DISCUSSION: Stevie's songs from Mirage [Archive]

chiliD

10-21-2010, 01:46 PM

holidayroad

10-21-2010, 02:20 PM

I agree that the LP version of 'Straight Back' is far better. Does anyone have an mp3 of it? 'Straight Back' is probably my favorite of Stevie's songs on Mirage. I liked the older Buckingham Nicks version of 'That's Alright' (Designs of Love?) better. 'Gypsy' is a song I think I've just gotten tired of. I know it's probably not good to say that. I've heard it so much that it has lost its meaning.

bluefox4000

10-21-2010, 02:23 PM

Stevie's Mirage song's

Gypsy- Wonderful tune. I love this original version of it. Great mystical vibe that i think is lost in live versions. Top notch. Easily her best here.

That's Alright- To overt country. I just can't listen to it. Ewwwww. bad.

Straight back- Not bad. Just a re-write of Sister's of the moon. Only t's the lesser tune.

So yea. Mirage is a weak album for everybody. However I LOVE what comes next:thumbsup:

Mick

silvasprings

10-21-2010, 04:19 PM

That's Alright- I always thought the chorus of this song was pretty, the harmonies are the only thing that saved it for me, otherwise it's a little lacklustre and definitely too country for 1982.

Gypsy- Considering the terrible demo's of this song, Lindsey somehow saved this track, I think it's some of his best production ever. I love this song especially the extended version of the chain box set.

Straight Back- the keyboard intro to this song always reminds me of a song by the Who, I don't know why. I like the vinyl version but I also enjoy the layering of vocals on the cd release. Hours and hours of waiting for you, so strong and so fleeting, the dream has just begun.... love that part. Heavily underated compared to some of the other stinkers on the album IMO.

nailatixela

10-21-2010, 04:38 PM

Well I guess I have to be the first to give That's Alright some love!! I know a lot of people love this song...this is a song that you can play to someone and break their preconceived notions of what kind of band Fleetwood Mac is. I hate country, but this song is an amazing, emotional love song.

Gypsy is just pure awesomeness though.

kokoro

10-21-2010, 04:44 PM

Gypsy: I'm sure everything good that could be said about this song has already been said by someone somewhere. It'll probably win for favorite overall Mirage song, and I think it deserves it.

That's Alright: I'm head over heels in love with this song in all of its incarnations, though I do prefer the Buckingham Nicks version, various Mirage outtakes, and even covers (particularly Caitlin Rose's live version (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzhBlbZqxpI)) to the one that ended up on the album. Unlike the folks complaining about it being too country, I wish it was more country.

Straight Back: I'm guilty of underrating this one, but when I actually convince myself to listen to it I find it fairly enjoyable. Still, I think it's mostly a throwaway song, and I would have preferred angry Smile at You, If You Were My Love, or both in it's place any day.

louielouie2000

10-21-2010, 05:09 PM

That's Alright: Country garbage has *NO* place in Fleetwood Mac!!! :mad:
Straight Back: It's no Sisters Of The Moon, but it isn't too far off. I really enjoy this song... love the production. It's kind of the last big, airy fairy, out-there mystical song Stevie recorded in Fleetwood Mac.
Gypsy: Pure classic Mac perfection. What else is there to say?

iamnotafraid

10-21-2010, 06:42 PM

The only one to me that is listenable is "Gypsy".

Although, the LP version of "Straight Back" is different (and a whole lot better) than the version that was released on the CD.

Couldn't agree with you more. I think it's a very weak album
for all 3 singer songwriters.

I had no idea the LP version of Straight Back is different from
the CD.

GypsySorcerer

10-21-2010, 06:59 PM

Gypsy -- Fantastic song, with perfect production. I've grown a little tired of it over the years, but it deserves its accolades. It may end up winning this whole thing.

That's Alright -- Criminally underrated and my favorite of her songs here.

Straight Back -- My least favorite of the three, but I still enjoy it. I especially like the harmonies with Christine.

tilthefirefades

10-21-2010, 07:29 PM

That's Alright-Easily my favorite. Just superb writing, and her voice is spot on.

Straight Back-Absolutely love this one too, especially Christine's harmonies.

Gypsy-IMO it was never done justice live, except maybe on the RAL tour. The album version just has a spark she couldn't recapture.

If You Were My Love & Smile at You-Oh yeah :distress:

aleuzzi

10-21-2010, 08:06 PM

I love Gypsy. This was the song that really sparked my love the entire band. I'd remembered and like Rumours when I was 8 or 9. But by the time Gypsy was released I was a little older and got totally hooked on it.

It still sparkles to me.

Straight Back bores me. The demo version of That's Alright that has been floating around since the mid-70s is WAY better than this flaccid, uninspired version.

CreepingDeath

10-22-2010, 02:08 AM

I actually love all three of Stevie's songs on Mirage. :shrug:

Artemis

10-22-2010, 02:09 AM

I also love all three of Stevie's songs on Mirage, I can't fault any of them really. Straight Back doesn't get the love and attention it deserves :(

jcalzaretta

10-22-2010, 06:46 AM

1. Gypsy - brilliant

2. That's Alright

3. Straight Back - I like this song but not the ending. Could have been much better.

In all, loved the Stevie contributions to Mirage.

jellyman10

10-22-2010, 07:32 AM

'That's Alright' is one of the most logically integrated lyrics Stevie Nicks ever wrote. It doesn't shift persona, or subject, or theme, which just shows that she CAN do it when she tries (or doesn't take cold feet about people guessing what/who she's addressing). I like the pretty simple, full-on country arrangement, but I do acknowledge that it sits oddly on the album as a whole.

'Straight Back' sounds like a very generic slice of FM musical pie. Almost like someone would play as a parody, or jam at a soundcheck. Tidy, moody rhythm section (check). Echoey, mystical vocal/lyric (check). Wee bit harmony here and there (check). It's anonymous but I still kinda dig it as a vibe (man).

'Gypsy' is a song that I love almost in spite of the way it's produced here. For me, it foreshadows where LB ended up with the very worst aspects of TITN (i.e. fussy, self-indulgent and sterile). I don't like the guitar arpeggios under the vocal but I do like the guitar when it's by itself.

Overall, though, I think SN's are among the stronger songs on Mirage.

Loz

MissLadyLoki

10-22-2010, 08:56 AM

1. That's Alright- Far too country for my liking
2. Straight Back- It's OK, but I never got the hype
3. Gypsy- Still remains one of my absolute favorite Stevie songs. Need I say more?

vivfox

10-22-2010, 06:58 PM

That's Alright--I love this song. Loved it from the first time I heard it. Still love it. I wish Stevie would do a whole album of country songs just like this.

Gypsy--Brilliant pop song. In 1982 seeing this video on MTV in all it's glory was very sweet. Being a FM fan then was incredible.

Straight Back--Like Louie said, this song is a continuation of songs that started with Rhiannon into Gold Dust Woman into Sister's of the Moon into Straight Back. A cool mystical theme. I really love this song a lot. I bought Mirage on the day it was released and several months later was completely shocked when a new friend played me her copy on cassette and I realized her version had added vocals on Straight Back that the LP version did not contain.

APerfectLie

10-22-2010, 09:07 PM

Gypsy- Well what can I say? This song encapsulates the amazingness that is Fleetwood Mac. It is one of their best songs ever and never seems to bore me. However, I wish the extended version would have been on the album.

Straight Back- Amazing. Love it. Very very Stevie Nicks.

That's Alright- It took me years to enjoy this song. However, I can rock the **** out of this song. I think Stevie's vocal is stellar and lyrically it's pretty amazing. That being said, it is so not Fleetwood Mac. I love the song, but I just never felt it fit on the album. It should have been a B-side for sure.

TrueFaith77

10-23-2010, 12:19 PM

A weird mixed bag of songs. Not necessarily "mixed bag" in terms of quality, so much as tone--both from each other and from the rest of the album.

"That's Alright" -- what stands out is the harmonies which are breathtaking.

"Straight Back" -- Sounds like Flesh & Blood-era Roxy Music. Not a bad thing.

"Gypsy" -- Recently I was musing to myself as to my alltime favorite "singles" and only two Mac songs made the cut to be in the running: "Go Your Own Way" ... and "Gypsy."

sjpdg

10-24-2010, 03:02 AM

Final discussion thread for Mirage.

Stevie's Songs
1. That's Alright
2. Straight Back
3. Gypsy

3 songs - seems to be the standard for Stevie. ;)

In order of personal preference:

a) Gypsy (the "25 Years" version actually)
b) That's Alright
c) Straight Back (sounds like it should have been on a solo album instead of "Mirage" to me.)

GJK

10-24-2010, 02:51 PM

The only one to me that is listenable is "Gypsy".

Although, the LP version of "Straight Back" is different (and a whole lot better) than the version that was released on the CD.

So far, I've heard two covers of "That's Alright" that I like MUCH better than this God-awful original.

I do not often disagree with ChiliD but I really like 'That's alright'.
Sometimes (another great song) I play the CD just for this song.

GJK

jellyman10

10-24-2010, 04:15 PM

Straight Back--Like Louie said, this song is a continuation of songs that started with Rhiannon into Gold Dust Woman into Sister's of the Moon into Straight Back. A cool mystical theme. I really love this song a lot. I bought Mirage on the day it was released and several months later was completely shocked when a new friend played me her copy on cassette and I realized her version had added vocals on Straight Back that the LP version did not contain.

Yes, that's a good point, I can see that sequence now. I think, for me though, that SB is the least compelling of the four.

moon

02-20-2012, 10:35 PM

Hi! I made it with the songs of Lindsey and Christine, now with Stevie's!

1. That's Alright. Hahahaha is so funny! Sometimes I think is not a song of Stevie, well, maybe the lyrics, but not the music! Is good and I like it. :thumbsup:
2. Gypsy. Mybe my favourite song of FM, or not, I don't know. I know the history behind it, my eyes glow when I see the video, I love the end solo, the extended version's too. I couldn't say anymore!
3. Straight Back. Amazing. Incredible song, strong vocals, nice performance of Christine (as a duet sometimes), strong drums and bass, a very "Stevie" song. I love it!!!

That's all, regards!!!! (but maybe she deserved one more song, not only three!)

WildHearted

02-20-2012, 10:40 PM

Straight Back is one that grew on me but it's still not one of my favorites. That's Alright and Gypsy, however, are. Gypsy is obviously a masterpiece, and I love That's Alright for it's consistency and the harmonies etc.

CADreaming

02-20-2012, 10:44 PM

"Gypsy" is one of my all time favorite songs ever, all time favorite Mac songs and all time favorite songs written by Stevie. It's everything I love about Stevie as tempered by Lindsey's production and enhanced by his guitar work. Love.

"That's Alright" is a really catchy country song. I love the nod to the BN days, pulling out from the coffee plant demo vault. It could arguably be called "filler" but I still really like it and think it could have been a country hit at one point by the right artist.

"Straight Back" is my least favorite, but if I ever start listening to it I will usually let it play all the way through and always think why don't I give this song more of a chance. It's not bad, just doesn't grab me out of the shoot like the other two.

Blueletter18

02-20-2012, 11:00 PM

That's Alright- I do love this song, however the Buckingham Nicks version is far superior. This one drags a little and feels weighed down.
Gypsy- VICTORY!!!!
Straight Back- This is my second favorite SN tune here. Very mystical, soaring vocals.

bangdrum

02-20-2012, 11:41 PM

That's Alright - I think this was one of the first songs from Mirage that I learned to sing along with. Still love it.

Gypsy - Obviously great. I'm weird because I actually like live versions a little better, but it's a terrific song.

Straight Back - This took a very long time to grow on me at all, and even now I don't actively put it on, but I'll let it play through. The lyrics are pretty bad though... :sorry:

McTrouble

02-21-2012, 09:27 AM

I love the whole of Mirage, so I obviously love all 3 Stevie songs.

I still find Gypsy sublime and is my fave, but I love the other two as well.

cliffdweller

02-21-2012, 02:56 PM

Surprise, surprise, I love all 3! "Gypsy" is the best overall with "That's Alright" and "Straight Back" as second and third in that order.

I don't have anything bad to say about any of those songs :shrug:

jcalzaretta

02-21-2012, 09:11 PM

Love the songs. Gypsy is incredible. Perfect. Classic - simply one of the best songs ever recorded.

I love That's Alright. Love it. Gorgeous song.

Straight Back. Love the beginning but hate the ending. Starts off great but does not end great. Hard to explain.

drzubritsky

02-21-2012, 09:47 PM

Straight Back. Love the beginning but hate the ending. Starts off great but does not end great. Hard to explain.

I do like the way Mick's drums really explode in the mix after the initial soft guitar strums. And at first the verse sounds really promising, with that rather ominous melody and lyric and some well-rounded lower register vocals. But then it begins to meander a bit and there isn't much of a chorus. Well, at least it has a striking intro!

PolishStevieFan

02-22-2012, 12:32 PM

"Gypsy" is a classic and there's nothing more to add. "That's Alright" is a country song that in the beginning didn't set myself on fire. With time I've learned to appreaciate its simplicity. Definately it's not a hit worthy song but on the other hand I think it possesses very strong melody which goes hand in hand with lyrics and general mood of the song. I don't know why but I've always felt that this song should have been released on one of her solo albums, especially "Street Angel" (as a companion for "Rose Garden"). "Straight Back" sounds like a forecast of her "Wild Heart" days...especially those synthesizers...

jbrownsjr

02-22-2012, 06:50 PM

^^^^ What cliffdweller said

Travisevian

02-27-2012, 02:25 PM

That's Alright - Good song but not cohesive. Smile At You and If You Were My Love would've been more suitable tracks.
Gypsy - Great. The video is beautiful, too.
Straight Back - Dark, melodic, haunting.

Although, the LP version of "Straight Back" is different (and a whole lot better) than the version that was released on the CD.

I wasn't aware of this. How does the LP version differ from the CD version?

That's Alright: Country garbage has *NO* place in Fleetwood Mac!!! :mad:

Country garbage? :eek: :confused:

"Straight Back" -- Sounds like Flesh & Blood-era Roxy Music. Not a bad thing.

Stevie once said in a 1983 radio interview that she liked Roxy Music.

JohnL

02-27-2012, 04:43 PM

moon

02-28-2012, 01:29 PM

Well, I've been listening to the long demo version of If you were my Love...
Why it's not in the album? Is amazing, I especially love the keyboards, and the final part with the Lindsey's vocals. I include it when I listen Mirage!

WildHearted

02-28-2012, 01:36 PM

KarmaContestant

02-28-2012, 09:53 PM

I really like all of three of Stevie's Mirage tracks. Gypsy is the best, I feel, but Straight Back and That's Alright are great tunes as well.

moon

02-28-2012, 09:56 PM

Could you link me to the version you're listening to? I don't think I've heard that one.

Hi! Here's the link to one of the discs of the Mirage Sessions (thanks to bangdrum!!). There's three versions of the song, the second is my favourite! Enjoy!

Mirage sessions, disc 2 (http://www.mediafire.com/?ts441xkre4frb)

Dodfather

02-29-2012, 06:31 PM

I love all of her songs on this album! Gypsy is one of my all time favourites and I never get tired of it. That's Alright is so different for FM at that time, especially for fans who had no idea about Stevie's country influences. I really, really like it and think it's a totally hidden little gem of a track.

Straight Back is dark and atmospheric and, again, pretty forgotten about. Great stuff.

On Ice

03-03-2012, 08:48 AM

I think Mirage represents the end of an era for Stevie as both vocalist and writer (until In Your Dreams); that is, where she sounded amazing and wrote consistently good songs. Everything after was all over the map in terms of the quality of her writing and the consistently good vocals from beginning to end. The Wild Heart was the first example of this, vocals were stellar but her writing began to show cracks. Back to Mirage...

That's Alright: beautifully sung, well structured, simple song from her early days, I thought fit nicely onto this album. I'm surprised nobody has covered this song in new country, it is that good.

Gypsy: if Stevie could've captured this brilliance in writing and singing in every song she did after, she'd be more than a living legend, and her career would never have been ruined by her inconsistencies and sloppiness that we saw on records after Mirage.

Straight Back: Slightly lower in terms of quality, I agree with others that there is something about Straight Back that could've used some fine tuning, it seems to drag near the end, but again, her wonderful vocals make up for that.

The others....If You Were My Love with some more work could've been a delicious Stevie/Lindsey duet and sort of a wrap up of the hard feelings that came out of Rumours.
Smile at You: The "angry" version, pure perfection (with some work in the studio) could've been an awesome ending tune and concert staple, one of the many, many missed opportunities of the Mac.

bangdrum

03-03-2012, 11:16 AM

I absolutely love If You Were My Love as the band did it, but wasn't the issue with that one that Stevie thought it was a "sad" song so it shouldn't have rocked so much or something?

I'm not as bothered by the SYW Smile At You as most people. Besides, I don't think they could've had both Smile At You and Straight Back on the album. One would have to go.

Christopher

03-03-2012, 11:29 AM

I LOVE all Stevie's Mirage contributions! Of course Gypsy is the crowning jewel of them all. Every song she gave the band for this album were top notch including If You Were My Love & Smile At You. I still maintain if they had finished and included SAY on Mirage, it would have been a big FM radio staple back in 82' it just had a great grand rock vibe & perhaps that's why it was left behind. It didn't fit the pop polish the rest of the production was leaning towards.
But I adore "That's Alright", what a beautiful and cohesive composition. I like one of the outtakes better, but Stevie soars on this song. Straight Back was more straight ahead and predictable, but Stevie sounds so hypnotic on this as well. Great stuff & the last of Stevie's golden age with the band until SYW.

turquoise5

03-05-2012, 11:40 AM

I actually love all three of Stevie's songs on Mirage. :shrug:

I love them too. Straight Back, especially, is a hidden gem. Gypsy always makes me happy when I hear it. I love That's Alright because part of Stevie's musical roots are country, and this song really shows it. I only wish it was officially titled Designs of Love, like the demo.