If you had to choose: MIRAGE vs. TANGO IN THE NIGHT

[TrueFaith77]

which is the better album!?

[Silver Springs]

I can listen to Tango In The Night all the way through. Mirage I tend to skip some songs. That's why I'd choose Tango.

[MacFan92]

While Tango has some of Christine's best songs, it also has some of Stevie's worst. Whereas Mirage had some great Stevie songs yet some of Lindsey's weakest material. What a tough choice :distress: I'm gonna have to go with Mirage just because I listen to it more.

[MacFan92]

Though let it be noted that I enjoy both albums.

[windbecame]

way back in the day, i bought both on vinyl and cassette the day they came out... but i guess since i was a teen all through the 80s and still do love heavy synths...and stevies raspier vocals...:sorry: went with Tango...

[Dodfather]

As a complete album - Tango In The Night. For some individual tracks, especially Gypsy, Mirage. I went for Tango though, for the sake of completeness.

[bluefox4000]

Tango any day. Regardless of Stevie. I don't care if I ever hear Mirage again. Gypsy and Eyes of the World are the only songs I need from there. Tango is just.......beauty to me.

Mick

[mezzoforte]

Mirage, without question. Stevie's submissions are all sublime, and I love a couple each from the other two. I think "Love in Store" might be their snappiest opener ever, and I love "Eyes of the World."

Tango has its moments, but it's way too technophilic for me taste. And of course, comparing Stevie's submissions here to those to the first four could probably be its own anti-drug add.

[Artemis]

This is a tough one.

Stevie was absolutely sublime on Mirage, contributing three very strong songs, but, she was the weakest by far on Tango. Minus Seven Wonders and her two lines on Little Lies, she only serves to bring Tango down. (Even though I have a bit of a soft spot for WISYA... if I'm feeling sad :laugh: )

Christine is brilliant on both albums, although Tango has Little Lies and Everywhere, which are possibly her two best songs, so Christine's Tango contributions have the edge on her Mirage contributions.

Lindsey's songs I find to be absolute dreck on Mirage, apart from Eyes Of The World, the same way Stevie's are on Tango, whilst on Tango he's brilliant and at the top of his game.

I prefer Stevie's contributions to Mirage more than any of the other material (minus Little Lies) but, as a whole, Tango is the better album. If only they'd put some better Stevie songs on there.

[bangdrum]

Mirage. I almost never listen to Tango anymore. And I'm apparently the only person who doesn't say that because of Stevie.

[aleuzzi]

Two questions posed:

If you had to chose Mirage or Tango...

and

Which one is the better album...


Song for song, I think Tango is a better album. It has a more unified sound and only two certifiable duds (Stevie's songs). Little Lies is also one of the band's best songs. By contrast Mirage is far more uneven.

But...what works on Mirage is truly magical in a way that 95% of Tango lacks. There's an energy, a fire in "Gypsy," "Hold Me," "Love in Store," "Eyes of the World," and "Wish You Were Here" that the band has only intermittently captured in the studio since. Those Mirage songs I mentioned, especially the two big hits, stand up to any of the band's best songs and always trigger in me a genuine enthusiasm (as opposed to mere admiration) for FM as a band.

[Villavic]

I can listen to Tango In The Night all the way through. Mirage I tend to skip some songs. That's why I'd choose Tango.

99% agree. I usually skip some Mirage songs. I only skip Caroline with Tango.

[michelej1]

I love both TITN and Mirage, but probably I like Mirage better because I was a pretty new fan back then.

Michele

[shackin'up]

Mirage. Easy. Tango In The Night is commercial drizzle, basicly. And it contains the biggest disgrace from Mac's history: Little Lies.

[TLBAS]

I'm going Mirage, purely for current business purposes.

[MacShadowsBall]

Tough decision for me here. I like the overall sound/theme on Tango in the Night. Mirage seems to come off as a collection of songs.

From what I read especially in the new FM book, the band wanted to get back to that Rumours album sound and away from Tusk. :cool:

[McTrouble]

Hells Teeth - that was a hard one! :eek:

Had to go with Mirage though (but it only just edged ahead of Tango) because I fell in love with LB because of it and that was that! ;):nod:

[poetinmyheart]

I went with Mirage. It was touch and go though. Gypsy tipped the scale for me.

[Blueletter18]

Mirage, because you can still hear that Fleetwood Mac magic, the simple melodies and great harmonies. The songs have a more desperate tone to them, and there is more genuine emotion in the vocals. Tango is a beautiful, atmospheric work in it's own right, however each song is almost completely an individual project, and there wasn't much of a "team effort" on the album, albeit for obvious reasons.

[Christopher]

Both flawed, But I agree with Blueletter18, "Mirage" feels & sounds much more like a "band" record! I also enjoy Christine's & Stevie's songs on Mirage by far than Tango. For me, esp. Christine songs are poppy & generic on Tango. I know the popular opinion is that that Christine really shines on Tango, but I disagree & find her Lyrics to be hallmark dreck embellished with studio 80's shimmer...which btw was why they & Tango in general were so popular on the radio in 87-88', in the states and the UK, the poppier the better unfortunately. The only good thing about Tango from a FM big picture perspective, is it resulted in the 2nd coming of FM internationally & their biggest hit album since Rumours. However, I rarely ever listen to Little Lies or Everywhere (ick!) or Tango as a whole. Mirage edges Tango out by a mile for me.

[markolas]

I'm going against the grain. Tango is far more preferable to me. Stevie is the weak link, but CM & LB did some of their best work on this album, IMO. Tango also hangs together as an album much better than Mirage, in spite of whatever was going on with the band at the time. Mirage is sort of like the '75 FM album for me - it has a couple of classic tracks, but as an album, it's just sort of "there," and not especially memorable to me.

[GypsySorcerer]

I've grown to appreciate and enjoy both albums. I slightly prefer Tango. Stevie's material is quite weak (I don't even like Seven Wonders that much), but I really enjoy Chris and Lindsey on the album. "Isn't it Midnight" and "Tango in the Night" are two of my favorite FM songs ever.

[moon]

Hi! There's a lot of crossed comments, but I agree with both groups...

- Tango In The Night has the amazing Big Love, and other songs that I really like, Everywhere, Little Lies, Family Man, the title song, and You & I.
- The album was released in 1987 and, lot of bands released albums, many of them very commercial, or interesting "robotic" albums, but sometimes leaving their classic styles. Is Tango an example of that?
- Is it a failed Lindsey's solo project?
- Stevie's work is very poor, Christine's voice, as always, sweet and well complemented with Lindsey's voice.
- I think You & I, part I Should have been in the album, as other singles or demos. The title song, has a short but amazing solo at the end...

But Mirage has also songs that are very special to me, like Gypsy (definitely my favourite song) and Oh Diane, and other I like, Love in Store and Hold Me.
With recent solo works, the band could put together their talent in the studio, with Christine's harmonies, Stevie's strong vocals, and the Turner's sound. Is maybe the last work with the FM's "magic"!

I vote for Tango, but it's just a challenge!! Regards

[On Ice]

Although there's parts of Tango (the title track, all of McVie's vocals) that are simply outstanding, Mirage gets my vote because it is the last album to have the "real" mac sound, as many have pointed out. I hate that the band let those embarrassing Stevie performances (on Tango in the Night) become public and part of me thinks it was purposeful :rolleyes: No amount of stellar work could distract from that in my opinion. Mirage also has some of the sweetest vocals ever recorded. But in usual mac fashion, they miss stepped and should not have abandoned the brilliant, awesome and artsy tusk sound. It showed promise for the band, but they fell short and went the middle of the road route and lost their creativity.

[KarmaContestant]

TANGO. Mirage has the better Stevie tracks, but Tango is all-around the better album from start to finish. It's cohesive, unified and sounds like a band.

And it sounds freaking awesome on vinyl. I've been playing it a lot of late. :laugh:

[WildHearted]

I voted for Mirage for reasons already listed. Overall, Tango is a great album - and there are some real gems on there - but Mirage feels like more of a Fleetwood Mac album to me, thus it got my vote.

[gypsysoul]

Tango by a mile even though Gypsy is my second favourite Stevie song ever and I love Hold me and Oh Diane.

[Johnny Stew]

'Tango' was the first new Mac album to be released after I became a fan, and it's the Mac album I still listen to most. The production is high gloss, but the emotions are raw & real -- running the gamut from lusty ("Big Love," the title track) to wistful ("Everywhere," "Mystified"); despondent ("When I See You Again") to hopeful ("You & I, Part II").

Whether you want to get into someone's pants or can't get them out of your head, 'Tango's' got you covered.

[louielouie2000]

I think on a song by song basis, the overall quality of Tango is every bit as good as Rumours. As an album, it's cohesive, flows extremely well, and the album as a whole tells a story. I think Tango is the last really great studio album Fleetwood Mac released.

Mirage on the other hand is a lot more jagged. There are songs on Mirage which are far superior to almost any Mac songs of any era (Gypsy, Hold Me, Eyes of the World); but as an album, Mirage is not so great. The song quality is so highly varied, the majority of Lindsey's songs seem like snarky afterthoughts, and there is no real cohesive theme bridging the 3 songwriters.

I've always felt the extreme turmoil brewing during the making of Tango (which I argue was probably even worse than the Rumours turmoil) fueled incredible music. On the other hand, you can practically hear how disinterested the band is on Mirage... they seem to be just going through the motions so they can get back to focusing on their solo efforts.

[markolas]

I think on a song by song basis, the overall quality of Tango is every bit as good as Rumours. As an album, it's cohesive, flows extremely well, and the album as a whole tells a story. I think Tango is the last really great studio album Fleetwood Mac released.

Mirage on the other hand is a lot more jagged. There are songs on Mirage which are far superior to almost any Mac songs of any era (Gypsy, Hold Me, Eyes of the World); but as an album, Mirage is not so great. The song quality is so highly varied, the majority of Lindsey's songs seem like snarky afterthoughts, and there is no real cohesive theme bridging the 3 songwriters.

I've always felt the extreme turmoil brewing during the making of Tango (which I argue was probably even worse than the Rumours turmoil) fueled incredible music. On the other hand, you can practically hear how disinterested the band is on Mirage... they seem to be just going through the motions so they can get back to focusing on their solo efforts.

I mostly agree. I like LB's songs on Mirage well enough, but they're not his best work and I don't think he meant for them to be. CM and SN had one great song each on Mirage (Hold Me and Gypsy). It's just a lackluster album to me. CM & LB were at the top of their game on Tango. SN's material is way below par, but Seven Wonders is a decent song and Welcome to the Room...Sara isn't that bad.

[GoldDustBoy]

As a complete album - Tango In The Night. For some individual tracks, especially Gypsy, Mirage. I went for Tango though, for the sake of completeness.

^ What he said!

[mylittledemon]

I really love both of them, though, I think Tango is the ever-so-slight winner.

[MikeInNV]

This is nearly impossible for me. I don't think I ever properly introduced myself on the Ledge. I'm a Fleetwood Mac fan, but a Chiffonhead to the bone. I can come at this from a Stevie angle or a Mac angle. From a Stevie angle, her work is much better on Mirage. From a Mac angle, I just don't know. I agree with Louie that Mirage is a bit choppy and that you can almost hear their disinterest. But I tend to find Tango to be somewhat overproduced and trying to hard to bring Fleetwood Mac into the 80s, which now makes it dated. While many people think Christine is at her best on Tango, I don't. Christopher called her songs "hallmark dreck embellished with 80s shimmer"....that's more harsh than I would be, but I totally get where he's coming from.

When it comes down to it, even with the flaws that everyone has already pointed out, I think I would rather listen to Mirage.

[RAY4583]

There is no need to even rationalize this one. The *correct* answer, quite simply, is "Mirage". Does "Mirage" have "Gypsy" on it? Yes. Does "Tango In the Night"? No. Simple, then. "Mirage" wins.
I won't even begin to address the embarrassingly slick production of "Tango In the Night"...

[ButterCookie]

Tango. It was the first FM album I listened to and was aware who the band were. Also, without Tango, there would be no Big Love, therefore no Big Love video and therefore no Christine's SOCKS OF DOOOOOOOOOOOM

[chriskisn]

I can't even tolerate Mirage, I have probably played the entire album straight through less than half a dozen times since I bought it. I've always enjoyed Tango, it has some good songs (and ok it has Welcome To the Room...Sara as well). Plus Tango has Isn't It Midnight which is one of my favourite FM songs of all and Seven Wonders which is one of my favourite Stevie songs.

Mirage has......err....a cute picture of Stevie on the cover. :shrug:

[MacShadowsBall]

I must say I am suprised about the acclaim Mirage is getting. I suppose Stevie's TITN songs are dragging TITN down.

[mylittledemon]

I won't even begin to address the embarrassingly slick production of "Tango In the Night"...

Slick? Sure. I don't know if it's embarrassing. LOL though I do somewhat agree with your is-Gypsy-on-there-logic. ;)

[bangdrum]

I actually like Stevie's songs better than some of the rest of Tango, so it's not her songs dragging it down for me. The 80s sound of a lot of the album is just too much. Mirage doesn't have that problem; it sounds the same as it ever did. Besides, the first time I heard it (after the white album, Rumours, and The Dance; before any others) I thought it was the best FM album. :nod:

[PolishStevieFan]

Of course I had to vote for "Mirage" which is one of the most criminally overlooked albums in Mac's discography. I just love this album and I think if it had been released as a "Rumours" follow up it would have fared much better on the charts than experimental yet mass-unaccessible "Tusk". "Mirage" is the kind of album that is very simple on the surface but when you start digging deeper you might get to nuances hidden in arrangements and lyrical contents. For example, the song "Can't Go Back" seems like 3 minute throw away track yet when you start to listen to it closely you can get to these all tricks that can only come from a brilliant genius like Lindsay. "Gypsy" was another winner, that unexplicably didn't go Top 10 even if it had hit written all over it. And what about "Love In Store" with beautiful harmonies? This album is so forgotten... "Tango in The Night" is great album as well but it is too overplayed, at least in Poland. It's funny but in Poland nobody considers "Rumours" as a legendary album, when somebody mentions FM they say like "oh that "Little Lies" band, right?". And when I hear "Little Lies", "Everything", "Big Love", "Seven Wonders" or "Family Man" for a hundredth time during one week believe me ENOUGH IS ENOUGH :)

[Tango]

Fortunately you don't have to choose--you can have both. But for the sake of voting, Tango In The Night of course!


http://classictvbeauties.com/Morticia_and_Gomez.jpg
(to those who taught a few of us about the Tango)

[Street_Dreamer]

Tango is the album who's songs made me a Fleetwood Mac fan, so it will always take precedence over albums.

Matt

[MikeInNV]

when somebody mentions FM they say like "oh that "Little Lies" band, right?

This makes me sad. ;)

[michelej1]

And what about "Love In Store" with beautiful harmonies?

Yes, I'm surprised that there's not more . . . love in store, for Love in Store. I think it beautiful. Also fond of Can't Go Back and it possesses one of my favorite Lindsey lines.

I find the album penetrates to a very emotional core as a whole. Christine's closing songs on each side of the vinyl I played to death sealed the deal for me. Very moving.

But I love Tango, as well.

Michele

[markolas]

I find the album penetrates to a very emotional core as a whole.

I listened to Mirage yesterday, and it still does nothing for me. "Love in Store" is a good song, but CM has lots of good songs. "Hold Me" and "Gypsy" are great, but I just fail to see the big deal about this album. Tango is much, much better, IMO.

[TrueFaith77]

Yes, I'm surprised that there's not more . . . love in store, for Love in Store. I think it beautiful. Also fond of Can't Go Back and it possesses one of my favorite Lindsey lines.

I find the album penetrates to a very emotional core as a whole. Christine's closing songs on each side of the vinyl I played to death sealed the deal for me. Very moving.

But I love Tango, as well.

Michele

Funny, I was just thinking it was those side-closers that make the difference edging Mirage over TITN! (along with the "is gypsy on there?")

[michelej1]

I listened to Mirage yesterday, and it still does nothing for me.

Well, I became a fan after Tusk was already released, so Mirage was the first album I got to anticipate, where you are rabid and checking Billboard and Rolling Stone, just for a mention of your new favorite band. And I was a student, dewy eyed. Squealed, sighed, swooned and sobbed easily, so my reaction to Mirage probably is not what it would have been if I first heard the album today. Went deeper, stayed longer than it would have at another time in my life.

Michele

[bluefox4000]

I, too, took a deep breath and cued up Mirage. For this thread. And..........Sigh.......It was bad:sorry: Stuff like That's alright, Only Over You, Most of Lindsy's 50's homage, Empire state......are just AWFUL. I don't get the poll results at all. But, you, know, Music is subjective so.......:D ok.

Mick

[MacShadowsBall]

(along with the "is gypsy on there?")

That's the same thing my mom says everytime I put on a Fleetwood Mac CD.

[moon]

Tango is the album who's songs made me a Fleetwood Mac fan, so it will always take precedence over albums.

Matt

Right! Well, if I must go to the actions, I knew FM for Little Lies, Everywhere and Big Love, all from Tango In The Night, when I was toooo young! Could be another reason for why I chose TITN.
Regards!

[TerraRhiannon]

No competition. The only Tango In The Night song I skip is When I See You Again.. blah. That is it.

Mirage, well, not even sure if I remember half the songs on that album. Don't care for it at all.

[Nico]

^ I'm with Terra. I don't care much for Mirage save a few songs. Whereas TITN is a cool 80's record. I love it!

[bluefox4000]

Glad to see Tango coming back a little:nod:

Mick

[Neal]

*Sigh*...

Well I read every post in the thread before voting, and I have to say every single one has a good point! :thumbsup:

I love both of these albums depending on my mood, so I literally flipped a coin just now and Tango wins it. This time. :cool:

[elle]

tbh i don't care that much for either of these albums. i will have to actually listen to them (besides knowing just hits) before deciding on which one i like better.

come to think of it, other than all various greatest hits versions, the only FM studio album that i own is Tusk.

on the other hand, i do own every single album Lindsey released -studio or live.

[Nathan]

I think Mirage is definitely the better.

[starshine]

I voted for Mirage cause well I just think its more cohesive than Tango. Tango's to techno for me. The balance on Tango without Stevie's presence just isn't right either no matter what she was going through at that time. It wasn't right for the 'band' to have cut her out of it. Plus , I just don't like the 'feel' of Tango never have. Though I haven't played either of those LP's (or cds) in sometime now I'd play Mirage over Tango anytime. I do like Stevie's voice on Mirage better than Tango too. (& her songs on Mirage too as well). For me Tango just misses the mark but we all like different things for different reasons & thats OK.:shrug:

[tabruns]

While Tango has some of Christine's best songs, it also has some of Stevie's worst. Whereas Mirage had some great Stevie songs yet some of Lindsey's weakest material. What a tough choice :distress: I'm gonna have to go with Mirage just because I listen to it more.

I agree completely. Tango basically broke Stevie's string of Mac albums with great Nicks songs. Christine's songs on Tango though are some of her strongest ever, so that (plus Lindsey turning in better songs than he had on Mirage) help save Tango.

My take is that after Rumours each of the Mac songwriters had an "off" album: For Christine it was Tusk, Lindsey's was Mirage and Stevie's was Tango.

[Hawkeye]

Both of these albums are in my opinion the 2 weakest in fleetwood Macs 45 year history. They are interchangeable as worst and 2nd worst. But if you put a gun to my head I'd say I prefer to listen to Mirage since it has way higher peaks then Tango. Gypsy, Thats Alright and Straight Back are 3 of stevies and fleetwood macs greatest songs. Love In Store is great too, but the other 8 songs are really just crap. I just can't come to any other conclusion. Eyes of the World does a 180 live in 2004 as maybe the very best song of the SYW tour, but its part of the crap on the album. And to think this was the follow up to an album filled with 20 perfect songs. And I can't stand when people claim this album is a returm to rumours. WHAT. Mirage is nothing like rumours.

Tango on the other, actually has a very cohesive unified album feel. I like that. And almost all the songs are listenable (except You and I) but thats it, other then lstenable. and I expect more then listenable from Fleetwood Mac. And Im not even in the camp that feels these are some of christines best songs. Everywhere is an embarassment to the woman who wrote Morning Rain, Remember me, You Make Loving Fun, Why, Bad Loser and Homeward Bound. She rebounded for me on Behind the Mask at least.

[michelej1]

Everywhere is an embarassment to the woman who wrote Morning Rain, Remember me, You Make Loving Fun, Why, Bad Loser and Homeward Bound.

Whoa! I think Christine embarasses herself often and there are even a couple of Meantime tracks that should keep her cowering in a closet in shame -- at least the choruses should: bad, bad journey.

But Everywhere . . . I think that song reaches sublime heights. It's not even that it's one of my favorites. It's just that the little call she does, with falling tinkles just before the "I want to be with you everywhere" line is enough by itself to make me feel longing. Plants a catch in my throat. It's like aural therapy. Michele

[KarmaContestant]

I think this poll is very interesting.

[darklinensuit]

I went with Mirage. Tango does have a more coherent feel, but Stevie was simply at her best on the earlier album.

- Jake

[PenguinHead]

What's sad is that, without Christine, there are only three songs from those albums that make it into their live shows - Gypsy, Big Love, and Eyes of the World.

The acoustic Big Love is getting really tired. I wish they would either perform it with a full band or drop it altogether and instead perform Tango in the Night and Can't Go Back.

Gypsy is okay, but I wish Stevie would perform That's Alright, Straight Back and Seven Wonders. Being that Seven Wonders was one of her latter (and last) biggest hits with the band, it's kind of strange that it's been ignored.

[jbrownsjr]

What's sad is that, without Christine, there are only three songs from those albums that make it into their live shows - Gypsy, Big Love, and Eyes of the World.

The acoustic Big Love is getting really tired. I wish they would either perform it with a full band or drop it altogether and instead perform Tango in the Night and Can't Go Back.

Gypsy is okay, but I wish Stevie would perform That's Alright, Straight Back and Seven Wonders. Being that Seven Wonders was one of her latter (and last) biggest hits with the band, it's kind of strange that it's been ignored.


AMEN PenguinHead!! Cold day in hell right??!!

[jbrownsjr]

Both albums seem very cohesive to me. Both albums feel like Christine and Lindsey spent a lot of time together. Both albums have a uniqueness to them.

I choose Mirage because it's quirky good. Stevie is a lot better on this album than Tango. Hold Me has some killer vocal lines. Gypsy has amazing backing vocals. Straight Back trumps Seven Wonders. Hold Me trumps Everywhere .. I do like LB's songs a lot on this album... Even tho.. I like his Tango songs better.

I remember watching MTV and waiting for the videos to come on (Gypsy/Hold Me). (No DVR) lol. Mirage Tour was so much better too. HBO was running the tour too... It was a great time in FM land.

[PenguinHead]

AMEN PenguinHead!! Cold day in hell right??!!

A cold day in hell indeed. As a matter of fact it's a hell of a cold (and rainy) day today, and to warm up the day I'm going to listen to those two albums.

[jbrownsjr]

A cold day in hell indeed. As a matter of fact it's a hell of a cold (and rainy) day today, and to warm up the day I'm going to listen to those two albums.

A little Mint tea and Tango are in order for me as well!

[mylittledemon]

The acoustic Big Love is getting really tired. I wish they would either perform it with a full band or drop it altogether and instead perform Tango in the Night and Can't Go Back.


Christine will re-join before that happens. :lol:

[Dodfather]

The acoustic Big Love is getting really tired. I wish they would either perform it with a full band or drop it altogether and instead perform Tango in the Night and Can't Go Back.

Gypsy is okay, but I wish Stevie would perform That's Alright, Straight Back and Seven Wonders.

I agree. I'd love to hear Big Love with the full band and , God, if they played Tango In The Night... awesome! As for Stevie, I'd go nuts if she played Seven Wonders and That's Alright! Gutta say I think Gypsy is a fair bit more than ok through, lol. :nod:

Christine will re-join before that happens. :lol:

Sadly I agree.

[michelej1]

Being that Seven Wonders was one of her latter (and last) biggest hits with the band, it's kind of strange that it's been ignored.

You're right. It is something casual fans would know. If she'd written it, I think she'd be more inclined to perform it live. After Christine left, I'd think they'd be more likely than ever to do it, because it seems to have that pop feel they were going for with the song Say You Will.

But I'm kind of glad they don't do it.

Michele

[elle]

The acoustic Big Love is getting really tired. I wish they would either perform it with a full band or drop it altogether

that will never happen - and it shouldn't. when recently asked what would be the song he would suggest as best representing him to somebody who has never heard of his music, LB said BL. full band BL doesn't come anywhere close to acoustic BL. that's the song where everybody finally gets his guitar and musical skills - they are too plainly displayed not to.

i always though BL is getting tired when i was listening to concert recordings. but when i finally experienced it at the live show - wow!! completely different opinion.

[drzubritsky]

that will never happen - and it shouldn't. when recently asked what would be the song he would suggest as best representing him to somebody who has never heard of his music, LB said BL. full band BL doesn't come anywhere close to acoustic BL. that's the song where everybody finally gets his guitar and musical skills - they are too plainly displayed not to.

i always though BL is getting tired when i was listening to concert recordings. but when i finally experienced it at the live show - wow!! completely different opinion.

I think perhaps the acoustic BL hasn't worn as well with repetition. I remember being absolutely blown away when watching the initial airing of The Dance on MTV. It was fun hearing it again on the CD and in concert, but with each subsequent listen it felt more like a stunt than a cohesive acoustic composition. An impressive stunt, to be sure, but its thrills tend to wear off after repeated listens. The full band version is not as immediately stunning but wears better.

[Chris_Sydney]

Definitely 'Tango In The Night'. Christine and Lindsey wrote some incredible songs on that album, and despite some trappings of its time the production still sounds exciting and exotic. 'Mirage' has some of Lindsey's weakest Fleetwood Mac songs and it never hangs together as an album the way that 'Tango' does for me.


x

[Macfanforever]

I had to split my vote 50-50.Both are great albums.Great tunes came out of those two albums.

[MikeInNV]

The acoustic Big Love is getting really tired. I wish they would either perform it with a full band or drop it altogether and instead perform Tango in the Night and Can't Go Back.

I would like to see a full-band Big Love too. I was tired of the acoustic Go Insane, but the full-band version on the Unleashed tour was a definite high point (don't know why Stevie wasn't on stage for it though).

[elle]

I would like to see a full-band Big Love too. I was tired of the acoustic Go Insane, but the full-band version on the Unleashed tour was definite high point

i love both versions of go insane. but just acoustic big love, album version of BL is just another pop song with grunts at the end:laugh:. i've heard acoustic big love live 7 times last year (last time while he was sitting on the chair at 92Y event, with different guitar and not the "big love guitar" that he normally uses and has specially set up for BL), and i was blown away every. single. time. i can't imagine that would happen with the full band version.

[PenguinHead]

i love both versions of go insane. but just acoustic big love, album version of BL is just another pop song with grunts at the end:laugh:. i've heard acoustic big love live 7 times last year (last time while he was sitting on the chair at 92Y event, with different guitar and not the "big love guitar" that he normally uses and has specially set up for BL), and i was blown away every. single. time. i can't imagine that would happen with the full band version.

I can imagine it. Sure, it would have a different impact than his acoustic version. But a fresh rendering with a full band would be a nice alternative experience. It doesn't negate the acoustic rendering he's been performing for more than ten years now! The "album" version can not be fully replicated live - so accommodations would be made, which would give new life to the song. Most of their live songs aren't direct replicas of the studio/record versions.

[elle]

I can imagine it. Sure, it would have a different impact than his acoustic version. But a fresh rendering with a full band would be a nice alternative experience. It doesn't negate the acoustic rendering he's been performing for more than ten years now! The "album" version can not be fully replicated live - so accommodations would be made, which would give new life to the song. Most of their live songs aren't direct replicas of the studio/record versions.

true. and there was never live version of BL with the full band, correct? lindsey didn't tour with FM for Tango, and first solo tour he did after that in 1992/93 he was already doing BL acoustically. i'd probably still rather pick to hear some other LB songs over full-band BL.:shrug:

[elle]

I'm going Mirage, purely for current business purposes.

cute!:laugh:

so i finally listened to both these albums, all the way through. and yeah, i still don't like most of the stuff on either of them. but i LOVE Hold Me and Eyes of the World, and i can live through some other Mirage songs, and i just kinda like Everywhere and Little Lies and the album version of Big Love... so without much doubt it's Mirage for me.

[bluecalmsea]

I enjoy both albums, but I would choose Tango over Mirage. I love the mood in Tango, it's like a warm rainy night to me. The only song I dislike on it is Family Man.

[Jondalar]

Easily Tango. That album really revitalized their career around the world. However, Stevie was the weak link.

[SorcererJP]

Without any doubt that would be Mirage. It's more raw and rock 'n roll than Tango. Which isn't a bad album.

To me 'Straight Back', 'Thats allright' and 'Wish you were here' are the highlights.

[Ulpian]

No competition. The only Tango In The Night song I skip is When I See You Again.. blah. That is it.

Mirage, well, not even sure if I remember half the songs on that album. Don't care for it at all.

Amen. Mirage is wrist-slittingly dull most of the time.

Taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaango!

:blob2:

[TheWILDheart]

"Mirage" for me.

As others have stated, it sounds more like a united Fleetwood Mac record than a collection of solo songs shoved together. As much as Tango has some great songs on it, it's really only Christine that shines with "Everywhere" and "Isn't It Midnight" being my 2 favourite Christine songs.

Also, being a complete self-confessed chiffon head, the lack of Stevie presence upsets me greatly, not that it was anyone's fault but her own. "When I See You Again" is the 1 Stevie-Mac song I absolutely cannot stand. The corny lyrics and TERRIBLE vocal performance that makes Stevie sound like an old bagpipe really grates on me.

"Mirage" is far more consistent than "Tango" for me. The only song I'm not particularly keen on is "Oh Diane", which is possibly one of the worst things they've ever done. Whereas Tango has "Mystified", "Caroline", "When I See You Again" and "You & I" that I dislike.

[cantgoback]

Tango has some really just not good songs on it (when I see you again, Family Man) and Mirage doesn't actually have a bad song (though some may not be great(Empire Sate) and I feel that Tango was just to pop-ish in contrast to Rumours or even Mirage! While I enjoy Tango in the Night, Mirage is a better album.

[bluefox4000]

My opinion still stands. After Mirage my expectations were low. They delivered the goods. Mirage is the worst Rumours era effort. Tango forever....And i Love WISYA....just putting it out there:thumbsup:

Mick

[TheWILDheart]

This is very interesting....they're drawing :)

[GypsySorcerer]

I went with Tango. Musically, it's more interesting, in my opinion. Plus, I've always liked the "McBuck" vibe on the album.

[mitzo]

Tango. Love the intricate production and the ruined Stevie.

[StandbackStevie]

I love both albums were hard to choose one but I chose Mirage, I have to say I love everything they do and Stevie too except Stevie song on Tango In The Night When I see you Again I can't stand that song its just an annoying song worst song I think she has done.I know its one of her first songs after coming out Betty Ford.I do not care for it When I see you again.I am surprised it made it to the album.Tango is one of Stevie's weakest songs of there albums I do love Seven Wonders.Seven Wonders is the only song from Stevie on Tango that I love. Stevie is much stronger on Mirage.

[mylittledemon]

I love seeing this one neck & neck. What a poll :thumbsup:

[StandbackStevie]

I love that pic of Fleetwood Mac in your profile My little demon

[WatchChain]

MIRAGE, without a doubt. "Only Over You" and "Wish You Were Here" are some of Chris' best material. As others have stated, Stevie's songs are brilliant. I love "Can't Go Back" and "Eyes of the World".......

TANGO IN THE NIGHT left me yearning for a Waltz. "Frontline Baby, she stares at the stairs".........I wasn't feeling it.

[StandbackStevie]

I agree that is why I voted Mirage, Tango In The Night Christine and Lindsey are strong and Stevie is weak on that album, When I See You Again and Welcome To The Room Sara are her weakest songs on a fleetwood mac album.Stevie was stronger on Behind The Mask even the song on the greatest hits No Questions Asked I like that song. Stevie Strong point is Seven Wonders on Tango.I prefer Mirage over Tango myself but I do love both albums except for the songs When I See You Again, Welcome To The Room Sara should have been scraped.

[mylittledemon]

I love that pic of Fleetwood Mac in your profile My little demon

I posted the full sized version in the "Frozen Love or Crystal" thread ;)

[HelloMonster]

They're both amazing, but I'm going with Tango for the win!

[elle]

wow - 106 votes!? nice.

[TheSorcerer]

Tango in the Night by far.


The only two tracks on Mirage I listen to are That's Alright and Gypsy. I might sometimes listen to Empire State and Hold me if the mood takes me but that's about it. Most of the material is forgettable and sadly ruined the streak of top notch albums from the band. The inclusion of Isn't It Midnight, Tango in the Night and Caroline alone make Tango the better album. Sure it's very glossy and poppy but it's still one of the best albums of the 1980s.

[Musicman408]

Both very very good. I went with Tango because I love the atmospheric nature that Mirage doesn't quite have. Although, Mirage is the last FM sounding FM album.

[CADreaming]

It was close but I chose Mirage, mostly for Gypsy & That's Alright.

[mylittledemon]

I'm really torn. Christine is so brilliant on Tango. Not sure if I've commented on this thread in the past... but I feel maybe it has to be Mirage. "Gypsy" alone kinda outdoes anything that's on Tango (as much as I love Tango).

[SteveMacD]

Mirage for the Stevie songs; Tango for the Christine and Lindsey songs. Neither measure up to past Mac albums.

[goldustsongbird]

Mirage for the Stevie songs; Tango for the Christine and Lindsey songs. Neither measure up to past Mac albums.

This. I can't throw away one for the other because they aren't equal to begin with.

[Villavic]

I choose Tango. Always. I'm not sure if Stevie's contribution was stronger in Mirage, probably it was, but I think she didn't have a good participation in the 80s for the band. Just a pair of good songs, but nothing compared to Tusk, Rumours or the white album.

[julieannboo]

Tango in the night.

[seekerj]

I agree that is why I voted Mirage, Tango In The Night Christine and Lindsey are strong and Stevie is weak on that album, When I See You Again and Welcome To The Room Sara are her weakest songs on a fleetwood mac album.Stevie was stronger on Behind The Mask even the song on the greatest hits No Questions Asked I like that song. Stevie Strong point is Seven Wonders on Tango.I prefer Mirage over Tango myself but I do love both albums except for the songs When I See You Again, Welcome To The Room Sara should have been scraped.

No. The complete opposite of this.

IMO the worst song on a FM album is a tie between "Everywhere" and "Family Man", and oh, gee, they're on the same album. Oh, wait, forgot one! "You And I, Part (Anything)". Right up there with the other two for the biggest waste of vinyl space in the history of the world. What a trilogy of pure crap.

I don't understand how anyone can pick on those two Stevie songs yet not see these others mentioned for the pure dribble that they are. At least the Stevie songs have something to say, even if you don't like the delivery.

[StandbackStevie]

No. The complete opposite of this.

IMO the worst song on a FM album is a tie between "Everywhere" and "Family Man", and oh, gee, they're on the same album. Oh, wait, forgot one! "You And I, Part (Anything)". Right up there with the other two for the biggest waste of vinyl space in the history of the world. What a trilogy of pure crap.

I don't understand how anyone can pick on those two Stevie songs yet not see these others mentioned for the pure dribble that they are. At least the Stevie songs have something to say, even if you don't like the delivery.

That is your opinion and I am a big fan of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac since 1979. That is my opinion and that is your opinion above.Stevie Nicks will always be to me my favorite singer/songwriter.We are comparing Mirage/Tango In The Night Albums together side by side Mirage is a better album in my opinion and yes out of the all the FM albums Stevie is at her weakest on Tango In The Night. I am sure Stevie would agree on that one and everyone else.I have an opinon and so do you.Sorry you don't like my opinon on the two albums.I do love the both albums don't get me wrong but I prefer Mirage over Tango.

[RockawayBlind]

Tough choice, but I went for Tango, just based on remembering which one I spun more back in the day. I think Tango suffers from very poor Stevie songs and blah songwriting all around, lyrics-wise. But it has a very cool sound, which unfortunately hasn't aged well, and gives us a very good glimpse at what is to come from Lindsey. Could there have been a brilliant OOTC without Tango?

Mirage is OK. It has a couple of standout tracks -- Eyes of the World and Gypsy. Hold Me is a really nice track too, but overall it lacks something.

[Stew_Matthews]

.....I am surprised Mirage isn't way ahead. I think it has the last two 'great' tracks from Fleetwood Mac; Gypsy & Hold Me. And Love in Store & Eyes of the World are brilliant too. I much prefer the Mirage production. The drums/bass sounds like the Fleetwood Mac I like and the arrangement of the songs is superb.

Tango is fine but the synthesizer sound on the more 'pop' tracks has dated less well than Mirage and the songwriting quality is much more variable.

[TrueFaith77]

I started this poll but still can't choose.

[BaronVonBielski]

Tango by a mile.

[bluefox4000]

.....I am surprised Mirage isn't way ahead. I think it has the last two 'great' tracks from Fleetwood Mac; Gypsy & Hold Me. And Love in Store & Eyes of the World are brilliant too. I much prefer the Mirage production. The drums/bass sounds like the Fleetwood Mac I like and the arrangement of the songs is superb.

Tango is fine but the synthesizer sound on the more 'pop' tracks has dated less well than Mirage and the songwriting quality is much more variable.

Funny you should mention the production. It's one of the few 80's albums where I think the 80's production works beautifully:nod:

Mick

[BombaySapphire3]

.....I am surprised Mirage isn't way ahead. I think it has the last two 'great' tracks from Fleetwood Mac; Gypsy & Hold Me. And Love in Store & Eyes of the World are brilliant too. I much prefer the Mirage production. The drums/bass sounds like the Fleetwood Mac I like and the arrangement of the songs is superb.

Tango is fine but the synthesizer sound on the more 'pop' tracks has dated less well than Mirage and the songwriting quality is much more variable.

I agree ..Gypsy and Hold Me are the match of any of the classic "Rumours era" singles that preceded them.I also think that Family Man aside, that of the 3 writers only Lindsey 's Tango songs are stronger than his Mirage contributions.So Mirage gets my vote.

[redbird]

Mirage for me. I can't get into the sound of Tango, though it's absolutely a more ambitious record. I wish I could like it more than I do, especially for that brooding romantic thing Lindsey has going on. I suspect I would love it if it sounded less, well, 80's. I also miss the three part harmonies a lot by that point in time.

I think Stevie is the best part of Mirage while for me Christine's songs are the most forgettable, while on Tango Stevie is the weak link and Lindsey and Chris have the memorable songs. I love "That's Alright" a bit more than "Big Love", "Gypsy" more than "Little Lies", "Straight Back" more than "Mystified". I like retro rockabilly Lindsey quite a bit too (even "Oh Diane", which reminds me a lot of Chris Isaak actually). And my least favorite Mac song is on Tango ("Family Man").

Tango is the kind of album I would've loved to see done on MTV Unplugged or something like that. But I think I'll always find "Welcome to the Room" to be a hot mess, whereas the worst Mirage got was boring.

[Andrew Smith]

This is such a hard question, I just can't vote. Both albums I can listen to all the way through without skipping any tracks and neither albums have what I would say were filler tracks. Having said that, the two albums are different. Tango is more of an 1980's pop album than Mirage. Mirage sounds closer to Rumours.

When I think of Tango In The Night, I always think how sad it was that Lindsey didn't participate in the tour for that album in 1987/88. Because of that, I can say that I'd rather watch a Mirage tour concert than a Tango In The Night tour concert because of that reason.

The one thing these two albums have in common is that they have both been severely neglected by Warner/Rhino. It's time for remastered & expanded versions I think, instead of milking Rumours!

[Fannymac]

This is tough.....Stevie's MIRAGE stuff is ten times better than her TANGO, but I think Christine's material on TANGO is so much stronger than her songs on MIRAGE.
Soooo.....it comes down to Lindsey, and I just like his MIRAGE stuff a WHOLE lot more!

[dontlookdown]

Mirage any day. Loved the record when it came out, and I still think that tour had some of the loudest, fiery performances I've ever heard from the band.
Tango In The Night has some great moments and it was a strong album for Christine.
Stevie's songs are all dreadful and her voice was at it's absolute worst.
Big Love, Caroline and the title track are all great, but as a whole it feels really dated. I think it's the one FM album with the "Rumours 5" that hasn't held up very well over time.

Mirage is tuneful and melodic from start to finish and I still think has some of their best harmony as a band. Love In Store, Can't Go Back, Book of Love, That's Alright, Gypsy, Straight Back and Eyes of the World still sound great today.

[SpyNote]

I definitely think this is a classic older fan versus newer fan question. :laugh:

[UndoingTheLaces]

I can't choose because I like them both so much. But it's interesting that these two would be put together for this poll because to me they both have always sounded like Lindsey solo albums with some Stevie and Christine songs thrown in. But Tango more than Mirage.

[Ulpian]

I can't choose because I like them both so much. But it's interesting that these two would be put together for this poll because to me they both have always sounded like Lindsey solo albums with some Stevie and Christine songs thrown in. But Tango more than Mirage.

I don't feel that about Mirage; it sounds much more a band album than TITN, which does sound a bit fragmented, a bit like a collection of (very good) solo songs.

I'm interested to hear the term "80s" used in derogatory fashion here by some in respect of TITN's vibe. I love it. For some of us, the sound produced at that time is second to none.

I also never get the vitriol directed at Little Lies and Everywhere. There are crimes far greater than writing a song with a killer hook, 'bland' as you might think the lyrics to be. If you're gunning for Christine, go for some of her Tusk songs - TITN was her moment to stand out. Lindsey, too; the darkness he conveys is marvellous.

[redbird]

I'm interested to hear the term "80s" used in derogatory fashion here by some in respect of TITN's vibe. I love it. For some of us, the sound produced at that time is second to none.

I also never get the vitriol directed at Little Lies and Everywhere. There are crimes far greater than writing a song with a killer hook, 'bland' as you might think the lyrics to be. If you're gunning for Christine, go for some of her Tusk songs - TITN was her moment to stand out. Lindsey, too; the darkness he conveys is marvellous.

I don't think it's an objectively wrong sound, it's just something that I don't love as consistently. That's personal taste, I don't think it's anything but subjective.

FWIW I'm a 90's kid, and the 60's and 70's came back in style before the 80's really did -- actually I think 80's retro is happening right now (maybe more in the fashion world than in the music world, I don't know really). But perhaps since the 90's followed the 80's, it was probably in reaction to it and when you define yourself against something else you push that something else away. I don't consciously reject anything just because of association, but still, at this point in my mental development certain things just appeal to me more. I tend to like earthier sounds than what I think a lot of 80's pop music explored, since a lot of technological innovations were happening then, and even in today's music scene I don't listen to that much electronica or techno etc while I often like lo-fi stuff. (Incidentally, HD TV sometimes freaks me out.)

I do like some songs with synthesizers and whatnot, don't get me wrong, and I like to keep my mind open. I think several of the Tango songs have a lot of things going for them, but somewhere inside I long to hear them with different instrumentation. "Everywhere" is a great example, I looooove to sing that song by myself but I hate the windchime effect and the super layering of the vocals in the chorus on the track. It pushes it from joyfully sweet to overly saccharine for me. I ache to hear that song with just the basic instruments and the three-part harmonies.

"Little Lies" OTOH I love just as it is. It's a case of an "80's" sounding song that I happen to appreciate.

[I'msoAfraid95]

Boy, the poll is almost dead even. I prefer Tango its more of my style of music.

[KenB]

which is the better album!?

When Tango came out, I absolutely LOVED it. Today, it feels stuck in its time. "Isn't It Midnight" and "Family Man" are just dreadful, as are Stevie's songs, and "Big Love" is ridiculously overproduced compared to the version Lindsey does live. Why have drum machines when you have Mick? Granted, I do love "Little Lies."

Mirage, on the other hand, has only grown stronger for me over the years. It's always remained in my top 3 Mac albums. "Hold Me" and "Love in Store" are just perfect pop songs with the band dynamics at their best, and "Gypsy" is Stevie's best song with the band. I even love the songs many people see as throwaways, especially "Can't Go Back," "That's Alright" and even the much-hated "Empire State."

[starshine]

I missed this poll but I would've picked Mirage for sure cause I so hate Tango just not the 'best ' LP of there's period...for so many reasons.:shrug:

[Jondalar]

I don't understand all the disdain for Tango in The Night. It was their big contrabution to the 80s and was a huge success around the world. Made way more of mark then Mirage.

[cantgoback]

I don't understand all the disdain for Tango in The Night. It was their big contrabution to the 80s and was a huge success around the world. Made way more of mark then Mirage.

Yes, but the music on Mirage is a lot better than tango in terms of lyrics and in some cases composition.

[gypsy-sara]

I have always loved "Tango In The Night", I think that it's just perfect.
I don't understand the bashing of Stevie's Songs and her voice. "When I See You Again" is so pure, it is absolutely heartbreaking. And her other efforts on this album are just as great. I am absolutely melting away when she's singing: "The first cut is the deepest one of all" (Welcome To The Room... Sara).

On the other hand, I've never really gotten warm and comfortable with "Mirage". "Gypsy" is a timeless classic and my favourite FM-Song together with "Sara", but the rest only qualifies as "good" or "ok". Some songs are even really annoying, I have never liked "Oh Diane" and "That's alright".
In my opinion, "Mirage" is the weakest Fleetwood Mac-Album since 1970's "Kiln House". But even a bad Fleetwood Mac-Album is still better than most of the other music around... And the Artwork is really beautiful.

[redbird]

Judging by the poll it doesn't seem to me that either album is much more hated or loved than the other.

[MacShadowsBall]

I'm kinda surprised that Mirage is getting so many votes and winning. With that said, I think Gypsy is swaying Ledgies to vote for Mirage. Stevie's material on Tango just isn't strong/good enough, and let's face it Stevie's songs are most of the time the ones that are judged as it relates to an album. :cool:

[Jondalar]

I'm kinda surprised that Mirage is getting so many votes and winning. With that said, I think Gypsy is swaying Ledgies to vote for Mirage. Stevie's material on Tango just isn't strong/good enough, and let's face it Stevie's songs are most of the time the ones that are judged as it relates to an album. :cool:

That is what I think.

[elle]

Judging by the poll it doesn't seem to me that either album is much more hated or loved than the other.
ah - you just had to be the voice of reason?! ;) :thumbsup:

I'm kinda surprised that Mirage is getting so many votes and winning. With that said, I think Gypsy is swaying Ledgies to vote for Mirage. Stevie's material on Tango just isn't strong/good enough, and let's face it Stevie's songs are most of the time the ones that are judged as it relates to an album. :cool:
another voice of reason lol - agree, especially looking at any poll and how much SN fans outnumber the fans of CM or LB on these boards. just look at all the hate for Christine's songs in that best and worst hit thread! it's almost all Christine's songs that are named the worst by various people - i was completely shocked when first reading that tbh. guess all those Christine-penned hits dispel the notion SN was always the main linchpin for FM success. :shrug:

[michelej1]

I'm kinda surprised that Mirage is getting so many votes and winning. With that said, I think Gypsy is swaying Ledgies to vote for Mirage. Stevie's material on Tango just isn't strong/good enough, and let's face it Stevie's songs are most of the time the ones that are judged as it relates to an album. :cool:

I think Mirage is a spectacular album, for reasons having nothing to do with Gypsy. I simply think it's more consistent than Tango, though I love Tango as much, for different reasons. I love Gypsy, but while it wouldn't even make my top 10 Stevie songs, Hold Me is one of my top 5 Fleetwood Mac songs.


Michele

[MacShadowsBall]

That is what I think.

ah - you just had to be the voice of reason?! ;) :thumbsup:


another voice of reason lol - agree, especially looking at any poll and how much SN fans outnumber the fans of CM or LB on these boards. just look at all the hate for Christine's songs in that best and worst hit thread! it's almost all Christine's songs that are named the worst by various people - i was completely shocked when first reading that tbh. guess all those Christine-penned hits dispel the notion SN was always the main linchpin for FM success. :shrug:

I'm fairly certain that you can put any good Christine hit against Stevie's worst songs, and Stevie will win or at least not loose by a landslide! :cool:

Examples...

You Make Loving Fun vs That's Alright
Say You Love Me vs Angel
Hold Me vs When I See You Again

Obviously Ledgies are intitled to their opinions and I think most Ledgies "like" all FM songs regardless of the singer/writer. Even me, Lindsey's songs are always my least favorite, and yet I have several Lindsey favorites - including all of his songs from the white album and Rumours.

Getting back to Mirage vs Tango in the Night. If you don't like songs from the '80s that sound too much like songs from the 80s, then yeah you're not gonna like Tango, even if you did like it back in the day when the album came out! :cool:

[michelej1]

You Make Loving Fun vs That's Alright
Say You Love Me vs Angel
Hold Me vs When I See You Again


Neither Angel nor That's Alright are among Stevie's worst songs.

As for Hold Me vs. When I See You Again :rolleyes:

I doubt things are that unbalanced.

Michele

[redbird]

Mirage isn't my pick just because of Stevie. As I said, I just don't care for the whole super 80s sound of Tango, it's not my thing, it doesn't float my boat. I get the appeal of the title track, although I find the transition from verse to chorus really overdramatic, but "Caroline" entirely befuddles me. The chorus is okay, but the verses make me cringe. "She's so cagey she's so stagey, she's so crazy she's so lazy" - it doesn't work for me. "Family Man", well I'm certainly not the only fan to find that song less than enjoyable. It's my least favorite FM song, nothing about it appeals to me except the pretty little guitar interlude, which most of the song sounds nothing like. "You and I pt II" is harmless but nothing more, for me. "Isn't It Midnight" is bordering on guilty pleasure, only I don't believe in being guilty about music. As it is there's things I like about the chorus, but overall it reminds me of an 80's exercise video, or that part in Rocky/Flashdance/etc where the main character is practicing in leg warmers and headbands for the big fight/competition/etc. It dips into cheesiness for me. "Everywhere" is too synthetic for me. The whole production value of the album is just in that direction, with different instrumentation and less technology I could love it more because that's just what appeals to me vs what doesn't.

Lindsey's Mirage songs OTOH, I really enjoy them. The hated "Empire State" I find a ton of fun, it reminds me of a Billy Joel song with a better sense of melody. "Oh Diane", like I've said before, reminds me of a Chris Isaak song, it's got that throwback malt shop/Roy Orbison feel. Sure it's pretty basic, but a lot of rock'n'roll is. "Can't Go Back" just through the sound of the vocals has an automatic humor to it. "Eyes of the World" honestly sounds like a poppier version of some of Lindsey's Tusk songs to me. Christine, for sure I prefer her Tango songs, but even then it's only "Little Lies" that I love.

"Oh Diane" and "Empire State" seem to be some of the most hated songs around here, but that doesn't bother me. I get it, it's just different tastes. I grew up on country radio and the oldies station, so "That's Alright" is actually one of my most favorite Stevie songs ever, and the retro 50s thing Lindsey has going on is right up my alley. Obviously a lot of people here disagree, that's fine. For me, it's the opposite, it's things like synthesizers and drum machines that turn me off. I was never into it, when I was young the big contemporary stuff I liked was Nirvana and Pearl Jam and REM, Alanis, Fiona, Sheryl, and for all the progress in technology they're all a step down from the super slickness of 80s pop.

To each their own.

[Jondalar]

I'm fairly certain that you can put any good Christine hit against Stevie's worst songs, and Stevie will win or at least not loose by a landslide! :cool:

Examples...

You Make Loving Fun vs That's Alright
Say You Love Me vs Angel
Hold Me vs When I See You Again

Obviously Ledgies are intitled to their opinions and I think most Ledgies "like" all FM songs regardless of the singer/writer. Even me, Lindsey's songs are always my least favorite, and yet I have several Lindsey favorites - including all of his songs from the white album and Rumours.

Getting back to Mirage vs Tango in the Night. If you don't like songs from the '80s that sound too much like songs from the 80s, then yeah you're not gonna like Tango, even if you did like it back in the day when the album came out! :cool:

What is your point? You Make Loving, Say You Love Me and Hold Me win hands down. These are some of Fleetwood Mac greatest songs. The comparison is idiotic.

[MacShadowsBall]

What is your point? You Make Loving, Say You Love Me and Hold Me win hands down. These are some of Fleetwood Mac greatest songs. The comparison is idiotic.

My main point was that I and few others feel that when any of Stevie songs are up against any of Christine or Lindsey's songs, Stevie's songs win, most of the time. Nothing wrong in that, just an observation.

Partly relating that theory to this Mirage vs Tango thread. Stevie's bad Tango songs are weighing down the votes for the Tango album as a whole. The masterpiece that is Gypsy is giving Mirage a lot of votes...

...in my idiotic opinion! :cool:

[redbird]

just look at all the hate for Christine's songs in that best and worst hit thread! it's almost all Christine's songs that are named the worst by various people - i was completely shocked when first reading that tbh.
Saying that a Christine song is your least favorite hit doesn't mean you hate the song. I might not hate any of their top 40 hits, but one of them is going to be my least favorite and that's what that thread asked for. My most hated FM song isn't even a top 40 hit, neither are some of Stevie's most infamous songs like "When I See You Again", "Silver Girl", etc.

[michelej1]

My main point was that I and few others feel that when any of Stevie songs are up against any of Christine or Lindsey's songs, Stevie's songs win, most of the time. Nothing wrong in that, just an observation.



I don't see how that leads to the conclusion that Mirage is favored over Tango because of Stevie's songs on Mirage. In fact, if people think that Stevie's worst songs are so great, then maybe Tango would suit them just fine. Of course, your theory makes sense if you said that even Stevie's worst album is more liked than Lindsey and Christine's best album, but I just don't think it holds up in an analysis as to why people might choose Mirage over Tango. I don't think Rumours is the more commercially popular album because Stevie's songs on Rumours were better than her songs on Tusk or elsewhere.

And I don't think that Tusk is the more popular album among FM fans because Stevie's songs on Tusk were better than they are on Rumours or elsewhere. To me, it's the weight of the albums in their entirety.

Michele

[Christopher]

Personally, I'd listen to "Welcome To The Room...Sara" AND "When I See You Again" over Chris's "Everywhere" & "Mystified" (and probably "Little Lies" too), as well as Lindsey's "Family Man" & "Caroline' and "You & I, pt.2"...ANYDAY!!:nod:

[elle]

Saying that a Christine song is your least favorite hit doesn't mean you hate the song. I might not hate any of their top 40 hits, but one of them is going to be my least favorite and that's what that thread asked for.

yeah yeah yeah - hated, least loved, least popular... whateva :D

in any case i was shocked to see that many many more people have chosen one of Christine's hits as their least favorite over something like the widely despised Oh Diane :lol: :p

[elle]

The comparison is idiotic.

...in my idiotic opinion! :cool:

:lol: :lol:

[redbird]

"Oh Diane" only charted in the UK, so I bet it's because all the American fans could never get sick of it. Unlike eg "Don't Stop", it probably doesn't come to mind as easily.

[elle]

"Oh Diane" didn't even chart in the States so all the American fans could never get sick of it (unlike eg "Don't Stop"), it probably doesn't come to mind as easily. It was only top ten in the UK.

there you go again with serious argument ;)

[gypsy-sara]

Personally, I'd listen to "Welcome To The Room...Sara" AND "When I See You Again" over Chris's "Everywhere" & "Mystified" (and probably "Little Lies" too), as well as Lindsey's "Family Man" & "Caroline' and "You & I, pt.2"...ANYDAY!!:nod:

I agree - though I do love every single song on "Tango In The Night"!

This would be my ranking:

1) Isn't It Midnight
2) Tango In The Night
3) Big Love
4) When I See You Again
5) Seven Wonders
6) Welcome To The Room... Sara
7) Caroline
8) Family Man
9) You And I Part II
10) Little Lies
11) Everywhere
12) Mystified

I do NOT love every single song on "Mirage"...

"Oh Diane"... I'm sorry, but I just despise it.

[elle]

i'm adding my impressions of these songs:

I agree - though I do love every single song on "Tango In The Night"!

This would be my ranking:

1) Isn't It Midnight - boring
2) Tango In The Night - eh, i know many love it but not my thing
3) Big Love - eh, doesn't hold the candle to the solo version
4) When I See You Again - yuck
5) Seven Wonders - boring generic pop fluff
6) Welcome To The Room... Sara - yuck
7) Caroline - blah
8) Family Man - yuck
9) You And I Part II - blah
10) Little Lies - cute pop although not my thing
11) Everywhere - same as little lies
12) Mystified - don't care for it
.

1. "Love in Store" - eh
2. "Can't Go Back" - catchy
3. "That's Alright" - heh
4. "Book of Love" - heh
5. "Gypsy" Nicks - can't stand it
6. "Only Over You" - eh
Side two
1. "Empire State" - yuck
2. "Straight Back" - blah
3. "Hold Me" - pop perfection
4. "Oh Diane" - blah
5. "Eyes of the World" - pop perfection
6. "Wish You Were Here" - blah

i guess when i put it that way, trying to decide which of the 2 albums i can kinda stand since most of the songs from either do nothing from me, or i just simply cannot stand them, i'd say Mirage has 2 pop perfection songs for me (Hold Me and EOTW), and one catchy although nothing special - Can't Go Back. while Tango has maybe 3 songs i can kinda like if i'm in the right mood (LL, Everywhere and Tango)... so i guess Mirage would win for me as the album i dislike less? :lol: but i really can't stand to listen to either of these albums all the way through. :shrug:

[FierySequences]

I think I picked TITN over Mirage, but I don't really remember why.

I Love both albums, but not every song. For instance I can live w/o: Only Over You, Straight Back, Mystified. Those are the ones that probably made my decision. I Love all the other ones, or just like them.

For the record, I would choose just about any CM song over Straight Back, The Second Time, No Q's Asked, and Landslide any day. So, for me at least...it isn't always about picking a Stevie song over all others.

Hmmm, with all this discussion and thought provoking points, perhaps I should post a Mirage vs Tango track by track thread?

[Dreamz19]

I voted for Tango because it is one of my favorite Mac albums. Mirage is my least favorite Mac album of the Rumours lineup. I only love half of the songs on there.

[Dreamz19]

I, too, took a deep breath and cued up Mirage. For this thread. And..........Sigh.......It was bad:sorry: Stuff like That's alright, Only Over You, Most of Lindsy's 50's homage, Empire state......are just AWFUL. I don't get the poll results at all. But, you, know, Music is subjective so.......:D ok.

Mick

I don't get the hate for Only Over You and Empire State. Those two songs seem to be really hated among Mac fans. Those two songs along with That's Alright, Straight Back, Gypsy and Hold Me made Mirage tolerable for me. Besides those songs I don't really care for the album.

[Jondalar]

I don't get the hate for Only Over You and Empire State. Those two songs seem to be really hated among Mac fans. Those two songs along with That's Alright, Straight Back, Gypsy and Hold Me made Mirage tolerable for me. Besides those songs I don't really care for the album.

I like those songs too.

[FierySequences]

Since there seems to be an ongoing interest of Mirage vs Tango, I will go ahead and post a track-by-track comparison thread.

My last thread of doing this Tusk vs SYW didn't seem to be all that popular, maybe because of the format? Please post, I would love to see the results by fans if Gypsy was up against track TITN. :D

[RickRobert]

I don't get the hate for Only Over You and Empire State. Those two songs seem to be really hated among Mac fans. Those two songs along with That's Alright, Straight Back, Gypsy and Hold Me made Mirage tolerable for me. Besides those songs I don't really care for the album.

Only Over You is lovely except for that horrible bum note it starts with :eek:

[elle]

Since there seems to be an ongoing interest of Mirage vs Tango, I will go ahead and post a track-by-track comparison thread.

My last thread of doing this Tusk vs SYW didn't seem to be all that popular, maybe because of the format? Please post, I would love to see the results by fans if Gypsy was up against track TITN. :D

maybe those 2 albums are too "left side of the palette" for people here? :shrug:

of course, Tusk and SYW are my 2 favorite FM albums, while Mirage and TITN are at the bottom of my list (counting only albums with LB).

i would be interested to see what different formats you come up with though, since by track listing while it made sense was a bit frustrating.

[FierySequences]

of course, Tusk and SYW are my 2 favorite FM albums, while Mirage and TITN are at the bottom of my list (counting only albums with LB).
.

You know I have to agree with you, they are prob the 2 Best albums, imo as well. Of course, Rumours and FM are perfection, but overall I do not find perfection in the Mac the most appealing.

I like the artistry in creating diverse material, whether it is grammatically incorrect lyrics or intricate guitar work. The interesting part for me is the left side of the palette. :thumbsup:

[Villavic]

I was going to ask this again. But I found the poll, that surprisingly it was a thecnical tie. Without going deeper into the track by track analysis, I just ask again within this thread which one do you choose. Sure there are ledgies that didn't vote, or may have change their mind. It's been 11 years.

[jbrownsjr]

I was going to ask this again. But I found the poll, that surprisingly it was a thecnical tie. Without going deeper into the track by track analysis, I just ask again within this thread which one do you choose. Sure there are ledgies that didn't vote, or may have change their mind. It's been 11 years.

I love both albums. For many different reasons. Christine is the reason that I love both. She was kickin ass. Her music was clutch to the albums and the band.

[HomerMcvie]

I was going to ask this again. But I found the poll, that surprisingly it was a thecnical tie. Without going deeper into the track by track analysis, I just ask again within this thread which one do you choose. Sure there are ledgies that didn't vote, or may have change their mind. It's been 11 years.

Long live THEE RESURRECTOR!

Mirage is so much better than Tango. I love Mirage, dearly. Tango is plastic.

[Macfan4life]

One is early 80s pop and the other is late 80s pop.
Mirage is far better. It uses real drums, bass, etc on the entire album. There are a few Lindsey quirky songs on Mirage but they have a band sound. Songs like Big Love and Caroline are pure Lindsey solo songs with no or little Mac sound.
Stevie was at peak vocal power and her songs were fantastic on Mirage. Her Tango songs are ca ca. Tango has a few great songs. Mirage is mostly a full band effort and has much better songs over all.

[BLY]

One is early 80s pop and the other is late 80s pop.
Mirage is far better. It uses real drums, bass, etc on the entire album. There are a few Lindsey quirky songs on Mirage but they have a band sound. Songs like Big Love and Caroline are pure Lindsey solo songs with no or little Mac sound.
Stevie was at peak vocal power and her songs were fantastic on Mirage. Her Tango songs are ca ca. Tango has a few great songs. Mirage is mostly a full band effort and has much better songs over all.

Yes!!! I do love Tango but Mirage was a back to the basics kind of release. If you add the alternative disc of Mirage from the the box set it is a full band atmosphere having a lot of good material to work with and choose from.

[FuzzyPlum]

Tango In the Night….without doubt.
It has a tremendous atmosphere about it.
My favourite album.

[HomerMcvie]

Tango In the Night….without doubt.
It has a tremendous atmosphere about it.
My favourite album.

Idk how anyone could prefer Tango over Rumours, White, and Tusk.

Whatevs.

[jbrownsjr]

Idk how anyone could prefer Tango over Rumours, White, and Tusk.

Whatevs.

Holy cow!!! someone likes something different than you??
I need to go meditate on this. It's insane, no? :lol:

[HomerMcvie]

Holy cow!!! someone likes something different than you??
I need to go meditate on this. It's insane, no? :lol:

Is it not a general consensus here that Tango is pretty sterile and plastic?

[John Run]

I love Tango for many different reasons than I love Mirage. Both provide unique stimulation for my aural sense. This article from 2017 shares a lot of similarities with my thinking when it comes to these two albums. I am very glad we have them both.

https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22976-tango-in-the-night-deluxe-edition/

[jbrownsjr]

Is it not a general consensus here that Tango is pretty sterile and plastic?

Nope just you, you are sterile and plastic. (Does that go against the board rules?) :angel:

[HomerMcvie]

Nope just you, you are sterile and plastic. (Does that go against the board rules?) :angel:

Opinions are just like ewe? :wavey:

[jbrownsjr]

Opinions are just like ewe? :wavey:

Go play in the rain!

[HomerMcvie]

Go play in the rain!

Thunder only happens when it's raining.

[aleuzzi]

Two questions posed:

If you had to chose Mirage or Tango...

and

Which one is the better album...


Song for song, I think Tango is a better album. It has a more unified sound and only two certifiable duds (Stevie's songs). Little Lies is also one of the band's best songs. By contrast Mirage is far more uneven.

But...what works on Mirage is truly magical in a way that 95% of Tango lacks. There's an energy, a fire in "Gypsy," "Hold Me," "Love in Store," "Eyes of the World," and "Wish You Were Here" that the band has only intermittently captured in the studio since. Those Mirage songs I mentioned, especially the two big hits, stand up to any of the band's best songs and always trigger in me a genuine enthusiasm (as opposed to mere admiration) for FM as a band.


Funny: 12 years ago when I wrote this, I had no idea a TANGO demo called “Where We Belong” existed. This collaboration between Christine and Lindsey is so warm and charming and catchy as hell. It sounds like the best moments on MIRAGE. They should have put it (as is!) on the album and removed one of the solo-sounding Lindsey tunes. (I mean, all of Lindsey’s songs are better than Stevie’s here, but leaving her with only two songs wasn’t really an option).

In recent years, I’ve listened to “Everywhere” a lot more than I used to. The first three songs really do land.

But MIRAGE still feels more genuine and authentic. The deluxe alternative version of “Only Over You,” plus “Teen Beat” and “Goodbye Angel” are gems.

[SteveMacD]

Dunno if I said it earlier, but Mirage for Stevie, Tango for Christine and Lindsey.

[Villavic]

At this moment it's an exact tie. I thought Mirage would won, even though I voted for Tango. I like Tango more for several reasons, not exclusively music sound, production or artistic quality. It brings me beautiful memories of 1987 associated with listening to those songs. That counts.

[Macfan4life]

At this moment it's an exact tie. I thought Mirage would won, even though I voted for Tango. I like Tango more for several reasons, not exclusively music sound, production or artistic quality. It brings me beautiful memories of 1987 associated with listening to those songs. That counts.
When I first joined this board, Mirage was bashed and the least favorite Mac album of many. Tango was praised and I was even afraid to voice any criticism. Its funny that over time this board has warmed up to Mirage and dont see Tango in the same light.
However many members no longer post here and maybe its the newer ones that caused that change? Who knows.
Mirage was a #1 album for 5 weeks. Tango made it to #7 before quickly falling. Tango was a worldwide success and Mirage was not. Was not Tango more successful in Europe? For its 4 hits, Tango grossly undersold in the states. Did not Tango initially sell 2 million in 1987? Was that not Mirage's numbers too?

[jbrownsjr]

74 to 74 in a poll. That's really a fair sample.

[Macfan4life]

74 to 74 in a poll. That's really a fair sample.
A tie just like it would be Rumours vs Street Angel

[FuzzyPlum]

When I first joined this board, Mirage was bashed and the least favorite Mac album of many. Tango was praised and I was even afraid to voice any criticism. Its funny that over time this board has warmed up to Mirage and dont see Tango in the same light.
However many members no longer post here and maybe its the newer ones that caused that change? Who knows.
Mirage was a #1 album for 5 weeks. Tango made it to #7 before quickly falling. Tango was a worldwide success and Mirage was not. Was not Tango more successful in Europe? For its 4 hits, Tango grossly undersold in the states. Did not Tango initially sell 2 million in 1987? Was that not Mirage's numbers too?

Yes, it was much more successful in Europe, charting very highly in many countries. It reached number 1 in the UK three times and was one of the highest selling albums of the 1980’s. Possibly the highest selling of 1987, but I didn’t check.
Maybe it’s just more ‘European’ sounding (whatever that means)

[Mr Scarrott]

Tango. Maybe I'm biased because it was what first got me into the Mac when I was a student and everybody else was in the cool indie heaven that I could never enter.

The first three tracks just sound epic and really grab you by the whatever. OK, Stevie didn't write SW, but so what? There's nothing that really has that effect on Mirage until Gypsy knocks the preceding four tracks out of the park.

Yes, Tango is uneven, we all know that, but there's a shimmering quality to Lindsey's production that evokes the feel of the title of the album throughout. It's like they're all calling out to and misunderstanding each other, on a hot summer's night across the waves in some Mediterranena idyll. The occasional lapse like WTTRS is banished by a glorious IIM which is nearly as strong as the second side's opener, LL. Lindsey rescues a fragile Stevie who again reveals her confusion in WISYA; he ends the whole thing with a cheery, almost music-hally ditty that seems to mask an inner fear, he's still looking out for love but not in quite so menacingly a manner as in the opener. Somehow, the whole album, although it occasionally creaks, hangs together.

But it's Christine that seems to own it with two anthems, a soothing lullaby that echoes tracks as far back as SMAS, and a beloved joyous song that will forever remind us she's everywhere, despite leaving us.

So Tango, then. Mirage is a pleasant rag-bag of ideas but it was no attempted equivalent to Abbey Road as Tusk was to the White Album and Rumours was to Sergeant Pepper. Maybe the Mac had to wait another album to make that comparison make some sort of sense.

[BLY]

Tango. Maybe I'm biased because it was what first got me into the Mac when I was a student and everybody else was in the cool indie heaven that I could never enter.

The first three tracks just sound epic and really grab you by the whatever. OK, Stevie didn't write SW, but so what? There's nothing that really has that effect on Mirage until Gypsy knocks the preceding four tracks out of the park.

Yes, Tango is uneven, we all know that, but there's a shimmering quality to Lindsey's production that evokes the feel of the title of the album throughout. It's like they're all calling out to and misunderstanding each other, on a hot summer's night across the waves in some Mediterranena idyll. The occasional lapse like WTTRS is banished by an glorious IIM which is nearly as strong as the second side's opener, LL. Lindsey rescues a fragile Stevie who again reveals her confusion in WISYA; he ends the whole thing with a cheery, almost music-hally ditty that seems to mask an inner fear, he's still looking out for love but not in quite so menacingly a manner as in the opener. Somehow, the whole album, although it occasionally creaks, hangs together.

But it's Christine that seems to own it with two anthems, a soothing lullaby that echoes tracks as far back as SMAS, and a beloved joyous song that will forever remind us she's everywhere, despite leaving us.

So Tango, then. Mirage is a pleasant rag-bag of ideas but it was no attempted equivalent to Abbey Road as Tusk was to the White Album and Rumours was to Sergeant Pepper. Maybe the Mac had to wait another album to make that comparison make some sort of sense.


Very well put and I agree with many of your points. I think as I said in an earlier post that Mirage went back to the “basics”. The one thing that Tango has that Mirage doesn’t is the consistency or “thread” that ties all of these tracks together.

[Macfan4life]

Very well put and I agree with many of your points. I think as I said in an earlier post that Mirage went back to the “basics”. The one thing that Tango has that Mirage doesn’t is the consistency or “thread” that ties all of these tracks together.
I would disagree with your last point. Mirage is very consistent. That is its weakness IMHO. Critics called it "music box" like. Rolling Stone called it the perfect album to have a romantic dinner and drink a bottle of wine to. I think one reason Smile At You was left off the album because it was angry and would have interrupted that music box flow. I find Mirage very consistent and that would be my only complaint about it. Its very very safe.
Tango is also very very safe. It has a little boldness here and there but its just too programmed for my tastes. Tango is not "music box" but "computer box" or too programmed. Tango has a few excellent songs. I just think Mirage has a better flow and the songs are better lyrically and musically. But both albums are not that daring and both tried to accomplish the same thing: commercial success and radio hits.
The Tusk over-correction went way too far IMHO. Lastly, Mirage has fantastic vocals by Stevie and Chris. Stevie's vocal bridge on Gypsy is phenomenal. The harmonies on Love In Store give you butterflies in your stomach. On Tango we get whatsa matta babies.

[Mr Scarrott]

I think one reason Smile At You was left off the album because it was angry and would have interrupted that music box flow. I find Mirage very consistent and that would be my only complaint about it. Its very very safe.
.

Yes, that's word I was looking for re Mirage, safe. I so wish Smile at You had replaced WTTRS on Tango which to me is its nadir. Lindsey gave some Tango-ish flourishes to it on SYW. I could imagine a suitable version of it working as a bitter riposte to Family Man before Isn't it Midnight kicks in. A missed opportunity.

[BLY]

I agree with the “Music Box” feel of Mirage. The vocals of all three were at their best on Mirage . Tango has a “ thread” with that “Lindsey studio magic “ that he used for an original solo album plan that actually ties all the tracks together better than Mirage IMO. ✌️❤️

[aleuzzi]

Yes, that's word I was looking for re Mirage, safe. I so wish Smile at You had replaced WTTRS on Tango which to me is its nadir. Lindsey gave some Tango-ish flourishes to it on SYW. I could imagine a suitable version of it working as a bitter riposte to Family Man before Isn't it Midnight kicks in. A missed opportunity.

I also wished they could have managed Planets of the Universe. The spaciness of Tango’s production would have really suited that song.

Sadly, I don’t think Stevie’s voice was in good enough shape at that time. She pulled it together for the tour, but the demos on the Deluxe show she was in really bad shape.

[Mr Scarrott]

So Tango, then. Mirage is a pleasant rag-bag of ideas but it was no attempted equivalent to Abbey Road as Tusk was to the White Album and Rumours was to Sergeant Pepper. Maybe the Mac had to wait another album to make that comparison make some sort of sense.

I feel I should in all fairness qualify my opinion of Mirage to "a pleasant rag-bag of ideas with one stand-out masterpiece of a song"

[jbrownsjr]

Wow, Tango pulled ahead by 2 votes.

[HomerMcvie]

Wow, Tango pulled ahead by 2 votes.

Yeah, and Stevie is the lead singer of FM.

[jbrownsjr]

Yeah, and Stevie is the lead singer of FM.

My poll says 76-74 Tango by 2. Does yours read differently? (Being serious for once)

[HomerMcvie]

My poll says 76-74 Tango by 2. Does yours read differently? (Being serious for once)

No, I just don't gaf.:D

[jbrownsjr]

No, I just don't gaf.:D

You have a funny way of showing that... :xoxo:

[HomerMcvie]

You have a funny way of showing that... :xoxo:

Mirage came out at the height of my fandom, and Tango is plastique. Polls mean nothing to me.

NEXTTTT!!!!:p

[Macfan4life]

Yes, it was much more successful in Europe, charting very highly in many countries. It reached number 1 in the UK three times and was one of the highest selling albums of the 1980’s. Possibly the highest selling of 1987, but I didn’t check.
Maybe it’s just more ‘European’ sounding (whatever that means)
I was surprised to know that Mirage went to #5 in the UK. I suppose Oh Dianne dragged it there ;) Mirage still cracked many European top 10 charts.
I was reading some stuff Ken wrote about recording Mirage. Supposedly Stevie and Lindsey hated the castle recording studio even though they had a private chef that could cook them anything. They complained of not having a TV and they still complained about the food.
Even though the members did not appreciate the album or enjoy the experience so much (clearly they were all getting on each other's nerves with a short tour, not appearing in the Hold Me video together, etc.) the recording of Mirage was an epic time. I love the story of Mick and Stevie riding horses in the French countryside I think being cooped up in the castle also led to their division. If they had recorded in LA, they could have all driven home at the end of the day.
Stevie brought That's Alright, Smile at You and If You Were My Love. Lindsey did not think Smile At You belonged on the album and told Stevie to replace it. Stevie agreed that it was too angry and brought replacements.
The Mirage era was a fun time. It was in the limelight of Bella Donna. It was popular on the new MTV. The short tour ended and the band was never the same. I know the band did not enjoy that time so much but I love it. Mirage is an album they had to make. I dont think they enjoyed much of it. But they still came out with some great songs. Chris just broke up with Dennis and had some incredible love songs. But both Mirage and Tango have many similar attributes. The band was under pressure to have commercial success after the blow back from Tusk which is why we got safe poppy records.
One of the biggest reasons I like Mirage is because of Christine's playing. Its also the first Mac album that she is on the cover, right? On Tango her playing almost disappears and she takes a back seat to Lindsey's computer keyboards. On Mirage she is playing all the keys, piano, synthesizer, etc. I love that. One reason I like BTM is because we hear Chris playing keyboards again.
Let's not forget Mirage has one of the biggest songs of 1982.

[jbrownsjr]

Mirage came out at the height of my fandom, and Tango is plastique. Polls mean nothing to me.

NEXTTTT!!!!:p

My comment still stands. ^^ This only supports it.

[aleuzzi]

I’m glad we have both of those albums and sad as hell we never got another studio album from that lineup.

[jbrownsjr]

I’m glad we have both of those albums and sad as hell we never got another studio album from that lineup.

certain place, certain time... said Sandy Stewart.

[HomerMcvie]

My comment still stands. ^^ This only supports it.

From Miss Sandy C.

Were you on any of the FM offshoot boards circa 2007? Where my literal board name was Sandy. C...

Good times. :lol:

[Wdm6789]

Love both albums, but I’m going to have to go with Tango. Lindsey and Christine really did an excellent job with this album. I wish Stevie’s contributions to Tango were more on par with her contributions to the previous four album, but Seven Wonders and Welcome to the Room Sara are good enough.

Mirage, I really like every song by all three songwriters, but Tango is a little more my style. Tango has a great 80s glamour rock/pop/new wave sound but it’s also distinctively Fleetwood Mac. Mirage was a great transitional album from the 70s to the 80s, but it is a little more tame and soft. Tango is sharper and harder.

But Hold Me and Gypsy are two of my favorite songs and Gypsy is one of the most beautiful songs ever.

[jbrownsjr]

From Miss Sandy C.

Were you on any of the FM offshoot boards circa 2007? Where my literal board name was Sandy. C...

Good times. :lol:

I was, but don't remember that. Old brain. :(

[Villavic]

It's an interesting poll and the technical tie proves it. I think it would be pointless to compare these albums with Tusk or Rumours, but a poll of these 80s albums and its unpredictable result is very very interesting.

[jbrownsjr]

It's an interesting poll and the technical tie proves it. I think it would be pointless to compare these albums with Tusk or Rumours, but a poll of these 80s albums and its unpredictable result is very very interesting.

Like Tony said, "I'm glad we have both of them." And Christine shined on both albums. She just kept getting stronger and stronger in whatever genre they were tackling.

[jbrownsjr]

TBT: Traveling with Fleetwood Mac in London in April of 1987 in support of the band's new album "Tango In The Night", (produced by Lindsey Buckingham and Richard Dashut). I got a chance to snap this photo of happy Fleetwood Mac managers Dennis Dunstan and John Courage, Mick Fleetwood, and Christine McVie, receiving gold records for "Tango", and a multi-platinum record for "Rumors", from Martin, head of their English label. That night there was a celebration with good food and plenty of drink that lasted into the wee hours of the morning. As the sun began to come up, Mick took me for a guided limo tour of some of his old London haunts. He showed me clubs he had played in, and drove through his old neighborhood past his house and the garage where he practiced his drums. He told me about playing drums in the garage as a teenager and his neighbor, keyboardist Pete Bardens, showing up to check out what all the racket was about. Pete and Mick played together for a while in early bands, and then Pete went on to form the progressive rock group Camel, and Mick started Fleetwood Mac. In late 1987, when Pete got a solo record deal with Capitol Records, he came to the United States to record and tour. Mick brought him to my recording studio, Nileland in Malibu, CA and introduced us. Pete ended up living at the studio, where we worked on his album together, became great friends, and eventually toured across the country as Pete Bardens and the Speed Of Light Band featuring Mick Fleetwood. ~Dennis Dunstan.

[HomerMcvie]

^^^You beat me to this. :mad:

[jbrownsjr]

^^^You beat me to this. :mad:

I will always beat you, mommie dearest!

[HomerMcvie]

I will always beat you, mommie dearest!

I do love a good, solid spanking.

[Villavic]

According to a recent Lindsey's post, Mirage reached #1 this week.

It was a five-week run at No.1.

[jbrownsjr]

According to a recent Lindsey's post, Mirage reached #1 this week.

It was a five-week run at No.1.

It's such a wonderful album. Took me about 5 listens and I was in love with it.
Just hated Oh Diane. Always thought it was such a piece of crap on a delightful album. Christine called "Hold Me" a lullop. Whatever that means. :lol:

[Macfan4life]

It's such a wonderful album. Took me about 5 listens and I was in love with it.
Just hated Oh Diane. Always thought it was such a piece of crap on a delightful album. Christine called "Hold Me" a lullop. Whatever that means. :lol:
Lullop was code language the band used whenever they plotted and recorded a song without Nicks.

[Villavic]

Lullop was code language the band used whenever they plotted and recorded a song without Nicks.

That should have been the name of the BuckVie album. :)

[HomerMcvie]

That should have been the name of the BuckVie album. :)

Tru dat!!!

[jbrownsjr]

That should have been the name of the BuckVie album. :)

Ha!! That's hilarious.