good song, though.

[David]

I love her voice during the Bella Donna era it was at it's peak IMHO even if she had lost a bit of it's higher register by then it was more full and rich..inexplicably a couple years after this she took up smoking cigarettes and you can hear the difference clearly by The Wild Heart.We all gots different ears. Oops I think I already said that. My ears alert me to the personal fact in the Grand Narrative that during the 83 tour, the voice was more pliable than ever, engaging in stunning pyrotechnics (stunning for Stevie, that is -- it wasn't as if she suddenly turned into Joan Sutherland).

Listen to HOW STILL MY LOVE at the Inglewood Forum, & then imagine anyone in pop anywhere else duplicating that.

[Sorceress]

The most amazing thing is Joni Mitchell still smokes like a train, and her voice has changed not one iota since the late '60s.


This is sarcasm, right?

[Hawkeye]

Do You think you could please post that Inglewood How Still My Love. My favorite version is clearly the one in my sig, but I've not heard the inglewood version so who knows.

[Betsy]

I enjoyed the clips from Youtube that Strand posted. Someone posted just the audio (Lindsey's Soundstage) in the Lindsey forum a while back. I was pleasantly surprised to hear Stevie hitting high notes.

I thought her innocent vocal sound was lost forever due to her damaged septum. (Some print material said she could get it fixed, but she refused because then she wouldn't sound the same.)

Does that damaged septum contribute to her nasal sound, and her age, and constricted vocal chords contribute to the lower register?

As for her hair....I like the no-bangs look.

The bangs make her look too much like Bette Davis in WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE . :laugh: (No hate mail, please, I am being facetious.)

One last comment, for those who don't have me on ignore, does anyone else see the similarity of LB/SN with the two folk singers (Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara) featured in the movie A MIGHTY WIND ?

Everytime I see a Landslide or an intimate SN/LB clip I am reminded of that movie. (If you haven't seen it, you got to. It's a "mockumentary".)

[Phoenix]

featured in the movie A MIGHTY WIND ?

Everytime I see a Landslide or an intimate SN/LB clip I am reminded of that movie. (If you haven't seen it It's a "mockumentary".)


OH GOD NO. THERES 6 hrs of my life i'll never get back again, and id successfully compleetly blocked that out of my head untill just now!:mad::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Go to the happy place (curls up in ball and rocks):distress:

[Betsy]

Six hours?

What the hell...did you watch it three times? :D

[David]

Do You think you could please post that Inglewood How Still My Love. My favorite version is clearly the one in my sig, but I've not heard the inglewood version so who knows.Only for you, Hawkeye Pierce.

HOW STILL
http://www.sendspace.com/file/qp7jcc

And here is a fantastic, little-known live RHIANNON from Stevie's very short 1984 tour:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/4df9ji

[jbrownsjr]

Funny how smoking really didn't have too great of an impact on the voices of Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, or Bekka Bramlett.


It hasn't affected Lindsey's voice? I cringe when I listen to him now.

[Hawkeye]

Thank You David for How Still My Love and that excellent Rhiianon. Stevie was smoking like a carton a day in 84 apparantly. What is that exactly.

[SteveMacD]

It hasn't affected Lindsey's voice? I cringe when I listen to him now.

The changes in Lindsey's voice have been pretty gradual, so I really can't say it was the smoking. Listen to Go Your Own Way from the Mirage tour, the Cradle tour, and The Dance. The biggest change, to my ears, was between 1993 and 1998. It's gotten worse since. He smoked for years, and his voice changed little. He became a dad, and his voice changed a lot. Also, they're all getting older, which also impacts the voice.

I don't think the changes in vocals can be soley blamed on smoking. It didn't help, but Christine and Lindsey smoked, and their voices did not change too drastically. I think Stevie trying to be Janis on "Rhiannon" for all those years is about 90% of why her voice changed so drastically compared to the others. Actually, I think the "Tusk" through "Mirage" era was her best, and I think I'd like her current voice more if she tried her hand at blues or jazz. But, her early voice (Fritz and some of the live Buckingham Nicks) could be annoying, IMO.

[SteveMacD]

And here is a fantastic, little-known live RHIANNON from Stevie's very short 1984 tour:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/4df9ji

When did David Byrne and Van Halen record "Rhiannon"?

[jbrownsjr]

The changes in Lindsey's voice have been pretty gradual, so I really can't say it was the smoking. Listen to Go Your Own Way from the Mirage tour, the Cradle tour, and The Dance. The biggest change, to my ears, was between 1993 and 1998. It's gotten worse since. He smoked for years, and his voice changed little. He became a dad, and his voice changed a lot. Also, they're all getting older, which also impacts the voice.

I don't think the changes in vocals can be soley blamed on smoking. It didn't help, but Christine and Lindsey smoked, and their voices did not change too drastically. I think Stevie trying to be Janis on "Rhiannon" for all those years is about 90% of why her voice changed so drastically compared to the others. Actually, I think the "Tusk" through "Mirage" era was her best, and I think I'd like her current voice more if she tried her hand at blues or jazz. But, her early voice (Fritz and some of the live Buckingham Nicks) could be annoying, IMO.

As a singer.. I would have to agree that singing improperly will thrash your voice with much more impact than smoking ever would.... I understand your point now...

[michelej1]

He became a dad, and his voice changed a lot.

Maybe he stripped it yelling at them a lot.

Michele

[gldstwmn]

The most amazing thing is Joni Mitchell still smokes like a train, and her voice has changed not one iota since the late '60s.

:confused::confused::confused: Have you heard her lately?

[jbrownsjr]

:confused::confused::confused: Have you heard her lately?

If you compare "Blue" or even "Mingus" to "Shine" her latest effort... you will laugh at how different it is... lolol

[gldstwmn]

If you compare "Blue" or even "Mingus" to "Shine" her latest effort... you will laugh at how different it is... lolol

I know. If you listen to Both Sides Now (which I love) you can hear the difference. There is still a great richness to her voice though.

[jbrownsjr]

I know. If you listen to Both Sides Now (which I love) you can hear the difference. There is still a great richness to her voice though.

Both Sides Now is so much better than Travelogue.. I love her rich voice on Both Sides... "A Case of You" and "Both Sides Now" amazing versions...