EP out in the US

[elle]

i know several people posted in the Australia thread already, but for informational purposes, and since it's not midnight anywhere in the US yet, i'm making it a new thread.

(link to the original post http://ledge.fleetwoodmac.net/showpost.php?p=1090431&postcount=67)

[elle]

since there is no ads or promotion whatsoever, maybe now LB can start displaying itunes link https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/extended-play-ep/id640749460 behind the band while performing Sad Angel and Without You and tell everybody in the audience to just go buy right there at the show. ;) :laugh:

[Mmonta4]

I just got it. Love it!

[dontlookdown]

Just bought it on the West coast.
Love the new songs!
Lindsey's "melody pill" from Seeds We Sow
is still going strong.

I like the production - a lot warmer than Say You Will.
First impression: these songs have more in common
with Mirage than any other Fleetwood Mac album.

[michelej1]

Without You does sound very BNish and better than the live performances -- thank heaven. It's true to the demo and a nice reflection of then and now. Their harmony is buttery and most especially in the non-verbal utterances I think. Oh-oooh-oh-oh.

Michele

[TerraRhiannon]

Hmmm It's not showing up on my iTunes.. I'm in Canada and it's 1 AM here.. :shrug:

Sometimes I loathe this country.

[bombaysaffires]

It Takes Time is a repetition of Show You How....

[SadAngel86]

Hmmm It's not showing up on my iTunes.. I'm in Canada and it's 1 AM here.. :shrug:

Sometimes I loathe this country.

TerraRhiannon:

Try this: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/extended-play-ep/id640749460

Click "View in iTunes" and it should pop up.

[TerraRhiannon]

TerraRhiannon:

Try this: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/extended-play-ep/id640749460

Click "View in iTunes" and it should pop up.

Thank you so much! Tomorrow I'll have to purchase it ♥

[SadAngel86]

Thank you so much! Tomorrow I'll have to purchase it ♥


You're welcome! Hope you enjoy it! I sure did!:D

[bethelblues]

Is it weird that I prefer the sound of Stevie's voice live much more than how it has sounded on recent recordings, including this one and In Your Dreams??

[editme2]

The EP is already number 30 on the iTunes Rock chart and number 159 on the overall music chart, with little to no promotion.....Let's hope it does well.....

[bombaysaffires]

Is it weird that I prefer the sound of Stevie's voice live much more than how it has sounded on recent recordings, including this one and In Your Dreams??

you are not alone.....:(

[michelej1]

The EP is already number 30 on the iTunes Rock chart and number 159 on the overall music chart, with little to no promotion.....Let's hope it does well.....

Oh my goodness. These poor things couldn't even get a booking on Jimmy Fallon or Kimmel or Craig Ferguson or . . . things are looking pretty bad for Matt Lauer lately. Can't he do an interview and help them promote this thing?

Michele

[elle]

Oh my goodness. These poor things couldn't even get a booking on Jimmy Fallon or Kimmel or Craig Ferguson or . . . things are looking pretty bad for Matt Lauer lately. Can't he do an interview and help them promote this thing?

Michele

apparently LB will be on some Seattle radio show tomorrow morning... not sure whether that has anything to do with EP or is something pre-recorded and completely unrelated - http://www.957kjr.com/main.html (95.7 KJR Seattle: Tomorrow on the Bob Rivers show: At 7:45, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac!) :shrug:

[bluecalmsea]

I really like the EP!! While I wish there was more Stevie presence, what is there is wonderful to my ears! :cool:

I truly hope that their Facebook page with TWO MILLION likes posts about the release of this tomorrow- that would be great promotion.

[PoetofRhiannon]

Just got it -- I love it! It's great! I especially love "It Takes Time" - love the piano, very nice contrast to the always great guitar riffs.

Lindsey is the best. :]

[michelej1]

apparently LB will be on some Seattle radio show tomorrow morning... not sure whether that has anything to do with EP or is something pre-recorded and completely unrelated - http://www.957kjr.com/main.html (95.7 KJR Seattle: Tomorrow on the Bob Rivers show: At 7:45, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac!) :shrug:

Ok Seattle. Since you're the only people who know about it on the face of the planet (if this is a recent recording of LB), it's up to you to take this EP to the top of the charts. All eyes are on Washington.

Michele

[Nathan]

apparently LB will be on some Seattle radio show tomorrow morning... not sure whether that has anything to do with EP or is something pre-recorded and completely unrelated - http://www.957kjr.com/main.html (95.7 KJR Seattle: Tomorrow on the Bob Rivers show: At 7:45, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac!) :shrug:

Cool, I'll try to catch that in the morning.

Downloaded, not listened yet. :cool:

[sorcerer999]

Incredibly disappointed.

This "EP" lacks direction, cohesion, passion or originality...just like the state of Fleetwood Mac at this point in their career. Sad.

And as always, this is just my humble opinion. Please don't stone me.

[Angie1980]

As a "newbie" I don't know how much say I have in this but I kind of like the EP even though I would have like more Stevie on it and considering that they still are a BAND, they are putting out a record/EP as Fleetwood Mac there is one thing I do not get.

Lindsey has said over and over that he, Mick and John went in to the studio and recorded all this material. They asked for Stevie to join them but she just couldn't do it because she had just lost her mom. Which I think is a good enough reason not wanting to record anything at that moment in time....but if you are a band and are true and committed to your other band members don't you wait a while for that person to come around and record AS A BAND from the start instead of going a head with the good work and just have her come in and put on back up vocals???

I am sure Stevie was probably not to willing to admit any material to the EP at that time because she was still in her "in your dreams" bubble and even if they went on with recording because they thought she wouldn't come around anyhow, then they should have changed the plan once she DID come around.

[JeremyGloff]

My thoughts on the EP:
There's nothing I'd rather be doing this morning than listening to brand new songs by my favorite band of all time. And as for the songs, I love them.

[Jondalar]

I love this EP. I think Stevie and Lindsey harmonize more on these 4 songs then they did the whole of Say You Will. I like all the songs. My favorite is Sad Angel. To me, it definitely sounds Fleetwood Mac.

[Jondalar]

The EP is #92 in iTunes overall and #9 on the Album Rock Charts with no promotion. How cool is that! :)

[Artemis]

Hello, Hello Sad Angel.

Been stuck in my head all day. So glad I didn't listen to many/any live recordings of this song.

That being said, not really a fan of It Takes Time (Lindsey's slow songs have never really wowed me) and I definitely want more Stevie, but, I'll take whatever I can get from the band at this point. Miss Fantasy is lovely as well, even if it's just CRYING out for Christine's vocals in that chorus.

[shackin'up]

Haha, my wife thought that they were singing:

Hello hello Sad Angel, have you come to find a whore. :laugh:

[CADreaming]

Love it! And love the iTunes promo pic :D

[olive]

didn't someone post they had a dispute over the art work ..... I guess it was never resolved


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTtpioqagSk/UX867vnFBuI/AAAAAAAAej8/cEYiyaExWv4/s320/Fleetwood+Mac+Extended+Play.jpeg

[Angie1980]

[QUOTE=olive;1090531]didn't someone post they had a dispute over the art work ..... I guess it was never resolved

Wonder why they didn't just use the promo picture on the EP cover? I like that promo pic :)

[UnwindedDreams]

they should play miss fantasy live. i don't think crowd members would have patience for it takes time. i like sad angel live better

[jenniferuk]

apparently LB will be on some Seattle radio show tomorrow morning... not sure whether that has anything to do with EP or is something pre-recorded and completely unrelated - http://www.957kjr.com/main.html (95.7 KJR Seattle: Tomorrow on the Bob Rivers show: At 7:45, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac!) :shrug:

Mick is on the first hr of Dennis Miller today

http://www.dennismillerradio.com/b/Show-Line-Up:-Tuesday,-April-30,-2013/-737624802581479826.html

And he is on Bob and Tom today-this one references the new EP
www.bobandtom.com

[MikeVielhaber]

[QUOTE=olive;1090531]didn't someone post they had a dispute over the art work ..... I guess it was never resolved

Wonder why they didn't just use the promo picture on the EP cover? I like that promo pic :)
I think that's what the dispute was. They didn't like the picture and so they went with a black and white background instead. That's what Lindsey said in that conversation that someone leaked.

[TrueFaith77]

they should play miss fantasy live. i don't think crowd members would have patience for it takes time. i like sad angel live better

It Takes Time could be the new Songbird! :blob2:

[elle]

Mick is on
And he is on Bob and Tom today-this one references the new EP
www.bobandtom.com

Mick on right now!

"tour is going great"
"we, Fleetwood Mac, are on a creative high right now"
"Lindsey would want me to say this - for us as artists it's really important not to be threading water"

he described in detail how they were making new songs, that Lindsey left a lot of room for the band (and he was hoping Stevie would join in too) so that the whole process can be more organic. he just brought some songs on iphone, nothing else, to start in the studio and they built from that, Mick and John coulld add what they felt like, playing as a band.

that's all i remember now.

oh yeah they talked about the Tusk marching band and how Mick's idea came from hearing marching band in some local village in France, woke him up while he was hungover, and then just came out to balcony and watched it, brought it back to recording session after vacation was over.

[cantgoback]

I Live the new EP! I was unsure of it a first cause I didn't want another Say You Will (I liked it bust some of the production was iffy). But I think it has some similarities with Mirage which is good. All the songs are quality and the vocals and arrangements are just great! Kudos to you Fleetwood Mac, kudos

[kak125]

ahh so excited to sign onto itunes and see the new ep on the front page with the new photo. cant wait to listen to the songs!
also the ep is #27 on the album chart right now!

[jbrownsjr]

didn't someone post they had a dispute over the art work ..... I guess it was never resolved


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTtpioqagSk/UX867vnFBuI/AAAAAAAAej8/cEYiyaExWv4/s320/Fleetwood+Mac+Extended+Play.jpeg

That looks very nice... elegant.. I like it..

[DashingDan]

Love it!

Man, it's almost like they leave space in the arrangement out of respect to Christine. You can really hear where she would fit musically and vocally...or is that my ears still miss her.

Still, a terrific and welcome output.

[HejiraNYC]

I have only heard snippets of the songs, and so far... meh. :shrug: I am hoping that the full songs will worm their way into my brain over time. I am surprised by the amount of keyboards, which are a bit generic-sounding IMHO; not up to the distinctive calibre of Christine.

Also, I just find the whole concept of this EP laughable. The artwork is obviously an afterthought (although I agree that it is better than the rather pedestrian promo photos of the band). The title "Extended Play" is so generic; it reminds me of when Public Image Limited released an album called Album. And the real kicker is the hastily concocted "LMJS Productions." I would bet my kingdom that there was a political struggle over how their initials would be sequenced. And it leads one to wonder whether they intentionally formed some kind of LLC, or whether this was done only because no major label would touch the EP. Aside from a terse press release, I don't think LMJS Productions has the wherewithall to do much in the way of promotion; this EP is pretty much DoA.

[kak125]

So I just listened to all the songs and Sad Angel is still my favorite but I am really loving It Takes Time. So happy to finally hear some new music from the band I dont care about the artwork or lack there of but I just love that big picture of them on the main page of iTunes.

The EP is #19 on iTunes now.

[bangdrum]

Love Sad Angel. Without You is probably as good as could be hoped for. Love It Takes Time even though it's Show You How recycled. Miss Fantasy reminds me of the Rolling Stones.

[editme2]

As of this moment, the EP is number 1 on iTunes' Rock chart.....Good for them!

It's number 27 on the general chart......

I hope this encourages them to record more and not be bound or burdened by the traditional route of releasing an album......

[elle]

As of this moment, the EP is number 1 on iTunes' Rock chart.....Good for them!

It's number 27 on the general chart......

I hope this encourages them to record more and not be bound or burdened by the traditional route of releasing an album......

i see it as 18 on general chart and 1 on rock chart.

[SadAngel86]

i see it as 18 on general chart and 1 on rock chart.

Where are you all seeing these charts? Whenever I look for iTunes charts, I only see the the "Top 10 Album chart" or the "Top 10 Songs Chart."

[editme2]

i see it as 18 on general chart and 1 on rock chart.

I must have been looking at an earlier version, before an update.....Thanks for reporting the more current info!

[SadAngel86]

Nevermind Elle, I see it now. It's #3 on the US chart, #1 in Ireland, #4 in New Zealand, etc..... (Top 10 Rock Albums)

[jkmaletic]

After being (surprisingly) disappointed with the samples, I decided not to buy it. Sounds totally phoned in to me, and Stevie sounds like she used an actual phone to record her minimal parts. Just not exciting to me, at all. That makes me sad too.

And how is "It Takes Time" a FM song?? All I heard was piano and vocals on the sample. Am I missing something?

Jamie

[elle]

Where are you all seeing these charts? Whenever I look for iTunes charts, I only see the the "Top 10 Album chart" or the "Top 10 Songs Chart."

when you are in itunes, you have various lists at the right side - songs, albums etc.

#17 now.

they should have put a bit more into it and be upfront where Kenny Chesney add is. he's #1 and there's a reason for it... you have to wait for FM banner to come on, it's just one of 7.

Lindsey on the phone now http://www.iheart.com/live/2569/?autoplay=true Sad Angel playing.

[Slickone]

All the fans that don't have apple products are just SOL? Why not at least offer it as an MP3 on amazon for the billions of other people that have other brands of media players. What about the people that have no digital media player at all? Or those like me that don't buy digital media, or those of us that despise apple (and there are many)? :shrug:

[Nathan]

Lindsey on the radio right now.

http://www.iheart.com/live/2569/?autoplay=true

[kak125]

All the fans that don't have apple products are just SOL? Why not at least offer it as an MP3 on amazon for the billions of other people that have other brands of media players. What about the people that have no digital media player at all? Or those like me that don't buy digital media, or those of us that despise apple (and there are many)? :shrug:

i had iTunes way before i had an iPhone or an Ipod, I would just buy the songs on there and listen on my computer at work or home and then i would burn a cd for my car. iTunes is free to download so why not get it?

[SadAngel86]

when you are in itunes, you have various lists at the right side - songs, albums etc.

#17 now.

they should have put a bit more into it and be upfront where Kenny Chesney add is. he's #1 and there's a reason for it... you have to wait for FM banner to come on, it's just one of 7.

Lindsey on the phone now http://www.iheart.com/live/2569/?autoplay=true Sad Angel playing.

Thanks. I see it now. #13 now.

[MikeVielhaber]

Lindsey on the radio right now.

http://www.iheart.com/live/2569/?autoplay=true

I enjoyed that interview

[SadAngel86]

I enjoyed that interview

I missed a little bit of it but it was quite good. Good first reactions to the EP being out.

[Macfanforever]

Lindsey on the radio right now.

http://www.iheart.com/live/2569/?autoplay=true

Thanks Nathan.I listening to it now.

[SadAngel86]

All the fans that don't have apple products are just SOL? Why not at least offer it as an MP3 on amazon for the billions of other people that have other brands of media players. What about the people that have no digital media player at all? Or those like me that don't buy digital media, or those of us that despise apple (and there are many)? :shrug:

You don't need an Apple product to use iTunes. If you have a laptop or desktop computer you can go to http://www.apple.com/itunes/ and download it from there. Then you open the program, make an account and search for the album. Hope this helps.

Although yes, I do wish they would release it on Amazon or Rhapsody.

[Macfanforever]

All the fans that don't have apple products are just SOL? Why not at least offer it as an MP3 on amazon for the billions of other people that have other brands of media players. What about the people that have no digital media player at all? Or those like me that don't buy digital media, or those of us that despise apple (and there are many)? :shrug:

I agree 100 percent on that.they are alienating their older fans and others without the gadgets to listen to the new tunes.

Its like FM only releasing this EP only on vinyl.They wont get the younger fans to buy the new ep.

[dontlookdown]

#11 on iTunes best selling albums (and #1 on the rock charts) at 8am on it's first day of release, which tells me it's already a big seller.
Welcome to the digital age Fleetwood Mac. You're a little late to the party, but we're glad you're here!

[kak125]

I agree 100 percent on that.they are alienating their older fans and others without the gadgets to listen to the new tunes.

Its like FM only releasing this EP only on vinyl.They wont get the younger fans to buy the new ep.

I dont see it this way at all if you have a computer you can buy the songs and listen to them. Everybody pretty much has a computer these days.

[MikeVielhaber]

I dont see it this way at all if you have a computer you can buy the songs and listen to them. Everybody pretty much has a computer these days.

I agree, even older people have gone digital to some extent. I think the percentage of people who refuse to listen to digital music and only listen to cds is very small.

[WildHearted]

Number 9 on the iTunes chart now. Awesome.

I haven't had a chance to listen yet because my internet has been down for the past 24 hours, and I had to go to a free wifi spot to even download the EP.

Glad it finally got released and looking forward to hearing the new tunes.

[rhiannondontgo]

The EP is at #9 on Top Albums on iTunes now.... Whoaaa

[AnthonyMI]

I agree, even older people have gone digital to some extent. I think the percentage of people who refuse to listen to digital music and only listen to cds is very small.

Yah everyone! stop your belly aching. My 92 year old Grandma has an iPad and an iMac and listens to Pandora and iTunes all day long! If she can figure it out so can you all "old people"

and Yes, any one with a PC can download iTunes, burn a CD of the songs, and then "rip" them to whatever format they want of listen to them in a Car or regular CD player. Stop being so negative and be happy Fm has a song or two on iTunes that is actually GOOD and selling well!

Check this out... It basically proves none of you "old people with vinyl" really matter to the music industry. Embrace change or die.

http://money.cnn.com/interactive/technology/itunes-music-decline/?iid=EL

[tabruns]

Looking forward to downloading the EP tonight. I like the cover, it's classy. Can't wait to hear the songs, though I wish they'd do an entire album.

Getting some :laugh: out of the nitpicky b*tching going on among some.

[KenshiMaster16]

The EP is at #9 on Top Albums on iTunes now.... Whoaaa

Agreed, seeing that was a real Whoa moment. Guess maybe if it stays that way it'll shut Stevie up about people not wanting new material.

[TerraRhiannon]

Finally got it downloaded/ purchased :)

I am happy to see how well it's doing on the iTunes :)

[TerraRhiannon]

They are number one album in Rock!! :cool: From what I can see, anyway!!!

[SadAngel86]

They are number one album in Rock!! :cool: From what I can see, anyway!!!


Yay!!!! :blob2:

[bluecalmsea]

They are doing great on the rock chart!

http://i.imgur.com/IzshF4X.jpg

[Slickone]

i had iTunes way before i had an iPhone or an Ipod, I would just buy the songs on there and listen on my computer at work or home and then i would burn a cd for my car. iTunes is free to download so why not get it?
Because it's well known by all tech geeks that itunes is huge bloatware. Just google it. Besides, why should you have to install bloated software when CD's have worked just as well for so 3 decades now, or considering a regular MP3 release would have worked for both itunes and non-itunes people? And I sure as heck don't want to only be able to sit and listen to music on my PC. :)

I'm thinking a CD release will surely come soon since I think some bands do release the digital version before CD, but am surprised it was itunes only. Actually a CD-only release would have served more people: CD people get disc and artwork; digital people can rip it.

[MikeVielhaber]

Because it's well known by all tech geeks that itunes is huge bloatware. Just google it. Besides, why should you have to install bloated software when CD's have worked just as well for so 3 decades now, or considering a regular MP3 release would have worked for both itunes and non-itunes people? And I sure as heck don't want to only be able to sit and listen to music on my PC. :)

I'm thinking a CD release will surely come soon since I think some bands do release the digital version before CD, but am surprised it was itunes only. Actually a CD-only release would have served more people: CD people get disc and artwork; digital people can rip it.

Yeah, MP3s (or any other file type) are not confined strictly to computers. They're about as mobile as it gets. And many people simply don't buy cds anymore ESPECIALLY young people. WAY more than those that won't buy a digital release.

[gypsy333]

can someone post a link to the chart?

[MinusTheSnake]

Because it's well known by all tech geeks that itunes is huge bloatware. Just google it. Besides, why should you have to install bloated software when CD's have worked just as well for so 3 decades now, or considering a regular MP3 release would have worked for both itunes and non-itunes people? And I sure as heck don't want to only be able to sit and listen to music on my PC. :)

I'm thinking a CD release will surely come soon since I think some bands do release the digital version before CD, but am surprised it was itunes only. Actually a CD-only release would have served more people: CD people get disc and artwork; digital people can rip it.

There's a few reasons this is only on iTunes right now. First and foremost, iTunes likely promised them more prominent promotion if they made it an iTunes exclusive for a day or two. Second, it takes a while to get every different digital retailer to get your product up, especially with a last minute release like this, and since the vast majority of digital music downloads happen on iTunes, why not just sell it there first? It will be on Amazon, Google Play, 7 Digital, etc by next week.

As for a CD, I'm sure one is coming, but they take forever to get pressed and distributed. Why make everyone wait when they can get it out to the masses right now?

[elle]

The EP is at #9 on Top Albums on iTunes now.... Whoaaa

#8 now......

[secondhandchain]

I really love Miss Fantasy. Love it!

[Macfanforever]

I dont see it this way at all if you have a computer you can buy the songs and listen to them. Everybody pretty much has a computer these days.

I agree, even older people have gone digital to some extent. I think the percentage of people who refuse to listen to digital music and only listen to cds is very small.

Yes I agree with both of you.

If the elders dont have or dont like computers .Their kids will get the EP for them burned on a CD.

I just being a beach about it.



I want quality sound is my complaint.

I have nothing against going digital and digital offerings as long they are clear and crisp to my ears.


I was the same way when CDs came around in the 1980's.they sound to tinny.

In the meantime how does the EP sound.

[Nathan]

Thanks Nathan.I listening to it now.

:nod: Cool man, was a good interview.

[Matt Lucas]

Hello all---

I have to be honest---I was completely surprised to see that the EP was available when I woke up this morning. I honestly thought they were going to table the EP in favor of a full album or even nothing at all. I love being wrong. Well…umm…in this case, I love being wrong… *grin*

Overall, I like the EP. Those who’ve compared it in sound to MIRAGE are spot-on. Froom’s production is actually a bit similar to what we hear on MIRAGE, so it’s not really a surprise. “San Angel” is a nice little pop-rock tune. A welcome song to the band’s canon. “Without You” reminds me a little of Cat Stevens’ “Peace Train”, but I still like it a lot. I don’t care for the production, though. The acoustic guitars have a very brittle sound…they sorta don’t sound real. I was about to worry about Froom’s involvement, because he’s always been great about recording acoustic instruments…but then I saw that “Without You” was produced by Stevie and Lindsey. Hmm. I know it’s a waste of time to wonder about would could have been, but I think this song would have sounded great with Christine playing a Fender Rhodes electric piano on it.

“It Takes Time” was the shocker of the bunch. I never expected a piano ballad, which is probably why I love this song so much. At first, I thought it was a little under-cooked [similar to Lindsey’s THIS IS 40 songs], but the more I listen to it, the more I love the simple, subtle approach of this song. Production-wise, I don’t care for the keyboard sound. It’s a little off-putting. Froom usually gravitates toward either real strings, piano and Hammond organ, or analog keyboards like a Mellotron or a Chamberlain. I wonder if the weird keyboard sound was Lindsey’s idea…?

I love Lindsey’s big production songs, but I also love his stripped-back ones. “Street of Dreams” is, in my opinion, one of the best songs he’s ever created.

I agree with those who’d like to hear more Stevie. If we’re being honest, even the “Stevie” song has a very prominent duet vocal by Lindsey. Though I generally prefer Lindsey’s songs, for the sake of balance, it would have been better to have had at least one new Stevie tune. [And by “new” I mean NEW…not a leftover solo track.]

Seems like I read a review that said “Miss Fantasy” would have benefited from Christine’s vocals. I think the same could be said for pretty much ANY FM song, post-SAY YOU WILL, but I’d have loved to have heard her on these tunes. “Miss Fantasy” isn’t bad at all, but it does remind me a bit of a b-side. I’ll have to listen to it a dozen more times before I can really decide. *grin*

And how is "It Takes Time" a FM song?? All I heard was piano and vocals on the sample. Am I missing something?

Umm…if a song needs more than just vocals and an instrument, then that means “Songbird,” “Landslide,” and “Never Going Back Again” aren’t really FM songs. Yes, Lindsey and, presumably, Mitchell Froom are the only ones who performed on “It Takes Time.” But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not an FM song.

matt

[Amlyn]

Number 7.

:]

[MikeVielhaber]

Umm…if a song needs more than just vocals and an instrument, then that means “Songbird,” “Landslide,” and “Never Going Back Again” aren’t really FM songs. Yes, Lindsey and, presumably, Mitchell Froom are the only ones who performed on “It Takes Time.” But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not an FM song.

matt

Agree that just because it's Lindsey by himself doesn't mean it can't be on a FM album. But "Songbird" (as heard on the Rumours album) and "Landslide" are not solo performances. Lindsey contributes acoustic guitar to both. That does make a difference.

[michelej1]

Haha, my wife thought that they were singing:

Hello hello Sad Angel, have you come to find a whore. :laugh:

When I first heard it, I thought it was "have you come to find the Lord?"

My favorite line is: "we fall to earth together.


Michele

[rhiannondontgo]

It's at #6 now:]

[Matt Lucas]

Agree that just because it's Lindsey by himself doesn't mean it can't be on a FM album. But "Songbird" (as heard on the Rumours album) and "Landslide" are not solo performances. Lindsey contributes acoustic guitar to both. That does make a difference.

Oops! Thanks for the correction. I guess those weren't good examples after all. And I honestly forgot that Lindsey plays acoustic on "Songbird."

You know, the more I think about it, the more I realize that I expect more of Stevie. Yes, we knew up front that it would be 2-3 Lindsey songs and "Without You." But with Lindsey's comments about having written the songs to fit Stevie's vocal comfort zone, I guess I assumed that she would be singing lead on at least some of the songs. Maybe a true duet, alternating verses, etc.? I'd have loved to have heard them try something like that.

But, all in all, I think it's a good release, and I'm glad it's out so that people at the shows can get it. When they introduce the new songs at the shows, they should specifically tell people, "In fact, you can download this new song on your mobile device RIGHT NOW! DO IT!"

Since they presumably don't have physical CDs to see at the merchandise tables, another option would be to post QR codes at the tables and all over the venues. The QR code could link directly to the EP on iTunes.

matt

[BigAl84]

It's at #6 now:]

I really hope that the band takes this as good news. That's pretty awesome for a band well into their 60's. Especially on iTunes. Granted, there isn't a whole lot of competitive releases today. Maybe that was part of their strategy, set it up for success by dropping it on a week without a huge release to compete with.

Either way, good for them. I hope they celebrate a little.

[bethelblues]

Commenting specifically on their recorded voices:

I think Lindsey tends to overproduce his vocals on studio recordings, which lose the roughness of his current voice and in some ways try to mirror his much younger and higher sound. I actually think that Lindsey has a very feminine style of singing in his studio work (not that that is a bad thing). I see that here in Without You and It Takes Time (which in no way is Songbird #2 as a few people were saying). I had this reaction to Seeds We Sow and especially regarding Say You Will, where in particular the versions of Say Goodbye and Bleed to Love Her absolutely pale to their live performances. The songs became merely ordinary and much weaker than they actually are, arguably some of the best Lindsey has written, because they are missing the raw emotion he brings to his concert vocals.

And as I said about Stevie's vocals on an earlier page, there's something about her recent studio recordings that I don't like. They sound much lower here and In Your Dreams, very low actually and in a much more limited vocal range. Is it weird that I prefer the sound of Stevie's voice live much more than how it has sounded on recordings? Maybe she prefers it this way for some reason, I don't know. But there's a significant difference, I feel--and her live voice sounds freer and more flexible, and has a much more pleasant tone. Look at Landslide, a song that I think she has been performing exceptionally. The tone of her "I" vowel sounds when she sings "Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? Can I..." is gorgeous. I haven't felt that sound has translated to her recordings, which is especially disappointing because her voice IS still capable of creating magic. I wonder if anyone else has picked up on this or it's just me, that Stevie's voice hasn't translated well to recordings or that it too has been overproduced??

[Lilyfan]

I had to work last night and suffer through the long wait until I got home this morning to download it - so far, I love it and it just makes me want more! I guess if they don't want to advertise, we'll have to do it for them. I've been telling everyone who will listen about the EP and tweeted it too :]

[Regina]

Love it. That is all. Not overthinking anything. New music from FM=tiny dream come true.

[Dgol]

I love it. I don't think it's an album you could go on a huge tour with but its true to what most love in Fleetwood Mac.

Part of me wishes Stevie kept you can't fix this for this album. This way they could've done 10 songs, with maybe 7 of them being Fleetwood Mac-y and the rest few harder, darker rock songs like you can't fix this.

A song or two from Christine would fit beautifully in an album with this tone.

That 4 dollars was spent wisely. :laugh:

[cantgoback]

Also i'd like to point out that "Without You" sounds totally like a Buckingham Nicks track (cause it is haha).

[UnwoundDreams]

I was really surprised to find that the EP had been released today, as I wasn't expecting anything to happen in regards to it (I was hoping they would scrap the idea in favor of a new album, but I guess I was wrong). My mother said no when I asked her if I could possibly take £3 to download it, but my dad agreed right away. And my dad hates Fleetwood Mac (I'm dragging him along to the concert in Birmingham)!

I absolutely LOVE "Sad Angel" - it sounds like classic Mirage-era Mac. Lindsey's voice sounds great for a man in his 60s, and I loved Stevie's background vocal. The lyrics were really nice. I hope they don't drop this from the setlist for Europe.

I enjoyed "Without You" - it was my first time hearing it, as I'd avoided the live versions in favor of hearing the studio version. I'll need to listen to it a bit more to fully appreciate it.

"It Takes Time" is the only song on the EP I didn't like - not a big fan of the lyrics and I'm not used to hearing Lindsey with just a piano; I miss his acoustic ballads. It could grow on me in the future.

"Miss Fantasy" is brilliant. It reminds me of the White Album era for some peculiar reason - I don't know, it just had that atmosphere to it.

[shackin'up]

When I first heard it, I thought it was "have you come to find the Lord?"

My favorite line is: "we fall to earth together.


Michele

You heard Lord, my wife heard Whore. Have I married the right woman? :D:laugh:

[Jondalar]

I really like this EP, but after thinking about it, I'm a little disappointed in Stevie.

I know what happened. She heard Lindsey songs and knew that she going to have to come up with some good songs. After Say You Will, she doesn't want to be on losing end again. And there is no REAL Fleetwood Mac without Christine.

She was already working on new songs with Dave and just didn't want to go there. She could of pulled out more songs than Without You. She has a big catalog. She should of just done one more song.

[Ulpian]

I really like this EP, but after thinking about it, I'm a little disappointed in Stevie.

I know what happened. She heard Lindsey songs and knew that she going to have to come up with some good songs. After Say You Will, she doesn't want to be on losing end again. And there is no REAL Fleetwood Mac without Christine.

She was already working on new songs with Dave and just didn't want to go there. She could of pulled out more songs than Without You. She has a big catalog. She should of just done one more song.

I feel mixed emotions about this EP.

First, Sad Angel is very good pop. I can hear all four of them on it and I really think it sounds like FM. Same for Miss Fantasy - it reminds me of the Mirage era.

Without You sounds like 70s Stevie. I like it.

It Takes Time, though, feels out of place. It strikes an imbalance. It feels like it belongs on an LB solo record, not an FM record. I am not a fan of these quiet, introspective, Lindsey songs where you aren't able to discern anyone else's involvement in the track. That's why I'm not a huge fan of some of his Tusk songs.

I'm sorry Stevie is not more prominent on this release. I feel as though she is just a guest rather than a full band member. I know the story about her involvement in this EP, but I'd love to hear her taking lead on a track with Lindsey firmly in the background.

Finally, it never seems right to me without Christine. I know, I know. She won't record, or they won't let her without also touring, but she really could have made Miss Fantasy and Sad Angel that much better. I probably won't ever get used to her not being there.

That said, so lovely to have new music from them.

[StandbackStevie]

The EP is sounds ok not really excited about for some reason it's sounds good but not thrilled with it.I heard the entire EP on You Tube.Sad Angel and Without You seem like the best out of these 4 songs.It's sounds more like a Lindsey EP you can barely hear Stevie in them.Not that it's a bad thing.Anything from them now is a treat awesome there is new music but I am not thrilled with it for some reason and won't buy it on Itunes because I don't do Ipad's,Ipod's.If they release a physical cd will buy it.I am old school..lol I prefer a cd in hand and listen on a cd player or cd walkman.I hope it does well so we do get an actual new cd.But I love the songs on 2003 Say You Will.Compare the Say You Will album with the Extended Play EP.I Prefer Say You Will.

[AskaniPsion]

"Without You" - sounds great - I prefer hearing it live but then I feel that way about all Mac songs - hope they bring out more unreleased BN songs for the full album

"Miss Fantasy" - wish it had Stevie more prominent on it like "Miranda" - definitely reminds me of "Mirage" period - I like it

"It Takes Time" - wow it is like Lindsey's "Songbird" - I like the lyrics of this song....kind of a "Yeah I know I was an ass....can you forgive me?" It goes well with "Say Goodbye" & the healing process between Stevie & Lindsey

"Sad Angel" - really enjoyed this in concert & the EP version is just as much fun - better than 95% of the songs that were on SYW - just needs alittle tambourine in it & it would be PERFECT!

Sure I would have loved a Stevie primary vocal song on the EP, but I see this as just a "teaser" for a full album :)

[Jondalar]

Without You sounds like 70s Stevie. I like it.


I"m glad you like Without You. I do too :). It evokes something and it was one of those really worked out Stevie songs that she really tried on.

It is the best song Cat Stevens never wrote!

[Christopher]

Compare the Say You Will album with the Extended Play EP.I Prefer Say You Will.

This is something that was in the back of my mind when listening to the new EP. Sure, 10 years later I have my list of criticisms of SYW, but after listening to these new songs a dozen or more times, It struck me that they are not even in the same league as "Thrown Down", "Say You Will", "Peacekeeper", "Destiny Rules", "Bleed To Love Her", "Everyone Finds Out", or "Steal Your Heart Away". Not even close.

And I'm really disapointed in Mitchell Frooms production, yes I'm sure Lindsey had his nose in the knobs and mix as well, but this is not the lush and warm Fleetwood Mac sound I was yearning for - and I thought SYW sounded too cold:cool:. Overall these songs (sans ITT) sound too compressed. Not impressed:distress:.

The new tunes sound anemic and are a pale shadow of Fleetwood Mac's former glory's imo. Stevie's vocals sounds like she was recorded in a tin can:(. Her voice sounded so much richer and warmer on IYD by a mile:nod:

And Lindsey's 12-string rhythm guitar "accompaniment" on "Without You" completely obliterates the beauty & harmony of the vocals & melody with its prominece in the mix and sounding too brassy. Whoever the heck mixed these songs should be shot - It's a lost art, and makes one long for Caillat & Dashut.

Though I'm always happy to hear new music from my favorite band, I don't think these songs are a positive foreshadow of another FM record anytime soon.

[Machu]

All of the songs are good although they lack a little of the Fleetwood Mac feel with the exception of "Sad Angel". The mixing isn't very good on some of these songs though. "Without You" is a mess in that regard, imo. Their voices are mixed to where they don't blend properly, each stands out individually. I think these songs would be great for a Lindsey solo album. Actually, I think my preference would be for them to continue doing new solo music as opposed to a Fleetwood Mac album. :nod: SO happy for any new music though!!! :cool:

[TrueFaith77]

This is something that was in the back of my mind when listening to the new EP. Sure, 10 years later I have my list of criticisms of SYW, but after listening to these new songs a dozen or more times, It struck me that they are not even in the same league as "Thrown Down", "Say You Will", "Peacekeeper", "Destiny Rules", "Bleed To Love Her", "Everyone Finds Out", or "Steal Your Heart Away". Not even close.

And I'm really disapointed in Mitchell Frooms production, yes I'm sure Lindsey had his nose in the knobs and mix as well, but this is not the lush and warm Fleetwood Mac sound I was yearning for - and I thought SYW sounded too cold:cool:. Overall these songs (sans ITT) sound too compressed. Not impressed:distress:.

The new tunes sound anemic and are a pale shadow of Fleetwood Mac's former glory's imo. Stevie's vocals sounds like she was recorded in a tin can:(. Her voice sounded so much richer and warmer on IYD by a mile:nod:

And Lindsey's 12-string rhythm guitar "accompaniment" on "Without You" completely obliterates the beauty & harmony of the vocals & melody with its prominece in the mix and sounding too brassy. Whoever the heck mixed these songs should be shot - It's a lost art, and makes one long for Caillat & Dashut.

Though I'm always happy to hear new music from my favorite band, I don't think these songs are a positive foreshadow of another FM record anytime soon.

SYW vs. EP seems like a great poll idea ;)

I much prefer SYW in. every. way., but EP is sweet.

ITT is such a wonderful surprise. I'm glad u recognized that it's the only properly mixed song on the EP. Srsly. Bring in Dave (or the guy who did This is 40). Maybe everyone would be happy and the music would benefit as well.

All of the songs are good although they lack a little of the Fleetwood Mac feel with the exception of "Sad Angel". The mixing isn't very good on some of these songs though. "Without You" is a mess in that regard, imo. Their voices are mixed to where they don't blend properly, each stands out individually. I think these songs would be great for a Lindsey solo album. Actually, I think my preference would be for them to continue doing new solo music as opposed to a Fleetwood Mac album. :nod: SO happy for any new music though!!! :cool:

If the album would be as mixed as poorly as this, then I agree. And I'm sure Stevie does too. It's embarrassing after the lush, gorgeous (sometimes downright Mac-y) production on IYD for a FLEETWOOD MAC release to sound this bad.

[Conga]

I"m glad you like Without You. I do too :). It evokes something and it was one of those really worked out Stevie songs that she really tried on.

It is the best song Cat Stevens never wrote!

I'm glad you said that. I hear Peace Train all over this one, which is weird because I never really heard it on the old demo version or the bass heavy version.

[fairydust75]

Sad Angel is the shinning star. It is a great Fleetwood Mac song...great energy. I like it a lot.

Without You is ok, but ya can't beat that damn demo. The guitar is distracting me from the vocals. The vocals...are too separated..

Miss Fantasy is ok, little squeeky..the backing vocal is too low.

It takes time is a solo piano piece that would be lovely for Lindsey's next solo tour.

But I will support the EP and the tour, I'm a sucker.
Imho ;)

[KarmaContestant]

So after a few hours and a few listens, I really like Miss Fantasy and It Takes Time. Regarding the piano on It Takes Time - it sounds ok but is nothing stellar. But, I like the song, a lot.

Sad Angel is *just ok* for me. Stevie's vocals are...weird and muted and sound like they're coming through a tube. The song as a whole, however, sounds *very* Fleetwood Mac, a feat which the whole EP managed to pull off very well. These do not sound like solo tracks mashed into one release!

Without You is the biggest disappointment for me. The vocals come off like they were phoned in. I'm assuming they were recorded separately, but I can't tell for sure. It does not sound like they sang into the same mic, which would have given the song some much-needed feeling to it. If they were singing into the same mic...well, then I don't know what to say. :shrug: Maybe when I play it on the stereo through the floor speakers it will sound better. Lindsey's guitar playing is great, as usual, and saves the song from it's lackluster vocals.

Overall, I find Stevie's lack of signifigant presence to be a disappointment. She doesn't sound invested in the songs she provided vocals on, and a song with her on lead vocals would have been a very welcome addition to this EP.

And that brings me to my last point - Extended Play is the best title they could come up with? Really? REALLY? And the artwork...gah. Yuck.

All criticisms aside, I am grateful for this release. I hope it sells well enough to please Stevie. I'm a Stevie fan first, but this EP has certainly whet my appetite for a full album release from Fleetwood Mac.

[michelej1]

And that brings me to my last point - Extended Play is the best title they could come up with? Really? REALLY? And the artwork...gah. Yuck.


And just from a marketing standpoint, calling it that doesn't make the search in Itunes any easier. Very short-sighted. Even "Fleetwood Mac 2013" would have been better than Extended Play.

Michele

[KarmaContestant]

And just from a marketing standpoint, calling it that doesn't make the search in Itunes any easier. Very short-sighted. Even "Fleetwood Mac 2013" would have been better than Extended Play.

Michele

It Takes Time (to make a Fleetwood Mac album) would have worked. :laugh:

[TrueFaith77]

And just from a marketing standpoint, calling it that doesn't make the search in Itunes any easier. Very short-sighted. Even "Fleetwood Mac 2013" would have been better than Extended Play.

Michele

It's Tusk 2--for the viagra set.

[michelej1]

It's Tusk 2--for the viagra set.

Is the gel or condom or whatever really called "Extended Play?" If it is, then I think it's true that Mick and Lindsey did that on purpose.

Michele

[Christopher]

"Extended Play" just inched up to #5 on the Itunes album chart! :)

[elle]

Is the gel or condom or whatever really called "Extended Play?" If it is, then I think it's true that Mick and Lindsey did that on purpose.

Michele

oh you know they did! :laugh:

[ShangriLaTroubl]

Oops! Thanks for the correction. I guess those weren't good examples after all. And I honestly forgot that Lindsey plays acoustic on "Songbird."

You know, the more I think about it, the more I realize that I expect more of Stevie. Yes, we knew up front that it would be 2-3 Lindsey songs and "Without You." But with Lindsey's comments about having written the songs to fit Stevie's vocal comfort zone, I guess I assumed that she would be singing lead on at least some of the songs. Maybe a true duet, alternating verses, etc.? I'd have loved to have heard them try something like that.

But, all in all, I think it's a good release, and I'm glad it's out so that people at the shows can get it. When they introduce the new songs at the shows, they should specifically tell people, "In fact, you can download this new song on your mobile device RIGHT NOW! DO IT!"

Since they presumably don't have physical CDs to see at the merchandise tables, another option would be to post QR codes at the tables and all over the venues. The QR code could link directly to the EP on iTunes.

matt

Problem with that is you can only download it on your mobile device, if that device is an iphone! I have a Samsung Galaxy Note II and get the songs on it without downloading them to my computer, downloading a converter and then putting them on the phone.

[KarmaContestant]

Is the gel or condom or whatever really called "Extended Play?" If it is, then I think it's true that Mick and Lindsey did that on purpose.

Michele

OMG. No way. Now the Tusk comment (for the viagra set) posted earlier makes sense!

[Jondalar]

"Extended Play" just inched up to #5 on the Itunes album chart! :)

here it the proof :)

[Regina]

I love "It Takes Time." Kind of makes me weepy. In a good way. I know it's recycled but I really like it. And the piano is...such an odd choice. But, really effective, I thought.

[Macfanforever]

So is that the artwork they were waiting for.

[sweetdudejim]

It took a while for me to warm up to it, but I'm loving "Sad Angel". At first I think it was a bit too "straightforward" for Lindsey post-Tusk, but then I realized this is a great opening rocker, a la "Monday Morning" or "Second Hand News".

I also really dig "Without You". When I listened to the '70s Buckingham Nicks version I gotta admit I didn't really care for it. But this recording kicks ass. I love the sound of Lindsey on guitar and I still think Lindsey and Stevie sound great together, and I hope that if they do indeed do another album that they share more lead vocals like they do on this, because it definitely makes it feel more like Fleetwood Mac rather than a Lindsey solo project and a Stevie solo project mashed together. I'm still not totally sold on "It Takes Time", but it's growing on me. Obviously I feel that it could fit on a solo album of his, but I d feel that it is a strong song. Lastly, I really dig "Miss Fantasy", and have since I first heard it. It's the most Fleetwood Mac-y type song of the whole EP, although I definitely think it has the pure pop songwriting and sound Law And Order had on a lot of it's songs. I love the mellow sound and I think it might have been a better song to push than "Sad Angel", but whatever, I still got it now.

Overall, I definitely feel a Mirage vibe, in that it seems like the group (mostly Lindsey) is trying to get back to what a large section of the public perceive as their strengths. However I think this time it was Lindsey's decision to try this kinda thing, and that's why these songs are much stronger than his work on Mirage ("Oh Diane" and "Eyes of the World" excepted). It's also neat that since this material reminds of Mirage, they also use the same logo that they did for that album.

Also, I don't know if anybody has mentioned it yet, but this is my guess at the story of how Extended Play came about:

You had Lindsey, Mick, and John working on the eight songs Lindsay wrote. They got 'em recorded, minus Stevie's parts. Stevie comes in and chooses "Sad Angel" and "Miss Fantasy" to work on. She also figures since Buckingham Nicks is gonna be re-released (yeah right) that they do "Without You" to add to that album. I wouldn't doubt that they considered just putting out another greatest hits album with the two new songs, but then they probably realized that it's not quite time for another one of those yet. So they decide the three songs will be an EP. Maybe then Mick and John add bass and percussion to "Without You" to make it more "Fleetwood Mac". Then somebody (iTunes, management, one of the members?) and says, "hey guys don't you think three songs is pretty skimpy for an EP". So at the last second they ask Lindsey to see what he has on his hard drive, and he pulls out "It Takes Time" and even though the rest of the band isn't featured, it is "finished" and easily takes up the fourth spot. I have to assume this song was a major last minute addition because none of them did as much as mention it in passing. And I think that explains the lack of Stevie. I'm surprised that they didn't have any Say You Will outtakes penned by Stevie they could have used.

[mottabam]

There is an interview with Mick Fleetwood on NPR.org and it includes a free listen to the 4 songs on the EP. The free listen is for a limited time. I was thrilled since I don't know what I'm doing with the itunes site. LOVE it especially Miss Fantasy.:]

[johnnystorms]

There is an interview with Mick Fleetwood on NPR.org and it includes a free listen to the 4 songs on the EP. The free listen is for a limited time. I was thrilled since I don't know what I'm doing with the itunes site. LOVE it especially Miss Fantasy.:]

i'm with you. something about Miss Fantasy strikes me.. i love it!

[kenzo]

I love LB's solo work, but this EP reveals once again that there is a special magic to this group of people.

[StandbackStevie]

even seeing them perform Sad Angel Live to me has the say you will sound like it was an outtake from Say You Will type of a song.It's the strongest Song on the EP,I love the entire Say You Will Album love it.I am not overly thrilled with this EP it's just ok.
:shrug::distress::(

[shackin'up]

I'd be surprised if Without You has Mick and John on it. Sounds like Lindsey playing around with GarageBand. That the most notable irritation I have with this release. You don't put out a digital clicktrack in place of Mick and John under the Fleetwood Mac name. Shame.

[RockawayBlind]

I'd be surprised if Without You has Mick and John on it. Sounds like Lindsey playing around with GarageBand. That the most notable irritation I have with this release. You don't put out a digital clicktrack in place of Mick and John under the Fleetwood Mac name. Shame.

Besides that, the acoustic guitar sounds positively horrid. I don't understand why Lindsey has to mess around with one of the most beautiful-sounding instruments in existence. Just sit down with the guitar, aim the condenser mic at it, and get a nice, clean, pure recording. It's kind of irritating.

[shackin'up]

Besides that, the acoustic guitar sounds positively horrid. I don't understand why Lindsey has to mess around with one of the most beautiful-sounding instruments in existence. Just sit down with the guitar, aim the condenser mic at it, and get a nice, clean, pure recording. It's kind of irritating.

I agree. he tends to record all warmth out of it.

[RockawayBlind]

Leave it to FM to time their EP release on iTunes when users have been complaining that iTunes, the application, really sucks now, forcing people to use something else. I've only stuck with it because I am too lazy to go learn some other media player at this point.

Aside from that, the songs are just OK. Pretty bland, nothing spectacular. Maybe it's what Lindsey envisions as the FM sound now, but when you know he can get so much more interesting, it falls a little flat.

Great hooks on Sad Angel and Miss Fantasy, no question. The piano song is such a weird-ass choice, you have to wonder what the hell were they thinking. Was Lindsey trying to do Christine's role too? And how is this an FM EP when two songs don't even seem to have Mick on them?

Without You, aside from the horrible guitar tone, kind of drags on at the end. Would have been a great song if Lindsey had done some of the beautiful guitar riffing that he did on all the Buckingham Nicks material. This just sort of drags on with oos and aas, and it's kind of dull.

Overall, the production is way thick. Very modern, so I supposed this is what the kids want to hear. But it lacks dynamics. Really, the best production I've heard on Lindsey songs for a long time was on the This is 40 songs. It's organic and warm. This stuff just hits you over the head. It's typical of what producers do these days because they've convinced themselves that loud is better. But it isn't.

The EP is OK, but there is really nothing exciting about it.

[Sleepless-Child]

So Lindsey fans, where did you discuss the resemblance between "It takes time" and "Show you how"??

"It takes time" is my favorite song on the EP. It's different. And it could have been even more different.

[shackin'up]

the songs are just OK. Pretty bland, nothing spectacular. Maybe it's what Lindsey envisions as the FM sound now, but when you know he can get so much more interesting, it falls a little flat.

Great hooks on Sad Angel and Miss Fantasy, no question. The piano song is such a weird-ass choice.... And how is this an FM EP when two songs don't even seem to have Mick on them?

Without You, aside from the horrible guitar tone, kind of drags on at the end. Would have been a great song if Lindsey had done some of the beautiful guitar riffing that he did on all the Buckingham Nicks material.

Overall, the production is way thick. Very modern, so I supposed this is what the kids want to hear. But it lacks dynamics. Really, the best production I've heard on Lindsey songs for a long time was on the This is 40 songs. It's organic and warm. This stuff just hits you over the head. It's typical of what producers do these days because they've convinced themselves that loud is better. But it isn't.

The EP is OK, but there is really nothing exciting about it.

I couldn't agree more. I hate it when Lindsey goes for commercially valuable songs. We get a bunch of peacekeepers and did you miss me's. Flat, Well constructed Bubblegumpop. But at this age, you can call it dementiapop or Alzheimerfolk too.

I really like It Takes Time, but then he uses an old melody. he's done that before, tastefully, but come on. on an EP with just Four tracks, don't do that.

[dontlookdown]

I love It Takes Time.
Reminds me so much of Springsteen. And a little of Jackson Browne.
Lindsey has turned into an amazing songwriter.

[StevieNicksfann]

I absolutely adore all 4 songs!!! So glad :)

[AncientQueen]

Besides that, the acoustic guitar sounds positively horrid. I don't understand why Lindsey has to mess around with one of the most beautiful-sounding instruments in existence. Just sit down with the guitar, aim the condenser mic at it, and get a nice, clean, pure recording. It's kind of irritating.
I totally agree with this. It annoys me to no end that all the good play is buried under some kind of effect that sounds cheap and outdated to my ears.

[wheart]

Besides that, the acoustic guitar sounds positively horrid. I don't understand why Lindsey has to mess around with one of the most beautiful-sounding instruments in existence. Just sit down with the guitar, aim the condenser mic at it, and get a nice, clean, pure recording. It's kind of irritating.

I really loved "Without You" live so I was quite shocked to hear the recorded version. Yikes! That guitar is difficult to listen to, not to mention those flat vocals. Really disappointed. However, Sad Angel is amazing and deserves to a major hit (not that it will but it should be!). It Takes Time is simply beautiful..so refreshing to hear Lindsey's voice in it's (I think) natural state, without a ton of effects. I need to play Miss Fantasy a few more times before I can form an opinion on it.

[bluefox4000]

Listened to it once. On my 2nd listen as I write. I have not read all your opinions but the first thing that comes out very VERY strong to me is this seems like Lindsey with guest Stevie. Lindsey is all over this EP and stevie's.....there. Ya catch me?

Sad Angel- Great great hooky pop song. Already love it.

Without you- Very Buckingham/Nicks But.....man does it drag. Don't like it at all

Show You....erm It Takes Time, lol- Not as wild about it as others are....and I'm a huge Lindsey fan. Kind of real droopy and draggy. I just...too down for me. I don't hate it though....it's ok.

Miss Fantasy- Best Thing here hands down....Like the best ear candy in the world. Perfect song.

So very mixed bag for me. Two perfect pop songs and 1 ok song, and 1 thumbs down.

Mick

[AncientQueen]

My review is not that positive. How is this a FM EP? Lindsey songs with Stevie on it, not even Mick and John are on all tracks, wtf. I'm not familiar with Lindseys solo music and listen to this EP sadly reminds me of all my reasons for that.
It cannot be that hard to just record people playing (and we all know they are fantastic players) and/or singing and just leave it that way. The same old production tricks that made TITN unlistenable after 1988 are used again - in 2013. Why?

Miss Fantasy - nice melody, production miserable, Lindsey is just not a good singer.

Without You - the beginning sounds like a midi version of a good recording, Stevie sings to low, it would hav been better if she and Lindsey would have splitted the verses, so it sounds like she came in, sang along and left, which is probably exactly what happened. Good guitar, buried under some fairground noise.

Sad Angel - not bad, but the production....

It takes Time - Piano wanted to play "Imagine" but it was to difficult. AncientQueen falls asleep, softly weeping at the shallow lyrics, the violins, the singing voice and the tremendous boredom of it all.

[Tango]

There must be something wrong with me because I enjoyed all 4 songs.

It was a real treat hearing "Without You". I felt their voices sounded great together- Buckingham Nicks 2013. Sure, they could trim off all the stuff at the very end, but I didn't really mind. While "It Takes Time" sounds pure Lindsey solo, I enjoyed him with a piano backing. It was, well, pretty. (Not sure who was playing, but it sure wasn't Stevie!) ;) In an odd way, it reminded me of KISS's performance of the song "Beth,"- just a totally unexpected but sweet song. "Sad Angel" in particular, seems to follow the classic Rumours chemical equasion, doesn't it? "Miss Fantasy" is a little slower on the EP edition--it'll grow in time. In a large bowl, mix an angel, a "dream," stir in bits about fighting and war, some rocking drums, a screaming guitar, hit it with a bunsen burner, add a magnesium ribbon strip or some gold dust and they'll get some great songs--maybe some serious bright lights on it. I see a potential album in the works. As long as they don't drag it out over 2 years. They don't have the luxury of Tusk Time anymore.

Well done, guys. I'm looking for more to come. And I really hope you work it out for Christine to be with you in the studio. Whatever it takes. Like you said, Lindsey, it takes time. But don't blow it. We've been waiting for her return since 1997.

[TrueFaith77]

Unpopular opinion:

The ending of Without You is the best part (very post-coital)


Overall, the production is way thick. Very modern, so I supposed this is what the kids want to hear. But it lacks dynamics. Really, the best production I've heard on Lindsey songs for a long time was on the This is 40 songs. It's organic and warm. This stuff just hits you over the head. It's typical of what producers do these days because they've convinced themselves that loud is better. But it isn't.


Yes, here's the thing. The This is 40 songs and the Foo Fighters song are better produced (and maybe just better) songs than the Mac EP tracks. The deviation being: the presence of outsider producer is better than Lindsey producing. It pains me to come to this conclusion.

[KenB]

I just had a thought. You know what I think would have been a better move, commercially, than making "Sad Angel" the single? With folky, male/female-harmony-rich acts like The Civil Wars and Low doing extremely well in the indie rock world right now, I think "Without You" -- if they'd recorded it in a more organic, stripped-down way without the harsh production -- would do really well at triple-A radio. Actually, I think if FM went in that direction in general instead of aiming for mainstream pop radio, they'd have a lot more success, as that's where the majority of older music fans are. They're never going to be able to compete with the Lady Gagas and Christina Aguileras, but they'd do great next to Dylan, Lucinda Williams, etc., if they'd taylor their production the right way. "Without You" would have been the perfect song to do that with.

[D.W-Suite]

It's up to #4 here in Ireland.

[Matt Lucas]

Hello all---

Unpopular opinion:
Yes, here's the thing. The This is 40 songs and the Foo Fighters song are better produced (and maybe just better) songs than the Mac EP tracks. The deviation being: the presence of outsider producer is better than Lindsey producing. It pains me to come to this conclusion.

Interestingly enough, there was a co-producer involved in both THIS IS 40 and EXTENDED PLAY. *grin* Mitchell Froom co-produced the EP, with the exception of "Without You," which was produced by Stevie and Lindsey [listed in that order, by the way!]. Lindsey's THIS IS 40 tracks were co-produced by Jon Brion.

I've always liked Mitchell Froom's production, but I don't hear his fingerprints on EXTENDED PLAY. His work in the late '80s and early '90s with artists like Crowded House, Los Lobos, Paul McCartney, and Elvis Costello was fantastic. Not unlike Lindsey, Froom had his own "sound," and you could spot one of his productions pretty easily.

His more recently productions have more of a mainstream sound to them...not bad, just lacking the really "out there" production of his '80s/'90s work. But the more recent stuff still sounds great from a production standpoint. It's well-recorded and well-mixed. And I think it sounds good, just not as creative or original as his earlier productions.

I know other fans disliked the sound of the THIS IS 40 songs, but I think Brion did a fantastic job on them. You can really hear Brion's touch on those songs, which I think are the best-recorded Lindsey songs since MIRAGE and maybe since RUMOURS. Brion leans toward a more organic sound. He loves layering parts, just like Lindsey does, but he does it similarly to how Brian Wilson and George Martin did---he combines different instruments and parts, rather than just adding effects. [He uses effects too, though. Just sparingly.]

So...back to the EP. "Without You" has a different sound than the other tracks, and the obvious difference is...Stevie co-produced it! So it's entirely possible that she was responsible for its bad production. *wink*

I think the sound issue is more an industry issue, with mastering being the culprit. Everything these days is mastered BIGGER LOUDER FASTER for portable devices, which squeezes all the life out of the original recordings. There are no subtleties...only VOLUME!

I don't think that can be blamed on Lindsey or Froom or any producer, for that matter. It's the record companies and iTunes and the other online download sites. Most people, unfortunately, listen to music via their phone/iPod/etc. Sad but true.

matt

[KarmaContestant]

Lindsey's THIS IS 40 tracks were co-produced by Jon Brion.


I've been wanting Stevie or Fleetwood Mac to do an album with Jon since before SYW came out.

[onlynow]

I wonder about Lindsey's specific inspirations for the lyrics of the new songs. Has anyone heard him talk about that topic? Thx!

[StandbackStevie]

Sad Angel to me has the feel of Say You Will sound which I do love.My favorite on the EP.

[MikeVielhaber]

I wonder about Lindsey's specific inspirations for the lyrics of the new songs. Has anyone heard him talk about that topic? Thx!

He did mention "Sad Angel" and "Miss Fantasy" were about Stevie.

[vivfox]

I'm very happy with this ep. The only thing I would have done different was in Without You, I would have made the guitars sound more grand. They sound too centered in the center channel mix. I wanted them to surround me like a warm blanket.

[MacShadowsBall]

Yeah, I agree about the guitars on Without You. They are way too loud very poor balance with the vocals. Actually the production/mixing is not something I think is good. Guess Lindsey should be producing afterall? :shrug:

It is a shame that Stevie didn't contribute one song to this EP. It just four Lindsey songs, not my cup of tea. :sorry:

[elle]

Yeah, I agree about the guitars on Without You. They are way too loud very poor balance with the vocals. Actually the production/mixing is not something I think is good. Guess Lindsey should be producing afterall? :shrug:

It is a shame that Stevie didn't contribute one song to this EP. It just four Lindsey songs, not my cup of tea. :sorry:

huh? Without You is Stevie's song.

[bluefox4000]

Yeah, I agree about the guitars on Without You. They are way too loud very poor balance with the vocals. Actually the production/mixing is not something I think is good. Guess Lindsey should be producing afterall? :shrug:

It is a shame that Stevie didn't contribute one song to this EP. It just four Lindsey songs, not my cup of tea. :sorry:

Normally it would be mine, but my hopes were not geared toward Lindsey solo. So a bit let down.

Mick

[MacShadowsBall]

huh? Without You is Stevie's song.

Oh, okay. Stevie wrote it before her Mac days. I'm listening to this again on youtube as I have no intention of downloading it or dealing with itunes.

Well why isn't her vocal the lead then? Is it meant to be a duet?


:cool:

[michelej1]

Is it meant to be a duet?


:cool:

Yes.

Michele

[J.Miller]

Random thoughts : They should have called this EP "Without Stevie". This is what I get for not buying Lindsey's last album. Overall I like this music. Lindsey's displays a lot of emotion which is what music should be about. If they can get Stevie and by some miracle Christine on board to record after this tour the result will be truly magical.

[elle]

random thoughts : They should have called this EP "Without Stevie".

i think Stevie would disagree.

[bluefox4000]

random thoughts : They should have called this EP "Without Stevie".

or The Missing Link:nod:

Mick

[MacShadowsBall]

Yes.

Michele

Thanks. I can't tell from listening as Lindsey's vocal seems louder with Stevie supporting. :cool:

[elle]

It's at #6 now:]

so Extended Play ended Tuesday as #5 on overall itunes albums US charts, and #1 rock album.

they stayed at #5 throughout Wed, and at the end of Thursday slipped one to current #6 (still #1 rock album).

curious what that translates to considering this is itunes only... if i remember correctly, Lindsey's SWS was #1 overall on amazon the day it came out, but was nowhere on itunes, which overall translated in billboard's #45 or something like that for that first week.:shrug:

i still say Lindsey should advise people to just go download it right there, while introducing the song in concert ;)

[michelej1]

i still say Lindsey should advise people to just go download it right there, while introducing the song in concert ;)

But it would be a little distracting. They should have someone come out BEFORE the show and tell the audience about it and have them download.

Michele

[RockawayBlind]

Actually, I think if FM went in that direction in general instead of aiming for mainstream pop radio, they'd have a lot more success, as that's where the majority of older music fans are. They're never going to be able to compete with the Lady Gagas and Christina Aguileras, but they'd do great next to Dylan, Lucinda Williams, etc., if they'd taylor their production the right way. "Without You" would have been the perfect song to do that with.

That's a good observation. Indeed, it feels as if the band is aiming for a pop sound that to my ears is flaccid and uninspired with thick, loud production that sucks the soul out of the material. A quieter, more folksy approach a la Buckingham Nicks with the kick-ass rhythm section that is Mick and John would certainly be a much better way to go. Let's face it, this band can't get past its obsession with reliving the glory days, and they are making very, very odd choices in their futile attempts to do so.

[RockawayBlind]

Hello all---
I know other fans disliked the sound of the THIS IS 40 songs, but I think Brion did a fantastic job on them. You can really hear Brion's touch on those songs, which I think are the best-recorded Lindsey songs since MIRAGE and maybe since RUMOURS. Brion leans toward a more organic sound.

Completely agree.


So...back to the EP. "Without You" has a different sound than the other tracks, and the obvious difference is...Stevie co-produced it! So it's entirely possible that she was responsible for its bad production. *wink*

LOL, but no. Lindsey's fingerprints are all over that ghastly guitar tone. It is truly awful.


I think the sound issue is more an industry issue, with mastering being the culprit. Everything these days is mastered BIGGER LOUDER FASTER for portable devices, which squeezes all the life out of the original recordings. There are no subtleties...only VOLUME!

True that.


I don't think that can be blamed on Lindsey or Froom or any producer, for that matter. It's the record companies and iTunes and the other online download sites. Most people, unfortunately, listen to music via their phone/iPod/etc. Sad but true.
matt

Disagree. There's no major label involved, right? So the decisions fall on the shoulders of the band, which made a calculated move to have this god-awful modern production that sucks the dynamics and beauty out of the sound.

[streetangel27]

The demo version of Without You is so haunting and beautiful.
And when they performed it live, I was teary-eyed. But the version from the EP is...Eh. It's missing something.

[HelloMonster]

I wonder about Lindsey's specific inspirations for the lyrics of the new songs. Has anyone heard him talk about that topic? Thx!


I asked Mick on Tuesday who played the piano on ITT, and he said it was Lindsey. He went on to say how beautiful it was, and how he believes it is a "calling card to Stevie." Among other things I'm having problems recalling..:sorry:

[sparky]

Reviews? Well folks, here is mine.

And it is not pretty.

--------------------------

Wow. As Stevie once said... ~ this hurts my everything~

Sad Angel has a few catchy moments. It has a bit of 50s jangle, which is kind of cute, and the usual fast tempo Lindsey frantic pace that we are all used to and/or tired of by now. Thankfully it is free of the speed picking, but the post chorus is garnished with a GYOW lead line rip off. The song is essentially centered around that line. It becomes old real fast. I liked it better live. At least it did not sound recycled live. This studio version sounds like someone took GYOW and a sped up Empire State and put them in a blender.

I heard Without You in the late 70s on a bootleg album which I still have. I have not had it out of the plastic since perhaps 1982. And that is probably a good thing. This is the same arrangement. Which shows approximately the same songwriting craft exhibited in The Goldfish and The Ladybug. A low rent ripoff of Tea For The Tillerman. This shows the absolute worst of what a Stevie demo can be. Kind of crafty and cute in the late 70s as a demo. Now? Just embarrassing for everyone involved. Singing Yeeeeahh! as a dramatic interlude is about as lame as Stevie screaming Weeeeeellllllll! on TOSTM when she could still scream and had no better word to fill the musical space. Cute but devoid of meaning and movement. And neither of them can truly scream anymore. Space filler. Is that really all you have after 40 years of songwriting. Yeaaaaaaaaahhhhhh? Are you kidding me?

This song features first year guitar student chord changes and utterly insipid lyrics. I can see Lindsey cringing as he plays this part, pretending like he is a novice guitar player strumming CSN songs out of a Mel Bay chord book. Yikes.

It Takes Time is the attempt at a gem here. Yes the Slow and Cross auto tune note jumps make my teeth hurt. The verses in general are excruciating. But what passes for a chorus is gorgeous. I hate the Lindsey whisper vocals as a rule. But here, in a slow environment, they sound gentle and sincere. The strings are well done though synthetic, and quite effective. Years ago I remember posting on the ledge bitching about Lindsey and wishing he would do a song with piano only. And here it is. Studio foolery undoes it with those autotune note jumps and the clunky verses, but it is a valiant effort, and by far the most interesting of these 4 songs. He is stretching his wings and it feels good to hear it. It ultimately fails and is an incomplete song, but it sounds like the start of something very promising.

Speaking of painful verses. Miss Fantasy features the most cringe inducing vocals I have heard on a professional recording. The phrases ~sea of blue~
and ~black and blue~ sound like ME singing after a two day bender drinking tequila and chain smoking. WTF? My entire body recoiled. If anything should have been autotuned, seriously. This just HURTS. The rest of the chorus is kinda sweet, and has some old school FM harmonies that are quite nice. But this song falls FLAT. It is one thing to go for garage band rough, but for the love of Frank, do a vocal slide without hitting 3 bad notes along the way.

It seems to me that both Miss Fantasy and Sad Angel are some kind of chiffon kissing gestures. They are so blatantly about Stevie that Helen Keller could figure it out. It is almost as if Lindsey decided that he needed to write songs about Stevie simply because Thrown Down, EFO and countless others, she has regrettably admitted, are about him. As if, OMG! All FM songs have to be about the 35 years dead SN/LB romance! The problem is, Stevie writes songs that could literally be about anything. And they sometimes, but not always, work. When they succeed, they seem universal. I submit TD and EFO are universal. He does not have that skill. These things come off as pandering, obvious, and as far as I am concerned, they are just a bore. They are totally about any romance, sure. If by any romance, you mean the professional/personal romance between him and Stevie. The crowd screaming for more? 10 thousand voices crying out for more? Linger up against a wall? Really? Is it possible for me to puke up my lunch from two days ago? If I could, I would.

Lindsey is not known as a great lyric writer but for crying out loud at least Stevie shrouds her self referencing tripe in what passes for her as POETRY. At least she makes an effort to make it opaque. This is 12 year old lyric writing. And it clunks as bad as the fake rusted, fake iron, plastic, Chinese child slave assembled, poly silk rose encrusted, bought at Bed Bath and Beyond chains of Gate and Garden. Phony phony pinoy phony. I am rarely offended by anything. And I cannot truly say this pandering OFFENDS me, but it makes me wrinkle my nose, squint my eyes, shake my head, and want fresh air. Yes, Stevie, I agree. It hurts my everything.

If this is what they are putting out to see if the world wants a full album - for the love of god, STOP. Stop this madness at once. I hope no one spent a dime on it. From the lack of promotion and marketing that seems to be true.

This band is creatively as inert as the SN/LB romance. And now it is all both of them write about. Him less skillfully than her.

Collect your paycheck. Go back to your solo careers. And do this again when you all need another 7-10 million bucks on a tour in 4 years.

The band is creatively DEAD. And these 4 songs are the barely alive but stinking living proof. In fact, they stink like the dead skunk my pool guy fished out of the pool last week. After it was in the trash bin for 3 days in the Los Angeles heat.

I hope NO ONE buys this crap. And they just do the jukebox merry go round tours and carry on with the solo stuff that they actually give a rip about.

[shackin'up]

sparky For President.

I'm slightly milder, but basicly, this review is definately a way one could look at it.

[MikeVielhaber]

Goodness. Yeah, that definitely is one way to think.

Do you write for some website or is this just for our enjoyment? All of us who already bought the EP.

[RockawayBlind]

Reviews? Well folks, here is mine.
The band is creatively DEAD. And these 4 songs are the barely alive but stinking living proof. In fact, they stink like the dead skunk my pool guy fished out of the pool last week. After it was in the trash bin for 3 days in the Los Angeles heat.


LOL, and I thought I was being harsh. I agree with almost everything you said. I only differ on your assessment of the song "Miss Fantasy." Yes, it's cringe-worthy to some extent, and I agree about the silliness of the subject matter, but it is the catchiest number, in my opinion.

Here's the problem, as I see it, with Lindsey now: We have come to expect weirdness. And those of us who like that are disappointed when this EP stuff is what he can offer to FM. I mean, if he wants to go pop, then why not emulate the best pop that FM ever created, which was Rumours? Instead, we get this kind of FM white album meets Mirage meets solo-pop Lindsey, and it's so contrived it hurts. I'll go with the This Is 40 songs over this any day. At least the production of those tracks is warm and organic. This EP is just pukey production-wise.

[kenzo]

I think that Sad Angel and Miss Fantasy are two of the best songs from FM since Tango In The Night.

I also like blue better than any other color, and anyone who doesn't must be insane. :p

[michelej1]

Speaking of painful verses. Miss Fantasy features the most cringe inducing vocals I have heard on a professional recording. The phrases ~sea of blue~
and ~black and blue~ sound like ME singing after a two day bender drinking tequila and chain smoking. WTF? My entire body recoiled. If anything should have been autotuned, seriously. This just HURTS.

I liked the fact that he was trying to hit notes out of his reach and didn't resort to studio wizardry to do it. The song sounded more honest because of that and I thought it was in keeping with the content, not getting the past back, but remembering it. I wouldn't want him doing it on all songs, but as a contrast to what got polished in SYW, I like to hear the unvarnished.

Michele

[shackin'up]

I liked the fact that he was trying to hit notes out of his reach and didn't resort to studio wizardry to do it. The song sounded more honest because of that and I thought it was in keeping with the content, not getting the past back, but remembering it. I wouldn't want him doing it on all songs, but as a contrast to what got polished in SYW, I like to hear the unvarnished.

Michele

Yes, I'm double to that vocal too. Unvarnished, OK, but the rest isn't, so it seems a bit out of place....not in the content, but in the form.

[elle]

Reviews? Well folks, here is mine.

And it is not pretty.

--------------------------

Wow. As Stevie once said... ~ this hurts my everything~

Sad Angel has a few catchy moments. It has a bit of 50s jangle, which is kind of cute, and the usual fast tempo Lindsey frantic pace that we are all used to and/or tired of by now. Thankfully it is free of the speed picking, but the post chorus is garnished with a GYOW lead line rip off. The song is essentially centered around that line. It becomes old real fast. I liked it better live. At least it did not sound recycled live. This studio version sounds like someone took GYOW and a sped up Empire State and put them in a blender.

I heard Without You in the late 70s on a bootleg album which I still have. I have not had it out of the plastic since perhaps 1982. And that is probably a good thing. This is the same arrangement. Which shows approximately the same songwriting craft exhibited in The Goldfish and The Ladybug. A low rent ripoff of Tea For The Tillerman. This shows the absolute worst of what a Stevie demo can be. Kind of crafty and cute in the late 70s as a demo. Now? Just embarrassing for everyone involved. Singing Yeeeeahh! as a dramatic interlude is about as lame as Stevie screaming Weeeeeellllllll! on TOSTM when she could still scream and had no better word to fill the musical space. Cute but devoid of meaning and movement. And neither of them can truly scream anymore. Space filler. Is that really all you have after 40 years of songwriting. Yeaaaaaaaaahhhhhh? Are you kidding me?

This song features first year guitar student chord changes and utterly insipid lyrics. I can see Lindsey cringing as he plays this part, pretending like he is a novice guitar player strumming CSN songs out of a Mel Bay chord book. Yikes.

It Takes Time is the attempt at a gem here. Yes the Slow and Cross auto tune note jumps make my teeth hurt. The verses in general are excruciating. But what passes for a chorus is gorgeous. I hate the Lindsey whisper vocals as a rule. But here, in a slow environment, they sound gentle and sincere. The strings are well done though synthetic, and quite effective. Years ago I remember posting on the ledge bitching about Lindsey and wishing he would do a song with piano only. And here it is. Studio foolery undoes it with those autotune note jumps and the clunky verses, but it is a valiant effort, and by far the most interesting of these 4 songs. He is stretching his wings and it feels good to hear it. It ultimately fails and is an incomplete song, but it sounds like the start of something very promising.

Speaking of painful verses. Miss Fantasy features the most cringe inducing vocals I have heard on a professional recording. The phrases ~sea of blue~
and ~black and blue~ sound like ME singing after a two day bender drinking tequila and chain smoking. WTF? My entire body recoiled. If anything should have been autotuned, seriously. This just HURTS. The rest of the chorus is kinda sweet, and has some old school FM harmonies that are quite nice. But this song falls FLAT. It is one thing to go for garage band rough, but for the love of Frank, do a vocal slide without hitting 3 bad notes along the way.

It seems to me that both Miss Fantasy and Sad Angel are some kind of chiffon kissing gestures. They are so blatantly about Stevie that Helen Keller could figure it out. It is almost as if Lindsey decided that he needed to write songs about Stevie simply because Thrown Down, EFO and countless others, she has regrettably admitted, are about him. As if, OMG! All FM songs have to be about the 35 years dead SN/LB romance! The problem is, Stevie writes songs that could literally be about anything. And they sometimes, but not always, work. When they succeed, they seem universal. I submit TD and EFO are universal. He does not have that skill. These things come off as pandering, obvious, and as far as I am concerned, they are just a bore. They are totally about any romance, sure. If by any romance, you mean the professional/personal romance between him and Stevie. The crowd screaming for more? 10 thousand voices crying out for more? Linger up against a wall? Really? Is it possible for me to puke up my lunch from two days ago? If I could, I would.

Lindsey is not known as a great lyric writer but for crying out loud at least Stevie shrouds her self referencing tripe in what passes for her as POETRY. At least she makes an effort to make it opaque. This is 12 year old lyric writing. And it clunks as bad as the fake rusted, fake iron, plastic, Chinese child slave assembled, poly silk rose encrusted, bought at Bed Bath and Beyond chains of Gate and Garden. Phony phony pinoy phony. I am rarely offended by anything. And I cannot truly say this pandering OFFENDS me, but it makes me wrinkle my nose, squint my eyes, shake my head, and want fresh air. Yes, Stevie, I agree. It hurts my everything.

If this is what they are putting out to see if the world wants a full album - for the love of god, STOP. Stop this madness at once. I hope no one spent a dime on it. From the lack of promotion and marketing that seems to be true.

This band is creatively as inert as the SN/LB romance. And now it is all both of them write about. Him less skillfully than her.

Collect your paycheck. Go back to your solo careers. And do this again when you all need another 7-10 million bucks on a tour in 4 years.

The band is creatively DEAD. And these 4 songs are the barely alive but stinking living proof. In fact, they stink like the dead skunk my pool guy fished out of the pool last week. After it was in the trash bin for 3 days in the Los Angeles heat.

I hope NO ONE buys this crap. And they just do the jukebox merry go round tours and carry on with the solo stuff that they actually give a rip about.

sparky For President.

I'm slightly milder, but basicly, this review is definately a way one could look at it.

Goodness. Yeah, that definitely is one way to think.

Do you write for some website or is this just for our enjoyment? All of us who already bought the EP.

LOL, and I thought I was being harsh. I agree with almost everything you said. I only differ on your assessment of the song "Miss Fantasy." Yes, it's cringe-worthy to some extent, and I agree about the silliness of the subject matter, but it is the catchiest number, in my opinion.

Here's the problem, as I see it, with Lindsey now: We have come to expect weirdness. And those of us who like that are disappointed when this EP stuff is what he can offer to FM. I mean, if he wants to go pop, then why not emulate the best pop that FM ever created, which was Rumours? Instead, we get this kind of FM white album meets Mirage meets solo-pop Lindsey, and it's so contrived it hurts. I'll go with the This Is 40 songs over this any day. At least the production of those tracks is warm and organic. This EP is just pukey production-wise.

I think that Sad Angel and Miss Fantasy are two of the best songs from FM since Tango In The Night.

I also like blue better than any other color, and anyone who doesn't must be insane. :p

I liked the fact that he was trying to hit notes out of his reach and didn't resort to studio wizardry to do it. The song sounded more honest because of that and I thought it was in keeping with the content, not getting the past back, but remembering it. I wouldn't want him doing it on all songs, but as a contrast to what got polished in SYW, I like to hear the unvarnished.

Michele

Yes, I'm double to that vocal too. Unvarnished, OK, but the rest isn't, so it seems a bit out of place....not in the content, but in the form.

i think these posts should be moved in another thread - reviews by fans, or perhaps that thread with poll about which song is a favorite where there is a lot of discussion like this.

this thread was supposed to be for "official" reviews... which i guess would mean at least a public blog, not just a post on facebook or a message board?

i wouldn't harp on this, but i find myself answering the same question over and over in 10 different threads b/c it became completely unclear which thread is talking about what anymore :laugh:

[Jondalar]

I'm reading some of the reviews on iTunes and it is getting ALOT of bad reviews simply because Chris is not in the band. It's a huge issue. Also, it's being penalized for not having more Stevie songs. I really wish Stevie would of put another song on this album. She wants people to buy the record but she wouldn't record any songs for it.

[Dex]

I don't quite get the complaints about there not being enough Stevie on the record. I'm as big a Nicks fan as they come, but she wasn't exactly super-present on many of the Mac albums of yore, was she? It doesn't seem like such a surprise to me. As far as I know, Say You Will is the only album in the band's history where songwriting and lead vocal credits were divided up so precisely evenly. 1/4 songs is actually exactly proportionate to her presence on every album from Tusk -> BTM. *shrugs*

I just dislike the EP because of the icky production and the fact that it seems like this band doesn't really have a lot to say anymore. All of the sounds on here are ones that feel a bit too familiar to me, and for a band that's historically been all about change, that's a disappointment.

[Jondalar]

I'm one of those people that never wanted a new Fleetwood Mac album. Now, after hearing the EP, that's all I want. The songs are catchy. I love the production. It's classic Mac. The harmonies are great!!!!!!!!!! Yee Haw!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zM9zMQ179CM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[secondhandchain]

I liked the fact that he was trying to hit notes out of his reach and didn't resort to studio wizardry to do it. The song sounded more honest because of that and I thought it was in keeping with the content, not getting the past back, but remembering it. I wouldn't want him doing it on all songs, but as a contrast to what got polished in SYW, I like to hear the unvarnished.

Michele

I agree, Lindsay hitting those notes didn't bother me in the least. I actually like them. This coming from someone who loves Lindseys work but hates his whispery vocals of the last decade. I don't like when he screams or when he whispers...just sing.

[WildHearted]

I'd be surprised if Without You has Mick and John on it. Sounds like Lindsey playing around with GarageBand. That the most notable irritation I have with this release. You don't put out a digital clicktrack in place of Mick and John under the Fleetwood Mac name. Shame.

If I was understanding the whole process of how these tracks got recorded correctly, I don't think Mick and John were there when they did Without You. I was under the impression that Stevie and Lindsey did that song on their when she went to his house to record for those few days. Possibly because it seems in the beginning Stevie wasn't intending it for Fleetwood Mac but wanted to hold it back for a Buckingham Nicks release (and also possibly because Mick and John were in Hawaii, and they were in LA...).

I really like all of the songs on the EP, honestly. I'm not too keen on a lot of the production (I think Miss Fantasy has the best out of the 4, probably). I can't say I particularly love Lindsey's vocals... in fact, if I'm being completely honest, I think he sounds really weak a lot of the time. I'm not sure why but his voice always sounds so much stronger to me when he's singing live, so when I hear him on recordings like this I'm let down a bit. It's not even just the whisper vocal thing (which I dislike, but could deal with), he's just pitchy a lot of the time. But I can overlook that to a degree because I do like the melodies and the arrangements overall.

Sad Angel was pretty much what I expected after hearing the live version. I love Stevie's vocal on this especially, and John and Mick are fantastic as always.

It Takes Time was a definite surprise, and I'm pleased to learn Lindsey is playing the keyboard part. I seem to remember him saying at one point he thought it would be interesting to one day try to write an album using the piano instead of guitar. I wonder if this song was translated from guitar to piano or if it started out that way. Anyway, it's very nice. I don't think it's worthy of being compared to Songbird (and I'm not even that big of a fan of Songbird), and the obviously synthetic strings kind of rub me the wrong way. But I like it, and its something different.

I love Without You as a song, but I agree with those who have lamented the production. The guitars almost sound like midi instruments and they're way too upfront for my taste. I would have preferred a more.. airy arrangement, with more sound so the vocals could stand out. Oddly enough, even though the song is fairly simple and doesn't actually have many parts going on, it still seems stuffy because of how everything was mixed.

Miss Fantasy is my favorite right now and reminds me a bit of Can't Go Back. I really like the guitar on this as well as the chorus. Classic Mac harmony (although the mixing of Stevie's vocal in the chorus confuses me a bit). Very very catchy, and I honestly think this might have been a better one to plug than Sad Angel because it's kind of a mix between the pop and the folk-rock type stuff, which is popular nowadays and is what I think was always Lindsey's strength in FM as a songwriter to begin with. I was slightly disappointed when Stevie never joined in and alternated "I remember you's" with him at the end, for some reason.

[bluefox4000]

I just figured out why I'm underwhelmed by it takes Time. It's cause I expected something to kick in. Like Mick's drums and then the song to take off. When nothing happened I was like.....o.....k:laugh: Not really the fault of the song...just my unmet expectations. Just an observation.

Mick

[TrueFaith77]

The latest. I'm kinda loving the EP. I even am starting to like the Without You production.

Still. Brothers and Sisters is the best Lindsey song since Right Place to Fade.

[elle]

The latest. I'm kinda loving the EP. I even am starting to like the Without You production.

Still. Brothers and Sisters is the best Lindsey song since Right Place to Fade.

what, what EP??

:xoxo:

[TrueFaith77]

what, what EP??

:xoxo:

:laugh:

i love to be proved wrong.

[elle]

EP way down in US itunes overall albums (#30), but still holding on to #1 in rock albums, with Greatest Hits and Rumours joining it in top 10:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/ellellew/itunesrock55_zps6255b3d5.jpg (http://s1091.photobucket.com/user/ellellew/media/itunesrock55_zps6255b3d5.jpg.html)