Mirage at 40

[dougl]

https://albumism.com/features/fleetwood-mac-mirage-turns-40-anniversary-retrospective

Albumism

Mark Chappelle June 15, 2022

Happy 40th Anniversary to Fleetwood Mac’s thirteenth studio album Mirage, originally released June 18, 1982.

Comparison is the thief of joy. Once the watershed Rumours (1977) sold 40 million units worldwide and did everything but cure cancer, the grading curve for Fleetwood Mac albums was wrecked. As a result, the return-to-form Mirage(1982) got punished for being merely outstanding, rather than larger than life like its predecessor.

It wasn’t the first time comparison swallowed music whole. Creative reins were handed to guitarist Lindsey Buckingham for the experimental Tusk (1979). He became a pariah when it underperformed. Both the public and the band panned it despite double platinum sales. The ensuing world tour became a cheap way to create Live (1980), another double disc that managed gold sales, but was considered a relative failure.

Fleetwood Mac’s energy started to pull away from its core entity thereafter. Frankly, they were sick of each other. Thus began a mass exodus of solo spinoffs. Drummer Mick Fleetwood recorded The Visitor (1981). Buckingham bowed with Law and Order (1981). Mystical vocalist Stevie Nicks stepped out for the first time with the quadruple platinum Bella Donna (1981).

No one was particularly bullish on getting the band back together except Warner Bros. Records, still hungry for a repeat of Rumours. However half-hearted, Fleetwood, Nicks, Buckingham, and coworker-divorcees bassist John McVie and singer Christine McVie joined with producers Ken Caillat and Richard Dashut in the spring of 1981. They rented Château d'Hérouville near Paris, France and would record there until the summer. With peaks stronger than its valleys, the resultant Mirage returned Fleetwood Mac to rock preeminence.

Its lead single was the delightsome, layered “Hold Me,” written by Christine McVie and Robbie Patton. She and Buckingham stripe their colors together for tandem lead vocals, but harmony fell apart at their Mojave Desert video shoot. Everyone was overheated, off schedule, and on edge. John McVie even took a drunken swing at the video producer. Trouble aside, the single reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 Mainstream Rock. Despite its success, the band rarely performs the song live.

Though “Hold Me” charted higher, the most enduring single was the wistful “Gypsy.” This Nicks composition intended for Bella Donna began as a sparse demo, recalling her simpler life as a young woman. It grew into an emotional tribute after the death of childhood best friend Robin Snyder Anderson (“She is dancing away from me now / She was just a wish / And a memory is all that is left for you now”). Easily the finest offering from Mirage, “Gypsy” rocks and sways, boasting pentatonic melodies, diaphanous support vocals, and a mind-blowing Buckingham solo.

In the US, the Motown-styled “Love In Store” was released as a third single. On this, the album’s opener, as well as its closer “Wish You Were Here,” Christine McVie’s confident lead has a transitional, almost androgynous versatility that meshes seamlessly in chorus with Buckingham and Nicks.

The third radio volley for UK territories was “Oh Diane.” The surprise hit achieved a #15 chart notch with its yesteryear sound. One final single gave it a go in the UK. Despite modest chart performance, “Can’t Go Back” provides an energetic boost in the LP sequence. Grouped with “Book of Love” and “Eyes of the World” though, these Buckingham tunes evinced an obsession with ‘50s rock-and-roll that often proved the weak link on Mirage. Where he was fixated on a single sound, Nicks’ muse was notably more itinerate.

“I started this whirlwind thing of being able to flit between two worlds,” Nicks explained to Mojo Magazine in 2013. ”Fleetwood Mac made Tusk and I made Bella Donna. Fleetwood Mac made Mirage and I made The Wild Heart, and on it went. I loved it because I get bored easily. I change hotel suites twice in the same week.”

And flit she did, starting with the boot-clacking “That’s Alright.” Her crushed velvet voice has a bit of strum, without a full twang. Its easy fit here begs the question of whether “Gypsy” is more country at its core than it seems. The progressive and synth-supported “Straight Back,” however, is different than them both. Reportedly written about Nicks’ failing relationship with producer Jimmy Iovine, she wasn’t the only one drawing on heartbreak.

“Only Over You,” like “Hold Me,” was authored in the wake of Christine McVie’s relationship with Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys. “Chris had loved him with all her heart, but she couldn’t keep up with him and couldn’t make it work,” Fleetwood shared in his autobiography Play On. “She had to part from him, because it would have been the end of her if she hadn’t.” Wilson’s death in 1983 added a mournful tint to her emotional trilling (“Angel please don’t go / I miss you when you’re gone / They say I’m a silly girl / But I’m not a fool / I’m out of my mind / And it’s only over you”).

“Mirage was an attempt to get back into the flow that Rumours had,” Christine McVie ceded to Uncut in 2003. “But we missed a vital ingredient. That was the passion.” That’s putting it lightly. Buckingham’s then-girlfriend Carol Ann Harris gets more candid in her memoir Storms. “There were the very real, sinister fights that echoed from the recording studio into our rooms every night,” she writes. “The screams and curses of the band members fighting with one another sounded demonic within the walls of the dormitory.”

Underlying all this tension were knotted entanglements between them. Buckingham hadn’t resolved tension with Nicks after their breakup. Nicks had a brief involvement with Fleetwood after his wife had an affair with the band’s lighting director. And of course, drug use complicates everything. Their interlocked cover pose with disconnected glances is emblematic of this. Where their connections and severances fueled creativity during the Rumours era, it offered little help to Mirage.

However, the end justified the means. Mirage spent five weeks at #1 in the US and earned two more platinum plaques, though it fell from the charts quickly as the band lost interest in promotion. And who could blame them? Buckingham and Nicks were both eager to refocus on their own endeavors. And even the sparsely recording Christine McVie had sessions booked for a solo album. It would take five years and several acts of God to corral them back together for Tango in the Night (1987).

For what it’s worth, Mirage did what it needed to, getting Fleetwood Mac back on the radio. With MTV debuting in 1981, it arrived at the perfect time for “Hold Me” to stay in heavy rotation. And “Gypsy,” the first ever MTV World Premiere Video, was the most expensive video ever filmed at the time.

Whatever Mirage lacks in cohesion, it makes up in musicianship. It might be hell to agree on which songs get done how, but regardless of the process, the product is a cut above others. After decades in the shadows, Mirage finally got a moment in the sun with a 2016 triple-disc deluxe reissue featuring outtakes, rarities, and live versions.

The biggest mistake would be to set Rumours as the standard for judging any album of that time. If we did, perhaps only Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life (1976), AC/DC's Back in Black (1980), or Pink Floyd's The Wall (1979) could make the grade. Ironically, requiring everything to be big, bigger, biggest is the most ‘80s thing one could do. With the era of bloat and artifice now behind us, it should be easier to appreciate Mirage for everything it is—rather than anything it is not.

[HomerMcvie]

I think it's a very cohesive album. I absolutely ADORE Can't Go Back, and Book of Love! They are the sweetest aural candy that makes Mirage so dear to me.

[Macfan4life]

This was a great article. Thanks for sharing. Mirage is very special to me because it was the start of my cult worship of the band. When I first joined this board, Mirage was trashed as much as Say You Will is today. I am glad to see many warm up to this album. This was the end of an era for the band. Yes the band did regroup 5 years later for Tango but we know it was not the same and pretty much a Lindsey solo album. Mirage is the last true studio album of the classic 5 line up. Stevie was in her prime vocal ability 1981-1982. My only frustration is that the angry Smile At You was left on the cutting room floor. Mirage is so poppy and upbeat friendly maybe they thought Smile At You did not fit with the mood. But I say that is the reason it needed to go on the album. The band was not getting along, drug abuse was rampant, solo careers scheduled. Things would NEVER be the same. No back up vocalists, no additional players on stage, etc. They could have milked Mirage for much more with an extended tour, a video for Love In Store, etc. It was the early 80s before BIG HAIR, drum machines, etc. It hit that sweet spot. The album was too light pop for rock stations so the album did not change things since Tusk songs were not being played on rock stations either. But the music is good and that is all that matters. There is a bit of irony how Lindsey took control of Tusk to not let the band be a commercial brand for the record company. Yet the backlash made the next 2 albums (Mirage and Tango) exactly that. Radio friendly pop songs.

[jbrownsjr]

Mirage is a great album! I love this article. Times were changing from rock to rock/pop. I don't think I would appreciate this album as much if not for the explosive tour, in terms of intensity and rawness. I actually like Mirage live cuts better than Tusk. They peaked in intensity at this juncture, in my opinion.

I can vividly remember the radio of Hold Me, Jack and Diane, Gypsy, Rosanna, Only The Lonely.... etc

I would actually get mad if MTV didn't play one of FM's 2 Mirage videos for too long of time. In 1983 when Stevie had Stand Back, I would throw in a blank VHS in the hopes of getting one of those videos recorded.

[Macfan4life]

Mirage is a great album! I love this article. Times were changing from rock to rock/pop. I don't think I would appreciate this album as much if not for the explosive tour, in terms of intensity and rawness. I actually like Mirage live cuts better than Tusk. They peaked in intensity at this juncture, in my opinion.

I can vividly remember the radio of Hold Me, Jack and Diane, Gypsy, Rosanna, Only The Lonely.... etc

I would actually get mad if MTV didn't play one of FM's 2 Mirage videos for too long of time. In 1983 when Stevie had Stand Back, I would throw in a blank VHS in the hopes of getting one of those videos recorded.
Ha ha. We were twins separated at birth. We lived in the sticks so we did not get MTV till 1987. I did the same thing with the VHS tape but it was for the Talk To Me video. Since we did not have MTV, I would watch Night Tracks on TBS. Remember TBS would air Night Tracks on Friday and Saturday night. It sort of was like MTV without the VeeJays. I would pop in a VHS tape and go to bed hoping through the night the video would come on. We had a primitive VCR and the remote control had a long wire connected to the VCR. In the morning I would sit on the couch with the long wire to the VCR and forward the tape along hoping I captured some Fleetwood Mac or Stevie Nicks video :lol:

But nothing out did my waking up at 2 am to record the Mirage concert on HBO from with tape recorder. I held the tape recorder up to the TV speaker for the entire concert and still went to school the next day! This HBO feature presentation video gives me chills to this day. It still races my heart. I can actually hear the Chain starting after it plays :eek:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1NKoMNy5bY

Long live the 80s

[bombaysaffires]

The beauty of the arrangement on Gypsy, which is the reason it was so successful, was thanks to LB and the playing of the rest of the band.

[jbrownsjr]

The beauty of the arrangement on Gypsy, which is the reason it was so successful, was thanks to LB and the playing of the rest of the band.

Yes, I feel like BuckVie adds a certain magic to Gypsy. In the video (LOL Lindsey's hair when he and Christine are sitting as Stevie goes prancing by).

And the guitar, keys and background vocals are lush and very Mirage like.
I can't take Gypsy live because the album is so specific and tight.

[DownOnRodeo]

And the guitar, keys and background vocals are lush and very Mirage like.
I can't take Gypsy live because the album is so specific and tight.

But you've gotta love that benefit concert acoustic version. Having two acoustic guitars front and center restores some of that Miragey lushness of the original.

How good would this have been: a live acoustic Gypsy with Stevie, Lindsey, and Christine, all three singing and Christine playing second acoustic guitar.


To me Mirage is the band's east coast "New York" album.
Yes it was recorded in France and Gypsy is a Californian tale.
But the font on the cover is in the art deco style, the track Empire State is a love song to NYC (maybe with some cynicism? I don't know), and music video and lyrics of Gypsy always make me think of the song as set in NYC even though I know different.
But as the reviewer notes the album often has a very country vibe to it, in That's Alright and Gypsy, not to mention Lindsey's cowboy get-up on stage.

[moon]

Hi! I read the full article and all your comments with a big emotion.
I discovered this gem a few months before its 30th birthday, and quickly became my favourite one...The 12 songs on it made me fall in love, as I started to repeat and repeat the to know them better.

It's always sad to know that Rumours is the limit for every FM album, and even Live was compared in sales with that one. If you see, Mirage had an amazing performance on the charts, but not only on the US, the rest of the world counts, and they loved the album too!! But as the sales were minor that the Rumours' ones, "it was not a full success". And that sucks, really.

Mirage has an special kind of soul that gave me a beautiful moment in my life listening to it. Love In Store became a fav, as Can't Go Back, Book Of Love, Only Over You, Oh Diane and Wish You Were Here. The live versions were so hard to listen, as they had even more energy, and were not even similar to the original ones. Only The Dance version of Gypsy made me believe again haha

Then, when I discovered all the demos, I confirmed that the album was my favourite one. All the songs had a demo even better -sometimes- that the final one, like the longer version of Wish You Were Here, the instrumentals of Oh Diane and Book Of Love or the longer version of Straight Back. The latest release of the album gave me something I've been looking for during ten years, the demo versions of Empire State and Only Over You.

I only have words to say thanks to this album, as it made me play the guitar again, try to make my own music, and gave me the chance to fall in a very amazing world of sounds and dreams listening to it.

Happy Birthday, Mirage!

[Villavic]

This is part of what Mick's first book tells about Mirage

Mirage was released in mid-1982, an artistic and financial success. Both "Hold Me" and "Gypsy" were hit singles in the United States, and "Oh Diane" was a British chart hit as well. I think we sold about five million albums. It didn't hurt that Rolling Stone had crowned Stevie "The Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll," and that a new cable television channel called MTV was broadcasting our new videos ("Hold Me" set in desert dunes, "Gypsy" in a Stevie fantasy world) to the American suburbs twenty-four hours a day. Mirage went to number one, and it felt great to be back on top for a while.

Mirage also marked the first time that Fleetwood Mac didn't automatically tour to support a new album. Stevie's solo career was now in full swing, and she obviously didn't want to do a long Fleetwood Mac road binge in the midst of becoming one of the biggest stars in the business. We did do an eighteen-show stint during the summer of 1982 that was booked around two big outdoor festivals in Florida and the immense U.S. Festival in California (for which Fleetwood Mac received $80O,000 for one show). We worked for about a month, made some money, and Irving Azoff's company, Frontline Management, got 15 percent of the tour for organising it.

I felt sick when we stopped touring. Mirage was number one and sales were strong in cities where we'd played. I wanted to be on the move, touring until the cows came home, but the others were less enthusiastic. Christine had sessions for her own solo album scheduled, and we'd been lucky to get Stevie at all. As soon as we left the road, Mirage died after five weeks at number one. The Australian band Men at Work, who had opened for us on the road, saw their album go to number one shortly thereafter.

[moon]

Mirage died after five weeks at number one. The Australian band Men at Work, who had opened for us on the road, saw their album go to number one shortly thereafter.

So...Men At Work did it, and they became a success shortly after that...

It's rare maybe, but it's always rare to know that some of the 70s bands were living at the same time than "newer" bands, which were experimenting with new sounds!
I don't know if I'm explaining it well, but it's a very big difference of sounds between the works of bands like FM and Men At Work. You listen to Down Under and you know it's from 1983. But if you hear Love In Store you think you're still in 1979-80 maybe!

So, Mirage had a very short life, unfortunately...It was a very amazing album, you know I'll always think that, but what became later was not what we lived with the Tusk days. In fact, Christine, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey were SO busy with their own projects...What could have happen if Mirage was released in 1984-85 and not in 1982?? Would be possible a mix of songs from the solo albums?? Could it be a success?? Could it have the same songs than the original release??

[HomerMcvie]

Christopher Cross was the opener for Tusk(at least at my show- Indianapolis). I'd say he was a LOT closer to the classic FM sound. Even more so than FM, given that Tusk has just come out.

[Macfan4life]

What a hell of a concert that must have been. Cross was relatively unknown when the tour started since his debut album was released in December 1979 a month after the Tusk tour started. Cross's debut album was HUGE and earned him 4 Grammy awards. The singles did not chart until early 1980. I assume he got off the Tusk tour at some point because he could get paid more doing solo gigs. Funny because Men at Work was on a similar path. They never finished the shot Mirage tour and Glen Frey and someone else opened later on. Men at Work hit it huge.

The funniest story is in 1987 Bon Jovi was opening for .38 Special. Slippery When Wet suddenly became huge and more people were coming to see Bon Jovi than .38 Special. And .38 Special was perplexed at all these young teenage girls packing the arena. When Slippery When Wet hit #1, Bon Jovi's manager was able to get them off that tour as the opener.

[HomerMcvie]

Ride Like The Wind was huge at the time, and I had gone to the concession stand when he played it!

[aleuzzi]

Mirage — and particularly “Hold Me” and “Gypsy” — was my gateway to Fleetwood Mac. We had Rumours in the house and I remember watching the “Tusk” video (with appropriate confusion and awe) on television in 1979. But with the two videos and main singles from Mirage, I quickly called the band my own. I loved 1/2 the record. A lot. (Gypsy made me a huge Stevie covert.)

Within the year, I had all of their albums up to that point. By 1983, I was the biggest Christine fan in my neck of the woods. The turning point (from Stevie to Christine) was hearing “Say You Love Me”.

[WalkAThinLine.]

https://albumism.com/features/fleetwood-mac-mirage-turns-40-anniversary-retrospective

The third radio volley for UK territories was “Oh Diane.” The surprise hit achieved a #15 chart notch with its yesteryear sound.



"Oh Diane" actually reached #9 in the UK. It baffles me that "Oh Diane" was Mirage's highest charting song in that country.

[jbrownsjr]

"Oh Diane" actually reached #9 in the UK. It baffles me that "Oh Diane" was Mirage's highest charting song in that country.

That makes two of us. That song is horrible.

[aleuzzi]

That makes two of us. That song is horrible.

It’s not even good enough for one of his solo albums.

Teen Beat and Goodbye Angel are much better. But hey, they made $ on it, which is what they were after then (and now).

[BLY]

It’s not even good enough for one of his solo albums.

Teen Beat and Goodbye Angel are much better. But hey, they made $ on it, which is what they were after then (and now).

I love Oh Diane. I only wish Christine’s and Stevie’s background vocals were more prominent. Great song! Fleetwood Mac songs = Diversity

[WalkAThinLine.]

It’s not even good enough for one of his solo albums.

Teen Beat and Goodbye Angel are much better.

Teen Beat would be a welcome substitute for "Oh Diane", the former of which would fit in with the likes of "Empire State".

[HomerMcvie]

Teen Beat would be a welcome substitute for "Oh Diane", the former of which would fit in with the likes of "Empire State".

Hey:mad:, Empire State is GOLD, in my book. I realize it's only in my book, but I love that song. IDK why everyone hates it so much. It's cute, and it rocks. I love it.

I'll be okay on my island, having it in it's regular rotation!

[WalkAThinLine.]

Hey:mad:, Empire State is GOLD, in my book.

Sorry if I didn't make it clear, but I am also a fan of Empire State. The glockenspiel on the verses always makes me smile.

[aleuzzi]

Sorry if I didn't make it clear, but I am also a fan of Empire State. The glockenspiel on the verses always makes me smile.

I was just about to suggest that to Homer. From what I gathered, I could tell you wanted BOTH of those rockers on Mirage.

I’m with ya.

[aleuzzi]

Hey:mad:, Empire State is GOLD, in my book. I realize it's only in my book, but I love that song. IDK why everyone hates it so much. It's cute, and it rocks. I love it.

I'll be okay on my island, having it in it's regular rotation!

Your island and my island are connected by a bridge called Law and Order. Empire State could have fit easily on that fantastic solo album. On Mirage, it’s a weird yet welcome up-tempo moment with a great guitar solo and a lovable chorus (those forty Lindseys doing their oohs and ahhs). I remember the reviewer for Rolling Stone affectionately referred to it as asinine. I would agree. A truly stupid, lovable song I rarely skip over.

Potentially Interesting Trivia: In tempo and (sort of) theme Buckingham’s “Empire State” resembles Welch’s “The City,” which was also about NYC. Whereas Welch mines fear and paranoia, Buckingham goes for goofball valentine. Both feature killer guitar solos and both open the second side of the fourth studio FM record each guitarist contributed to during their respective tenures.

[HomerMcvie]

Sorry if I didn't make it clear, but I am also a fan of Empire State. The glockenspiel on the verses always makes me smile.

I forget the name of the instrument. I think Mick talks about it in his first book. I believe it was a gift from him to Lindsey. I've not read it for probably 10 years or more.

[HomerMcvie]

Your island and my island are connected by a bridge called Law and Order. Empire State could have fit easily on that fantastic solo album. On Mirage, it’s a weird yet welcome up-tempo moment with a great guitar solo and a lovable chorus (those forty Lindseys doing their oohs and ahhs). I remember the reviewer for Rolling Stone affectionately referred to it as asinine. I would agree. A truly stupid, lovable song I rarely skip over.

Potentially Interesting Trivia: In tempo and (sort of) theme Buckingham’s “Empire State” resembles Welch’s “The City,” which was also about NYC. Whereas Welch mines fear and paranoia, Buckingham goes for goofball valentine. Both feature killer guitar solos and both open the second side of the fourth studio FM record each guitarist contributed to during their respective tenures.
Law and Order is my all time favorite Lindsey album. Realize that I was in the HEIGHT of my insane FM fandom, and I love every note to this QUIRKY WEIRD ASSED ALBUM. I probably wouldn't give it the time of day now, if it came out now, but I love this album SO MUCH. Lindsey at his f*cking weirdest!!!!!:angel::angel::angel:

[WalkAThinLine.]

I forget the name of the instrument. I think Mick talks about it in his first book. I believe it was a gift from him to Lindsey. I've not read it for probably 10 years or more.
I believe it was the lap harp, the same instrument Buckingham used on Go Insane's D.W. Suite

[jbrownsjr]

I love Empire State! Great song to kick off Side 2!!

Only Over You ends the Side 1 with a beautiful McVie song which also has a beautiful guitar outro. Then.... ..............................di di di... New York..... open your eyes to me.. let me.... be what I want to be... not like... not like we do in L A A A...

What's not to love??? :p

[jbrownsjr]

I am a UGE fan of LAW AND ORDER!

I love it as much as Bella, CMcVie, Wild Heart and Go Insane.

Also love the Visitor and I'm Not ME.

Great albums in the early to mid 80's.

[aleuzzi]

But see, I’m still proud of my trivial observations:

In tempo and (sort of) theme Buckingham’s “Empire State” resembles Welch’s “The City,” which was also about NYC. Whereas Welch mines fear and paranoia, Buckingham goes for goofball valentine. Both feature killer guitar solos and both open the second side of the fourth studio FM record each guitarist contributed to during their respective tenures.


I mean, I should get a gold star.

[DownOnRodeo]

I mean, I should get a gold star.

That is a very good multi-point "did you ever notice". Gold star earned!

[jbrownsjr]

That is a very good multi-point "did you ever notice". Gold star earned!

I want a Silver Star. And a Silver Spring.

[aleuzzi]

I want a Silver Star. And a Silver Spring.

I’ll give you Emmaline.

[jbrownsjr]

I’ll give you Emmaline.

Pfft... Frontline baby!

[aleuzzi]

Pfft... Frontline baby!

Pshaw...Deja vu!

[David]

Mirage spent five weeks at #1 in the US

Five weeks? I thought it was at #1 for just one week. I mean, I was alive then and I remember one week. Do I need to follow the science and consult the data?

[David]

But see, I’m still proud of my trivial observations:

In tempo and (sort of) theme Buckingham’s “Empire State” resembles Welch’s “The City,” which was also about NYC. Whereas Welch mines fear and paranoia, Buckingham goes for goofball valentine. Both feature killer guitar solos and both open the second side of the fourth studio FM record each guitarist contributed to during their respective tenures.
I think you have uncovered an Illuminati thing.

I mean, I should get a gold star.
How about a raspberry?

[Villavic]

Five weeks? I thought it was at #1 for just one week. I mean, I was alive then and I remember one week. Do I need to follow the science and consult the data?

Yes, 5 weeks, that's according to Mick's book, and this page:

https://www.billboard.com/artist/fleetwood-mac/chart-history/tlp/

[jbrownsjr]

Pshaw...Deja vu!

Don't ever turn your head, cuz I'll be there instead!

[aleuzzi]

I think you have uncovered an Illuminati thing.


How about a raspberry?

A raspberry! How dare you! :)

[aleuzzi]

Don't ever turn your head, cuz I'll be there instead!

We’re American Flyers, baby

[moon]

Come on, the whole Mirage, with demos and rarities, is GOLD!!!! You won't find that kind of songs in any other FM album. I mean, Empire State, Oh Diane, Goodbye Angel, Smile At You, Teen Beat, Blue Monday, Can't Go Back...
Lot of people have very mixed thoughts about them, but come on, you can't forget them! Even for something bad, you will remember them as "that crazy FM song", or "that song which needed to be included on...". Am I wrong??
Probably this album was not the most successful of the band, but has more rare and different songs than any other album. Rumours, Tusk and TITN had a very unique style. Mirage isn't.

[aleuzzi]

Come on, the whole Mirage, with demos and rarities, is GOLD!!!! You won't find that kind of songs in any other FM album. I mean, Empire State, Oh Diane, Goodbye Angel, Smile At You, Teen Beat, Blue Monday, Can't Go Back...
Lot of people have very mixed thoughts about them, but come on, you can't forget them! Even for something bad, you will remember them as "that crazy FM song", or "that song which needed to be included on...". Am I wrong??
Probably this album was not the most successful of the band, but has more rare and different songs than any other album. Rumours, Tusk and TITN had a very unique style. Mirage isn't.

I love Mirage and agree the reissue gives us so many delights. I will disagree about Mirage not having a “unique style.” Regardless of the very different songs being thrown together all is unified through the production. The sound on Mirage is pure pop, generally major-key songs with catchy melodies and youthful lyrics. There’s a bubbly ebullience—and warmth. (Tango has all but the warmth.)

The production on each FM record since 1975 is distinct, so that each album sounds like an intentional album rather than a storehouse of songs. Even the White Album has a different sound than Rumours, though these two records are closest in style to one another.

[ricohv]

I love Mirage and agree the reissue gives us so many delights. I will disagree about Mirage not having a “unique style.” Regardless of the very different songs being thrown together all is unified through the production. The sound on Mirage is pure pop, generally major-key songs with catchy melodies and youthful lyrics. There’s a bubbly ebullience—and warmth. (Tango has all but the warmth.)

The production on each FM record since 1975 is distinct, so that each album sounds like an intentional album rather than a storehouse of songs. Even the White Album has a different sound than Rumours, though these two records are closest in style to one another.
Couldn't have said it better myself-I agree 100%!

[bombaysaffires]

I love Mirage and agree the reissue gives us so many delights. I will disagree about Mirage not having a “unique style.” Regardless of the very different songs being thrown together all is unified through the production. The sound on Mirage is pure pop, generally major-key songs with catchy melodies and youthful lyrics. There’s a bubbly ebullience—and warmth. (Tango has all but the warmth.)

The production on each FM record since 1975 is distinct, so that each album sounds like an intentional album rather than a storehouse of songs. Even the White Album has a different sound than Rumours, though these two records are closest in style to one another.

I recall a review of the album at the time that called it a "music box" of sounds and I always thought that was a good way to put it... Metaphorically it is sort of a wind- up music box with lots of tinkly and plinky sorts of sounds and as you say, a bubbliness and cheeriness, even if lyrically some of the songs weren't as cheery (Gypsy is actually a bit dark, but the arrangement is most definitely not).

[aleuzzi]

I recall a review of the album at the time that called it a "music box" of sounds and I always thought that was a good way to put it... Metaphorically it is sort of a wind- up music box with lots of tinkly and plinky sorts of sounds and as you say, a bubbliness and cheeriness, even if lyrically some of the songs weren't as cheery (Gypsy is actually a bit dark, but the arrangement is most definitely not).

Oh, yes—wasn’t that the review in Rolling Stone? It’s an apt metaphor.

[Macfan4life]

I recall a review of the album at the time that called it a "music box" of sounds and I always thought that was a good way to put it... Metaphorically it is sort of a wind- up music box with lots of tinkly and plinky sorts of sounds and as you say, a bubbliness and cheeriness, even if lyrically some of the songs weren't as cheery (Gypsy is actually a bit dark, but the arrangement is most definitely not).
Yes, the Rolling Stone review which was meh but a little positive but not overwhelming. I don't think they meant Music Box as a compliment. The review did end on a positive note that Mirage was an album you want to sit down to dinner with a bottle of wine with. Great for romance I guess ;)
Mirage did not get great reviews and was shunned by rock stations. It was not the bounce back from Tusk the rock stations hoped for.
I love that everyone loves Mirage but I like diverse opinions. I remember when I first joined this board that Mirage was as popular as SYW :lol: I don't know if those people left or people changed their minds.
Is there anyone that does not like Mirage? I love it but I wish the Mirage cut Smile At You was on the album. Its so powerful and awesome but maybe it did not fit the "music box" theme. I find the term music box insulting because it takes away from the creativity. A music box is light elevator music that is programmed and not daring. Thats how I saw the Rolling Stone review. They were right in some ways. I think Chris even mentioned that maybe they were too cautious with Mirage because of how Tusk got flamed. But the songs are good and everyone was still writing brilliant songs at this time especially Stevie.

[moon]

I really agree and love your comments!
In fact, the original Smile At You would have sounded great! But I guess they decided to include Straight Back as the "rock" song.
Reading this, I'm totally convinced that Oh Diane would receive more love if the band included the instrumental version on the final album!
Aaaaand, and, and I ask myself, what could happened if Teen Beat or Blue Monday were included too, replacing Empire State?? Would be Empire State a loved song today in character of a "rare" one?

[jbrownsjr]

https://www.loudersound.com/features/fleetwood-macs-mirage-the-making-of?fbclid=IwAR3YR6z8r8VU9Wm8yk1VFgSDoVXwlvNRp7gaD-eQGuZ12R1_LFnrrIL7KTs

[Macfan4life]

https://www.loudersound.com/features/fleetwood-macs-mirage-the-making-of?fbclid=IwAR3YR6z8r8VU9Wm8yk1VFgSDoVXwlvNRp7gaD-eQGuZ12R1_LFnrrIL7KTs
Thanks for posting. That was the best 40th Mirage anniversary article yet. Her take on Mirage is understandable. They are great songs but so commercial. Rumours was not trying to be commercial. Its that organic feel that makes songs great.

This is the second admission that Chris says she quit drugs around then. However here she says she was not on drugs during Mirage. The other interview I heard many years ago she said after the Mirage tour and during her solo album is when she stopped doing cocaine. It sounds like Chris loves making albums because as miserable as Tango was for the other band members, Chris loved it. I have heard Mirage stories of not so much fun. There was no air conditioning and too many drugs and Bella Donna was staring Lindsey in the face. They never even appear together in the Hold Me video which shows they were not getting along that well. Yet chummy Christine yet again talks about how much fun making Mirage was. Just interesting. I remember the People magazine article about Dennis's death and it showed the heart design in Christine's garden. Its so weird she hated it. Yet she loved him when he did crazy stuff. Just odd.
I always got the impression Stevie was not happy recording Mirage either. It interrupted her solo album tour and the lyrics of Straight Back.
Loved the Chris interview!!!!!

[HomerMcvie]

I remember the People magazine article about Dennis's death and it showed the heart design in Christine's garden. Its so weird she hated it.

That's because HE HAD THE FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLAR BILL FOR IT SENT TO HER!!!!

His GIFT to her was billed to her!!!!!! What a LOSER.

[Macfan4life]

That's because HE HAD THE FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLAR BILL FOR IT SENT TO HER!!!!

His GIFT to her was billed to her!!!!!! What a LOSER.
Its the thought that counts :lol:


He was a total nutcase. Many women flock to these guys. I found it chilling where she said the real Dennis was sweet but you rarely saw that side. So basically he's an ass**** 95% of the time.

[HomerMcvie]

Its the thought that counts :lol:


He was a total nutcase. Many women flock to these guys. I found it chilling where she said the real Dennis was sweet but you rarely saw that side. So basically he's an ass**** 95% of the time.

I must be related to her, because that's what all the women in my family do. They don't want some good Christian boy. They want a bad boy that treats them like sh*t. Because I guess that makes them "so excited".

[Villavic]

Is anybody sure when was Mirage released? Some sources say june 18, others including wikipedia says july 2.

If it's today, happy birthday Mirage.

https://scontent.flim13-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/515096305_1145360460953091_1646456597655257691_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_eui2=AeEyddscV56I9FWm-_KfH5da4c6y4rcgZqHhzrLityBmodJOdixOArTR6PLQ_0zqX8Q&_nc_ohc=KA_JcaKhtYMQ7kNvwFKiduP&_nc_oc=AdkYRcKmNYOLcQiJzlahW8Yeod7j-PUZMLXpjdNv34E5z1DrA_uoPmYvqduZGfQLJUcIgtYNeX7Kn2r48vSFzVEC&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.flim13-1.fna&_nc_gid=0r32l6uKDuLezgZoRywpOw&oh=00_AfMAh7ehMKSqiblTZ8FWi57j7DfVc6VVzBvjQJNYJACnkw&oe=686B7AE1

[jbrownsjr]

I remember June.

[HomerMcvie]

I only remember hearing Hold Me coming on the radio, before the album was released, and me screaming at my friends to STFU, so I could bask in every note.

I was in the back seat of my friend Tracy's silver Honda Civic. That memory is forever glued into my brain.

We were at 7th and Jordan Ave, in Bloomington, IN, heading East towards dorms, when it came on. SERIOUSLY, ISN'T IT ODD how a few memories in your life are permanently engraved into your brain? I'll be remembering that on my death bed, still wondering what the weird "squawk" on the chorus was, after the third "hold me".

[Street_Dreamer]

Discogs.com has a listing for a "specialty pressing" that was released in 1982. Maybe there were special early releases before the official release date on July 2?

Is anybody sure when was Mirage released? Some sources say june 18, others including wikipedia says july 2.

If it's today, happy birthday Mirage.

[Macfan4life]

Here are some fun and fast facts about Mirage.

Released July 2, 1982

Enters the charts with a bullet at #50 July 17, 1982

The following week July 24, 1982 enters the top 10 at #9

The next week July 31, 1982 it hit #3

The following week it knocks Asia from the top spot and hits #1 Aug 1, 1982


It would remain #1 for 5 weeks that summer
It gets knocked from the top spot by John Couger, American Fool on September 11, 1982

American Fool remained at #1 until November.
However what I did not know is Mirage stayed at #2 until late on November 27 it drops to #13.

American Fool also drops and Men At Work take over #1


For 4 months Mirage was #1 or #2 on the charts. If John Couger never existed Mirage could have been a #1 album for 4 months.

Imagine a MTV video for Love In Store. It could have extended its life on the charts.

Mirage sold 2 million copies in the states that year and it only hit #1 in the states. American Fool sold over twice as much 5 million.

Interesting footnote is Bella Donna dropped out of the top 40 albums chart on July 3, 1982 the exact time Mirage was released. Bella Donna would hang on in the top 200 albums for another year

BOTH Bella Donna and Mirage hit #1 just 4 weeks after release and almost exactly 1 year apart

[Villavic]

....
However what I did not know is Mirage stayed at #2 until late on November 27 it drops to #13.
....
Mirage sold 2 million copies in the states that year and it only hit #1 in the states. American Fool sold over twice as much 5 million.
...

The Mirage tour lasted just from sep 1 to oct 31. I wonder what the charts would have been like if it had been longer and especially if it had been worldwide.

[Macfan4life]

The Mirage tour lasted just from sep 1 to oct 31. I wonder what the charts would have been like if it had been longer and especially if it had been worldwide.
The tour may have helped but when the singles faded so did the album. Chris and Stevie already had their solo albums scheduled so they wanted a short tour. Did not Mick say in his book he was the only one in the band that wanted to keep the Mirage tour going?

Mirage could of had a few more singles but MTV was huge and Love In Store needed a video. The band used MTV in a huge way to promote Mirage and its ground breaking music videos. However the band barely got through the Hold Me video and no way they could have tolerated each other again for another video.
The Mirage singles really hit unusual walls. Hold Me stuck at #4 for 7 weeks or something. Gypsy was stuck at #12 for 3 weeks. Many mega songs cockblocked those singles from moving higher.

[Villavic]

Did not Mick say in his book he was the only one in the band that wanted to keep the Mirage tour going?

Mirage could of had a few more singles but MTV was huge and Love In Store needed a video. The band used MTV in a huge way to promote Mirage and its ground breaking music videos. However the band barely got through the Hold Me video and no way they could have tolerated each other again for another video.

Yes, Mick literally said he "felt sick when we stopped touring", and Mirage died after left the road and five weeks at number one.

I agree the video Hold Me was an evidence that they couldn't stand each other. If the band's mood had been different, they might have even tried to make a video for one of Lindsey's songs, to maintain balance. Although I don't know which one I would have chosen. Mirage wasn't Lindsey's masterpiece as far as singles go.

[Macfan4life]

Yes, Mick literally said he "felt sick when we stopped touring", and Mirage died after left the road and five weeks at number one.

I agree the video Hold Me was an evidence that they couldn't stand each other. If the band's mood had been different, they might have even tried to make a video for one of Lindsey's songs, to maintain balance. Although I don't know which one I would have chosen. Mirage wasn't Lindsey's masterpiece as far as singles go.
Hold Me and Gypsy were some of the biggest videos on MTV in 1982. If the band had cut a third one for Love In Store my hunch it would have been a top 10 hit. The song went to #22 without a video and back then every song in the top 30 had a video to go along with it. Even if it was a basic video it would have extended the life of Mirage. Love In Store is the perfect pop song.

[WalkAThinLine.]

Yes, Mick literally said he "felt sick when we stopped touring", and Mirage died after left the road and five weeks at number one.

I agree the video Hold Me was an evidence that they couldn't stand each other. If the band's mood had been different, they might have even tried to make a video for one of Lindsey's songs, to maintain balance. Although I don't know which one I would have chosen. Mirage wasn't Lindsey's masterpiece as far as singles go.

"Oh Diane" achieved success in Europe but flopped in the UK. "Book of Love" could have been a decent option for a single.

[cbBen]

From the demos I've run across on YouTube (if dated correctly), it appears Stevie had written "Gypsy" in time for it to have gone on Bella Donna.

Jimmy Iovine or Benmont Tench (whom Iovine gave the task of reviewing Stevie's demos for songs to consider for the album)–or both (though it is the producer's ultimate responsibility)–somehow overlooked it, passed on it, or failed to get a good enough arrangement to reveal how good a song it is; and the oversight (or failure) became Fleetwood Mac's good fortune. Or, as Stevie has said, FM to some degree had right of first refusal on her songs and exercised it on this one.

Because without that song, Mirage becomes a markedly different album both commercially and artistically.

One of the demos (or run throughs) on YT is with the Heartbreakers. Perhaps that performance is part of the sessions or pre-production work for Bella Donna. Tom Petty says Behind The Music documentary on Lindsey Buckingham (link below)] that Stevie has given him material to produce that he didn't know what to do with, whereas Lindsey knew exactly what to do with it. Perhaps "Gypsy" is the song (or among the songs) to which Petty is referring.

https://vimeo.com/442119289

[Villavic]

From the demos I've run across on YouTube (if dated correctly), it appears Stevie had written "Gypsy" in time for it to have gone on Bella Donna.

Jimmy Iovine or Benmont Tench (whom Iovine gave the task of reviewing Stevie's demos for songs to consider for the album)–or both (though it is the producer's ultimate responsibility)–somehow overlooked it, passed on it, or failed to get a good enough arrangement to reveal how good a song it is; and the oversight (or failure) became Fleetwood Mac's good fortune. Or, as Stevie has said, FM to some degree had right of first refusal on her songs and exercised it on this one.


After reading Mick's book I understood it was Stevie's decision to save Gypsy for Fleetwood Mac. But, as we know now, not all Mick's memories are completely reliable. Who knows.

Stevie's songs including the utterly majestic "Gypsy" were what she had saved for us after recording her first album, Bella Donna, which was about to sell ten million copies and make Miss Nicks the Queen of Rock. Some leftover! "Gypsy" is one of Fleetwood Mac's greatest works of art; for me it really crystallises that whole period of the early 1980s, when we were in our mid-thirties and beginning to look back on our lost youth.

[cbBen]

After reading Mick's book I understood it was Stevie's decision to save Gypsy for Fleetwood Mac. But, as we know now, not all Mick's memories are completely reliable. Who knows.

Stevie's songs including the utterly majestic "Gypsy" were what she had saved for us after recording her first album, Bella Donna, which was about to sell ten million copies and make Miss Nicks the Queen of Rock. Some leftover! "Gypsy" is one of Fleetwood Mac's greatest works of art; for me it really crystallises that whole period of the early 1980s, when we were in our mid-thirties and beginning to look back on our lost youth.

Thanks. I wonder why she cut it with the Heartbreakers then (perhaps just for fun, or perhaps she decided only afterward to hold the song over for Mirage).

If she did earmark it for FM, it demonstrates she still had a good enough head on her shoulders at that point to discern which of her songs would work better in which context. Maybe she even cut "Gypsy" for Bella Donna and, on hearing the results, thought, "For this one Lindsey is the more suitable producer" (and/or "FM is the more suitable band").

I wonder how Lindsey would have produced songs such as "After The Glitter Fades" and "Kind Of Woman."

[HomerMcvie]

Does anyone really believe a word that comes out of her mouth?

She's a DELUSIONAL NUT.

[Villavic]

Maybe she even cut "Gypsy" for Bella Donna and, on hearing the results, thought, "For this one Lindsey is the more suitable producer" (and/or "FM is the more suitable band").


I wonder if she thought that, too. This 1979 sounds very different from the Mirage version. I wonder how Lindsey would have transformed it if it had been included in Tusk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoMMnt131pg

[Villavic]

However the band barely got through the Hold Me video and no way they could have tolerated each other again for another video.

It's curious that Tango, where I think the mood within the band was much more complicated (to say the least), had three videos where they appear together, while Mirage only had one.

Although in Little Lies, I'm not sure if all five were together on the same day at the filming location. But I still see more interaction between some members than in Hold Me.

[Macfan4life]

It's curious that Tango, where I think the mood within the band was much more complicated (to say the least), had three videos where they appear together, while Mirage only had one.

Although in Little Lies, I'm not sure if all five were together on the same day at the filming location. But I still see more interaction between some members than in Hold Me.
All band members appear together in all 3 Tango videos. In the Songbird documentary that is posted Stevie talks about the Little Lies video in the barn and Lindsey constantly walking away out of the barn.
Mirage and Tango had similar tensions for sure. But the band had been away for 5 years so there was effort to appear together even though Tango was mostly a Lindsey solo album.

[jbrownsjr]

Yes, Mick literally said he "felt sick when we stopped touring", and Mirage died after left the road and five weeks at number one.

I agree the video Hold Me was an evidence that they couldn't stand each other. If the band's mood had been different, they might have even tried to make a video for one of Lindsey's songs, to maintain balance. Although I don't know which one I would have chosen. Mirage wasn't Lindsey's masterpiece as far as singles go.

I think the album would have obviously done much better. They missed so many cities and opportunities to promote locally. Worldwide Tour would have really pushed the album a lot bigger.

[jbrownsjr]

Does anyone really believe a word that comes out of her mouth?

She's a DELUSIONAL NUT.

Usually, the opposite is true. Or, she makes sh*t up. I don't believe hardly any of the stories she tells as far as... "when we made this.. blah blah blah..."

[Villavic]

So since I was checking some Facebook pages about charts, several related posts have been appearing on my feed for a while now. This one from a week ago shows Mirage.

https://scontent.flim8-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/526995250_1367388244824770_8325369782487564918_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_eui2=AeEhIYh00n0eLcUVlcIJ4gb7BmP9KGivl9gGY_0oaK-X2KlzyiHzhND_RPVJ-Wc4Oso&_nc_ohc=6PzAeTqWtZIQ7kNvwGe7JMr&_nc_oc=Adnj3h_-WZiN5SlZRKyhv4y9GqJiyYhOEQRhPQ4A45fLFSTewSdg-_tYhEYGDHf38XqzW4fBtRNALzJDUpPosZSv&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.flim8-1.fna&_nc_gid=RevlF2T4wDkxwaY0D4BdLQ&oh=00_AfW0DBaNJY5FNHr7Gob9a_qQB2EOfCFRHGDeQi-Fg8qMEA&oe=689AA5CB

[WalkAThinLine.]

So since I was checking some Facebook pages about charts, several related posts have been appearing on my feed for a while now. This one from a week ago shows Mirage.

https://scontent.flim8-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/526995250_1367388244824770_8325369782487564918_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_eui2=AeEhIYh00n0eLcUVlcIJ4gb7BmP9KGivl9gGY_0oaK-X2KlzyiHzhND_RPVJ-Wc4Oso&_nc_ohc=6PzAeTqWtZIQ7kNvwGe7JMr&_nc_oc=Adnj3h_-WZiN5SlZRKyhv4y9GqJiyYhOEQRhPQ4A45fLFSTewSdg-_tYhEYGDHf38XqzW4fBtRNALzJDUpPosZSv&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.flim8-1.fna&_nc_gid=RevlF2T4wDkxwaY0D4BdLQ&oh=00_AfW0DBaNJY5FNHr7Gob9a_qQB2EOfCFRHGDeQi-Fg8qMEA&oe=689AA5CB

Mirage shot up the charts very quickly and surpassed the chart peak of Tusk in just three weeks.

[Macfan4life]

The next week following this chart, Mirage hits #1 after 4 weeks on the charts. It would stay there for 5 weeks and then get knocked off by John Couger's American Fool. American Fool stayed at #1 for about 2 months. During that time Mirage stayed at #2.

[Villavic]

The next week following this chart, Mirage hits #1 after 4 weeks on the charts. It would stay there for 5 weeks and then get knocked off by John Couger's American Fool. American Fool stayed at #1 for about 2 months. During that time Mirage stayed at #2.

Yes, I see AF stayed #1 until Nov.6, according to the Wikipedia List of Billboard 200 number-one albums of 1982. Then Men at Work's Business as Usual went #1 for 7 weeks.

Though not a technical mistake, Mick again misses some data in his memories, he skipped Cougar's album.

I felt sick when we stopped touring. Mirage was number one and sales were strong in cities where we'd played. I wanted to be on the move, touring until the cows came home, but the others were less enthusiastic. Christine had sessions for her own solo album scheduled, and we'd been lucky to get Stevie at all. As soon as we left the road, Mirage died after five weeks at number one. The Australian band Men at Work, who had opened for us on the road, saw their album go to number one shortly thereafter.

[jbrownsjr]

Interesting times, and FM in there twice.

[Macfan4life]

Yes, I see AF stayed #1 until Nov.6, according to the Wikipedia List of Billboard 200 number-one albums of 1982. Then Men at Work's Business as Usual went #1 for 7 weeks.

Though not a technical mistake, Mick again misses some data in his memories, he skipped Cougar's album.

I felt sick when we stopped touring. Mirage was number one and sales were strong in cities where we'd played. I wanted to be on the move, touring until the cows came home, but the others were less enthusiastic. Christine had sessions for her own solo album scheduled, and we'd been lucky to get Stevie at all. As soon as we left the road, Mirage died after five weeks at number one. The Australian band Men at Work, who had opened for us on the road, saw their album go to number one shortly thereafter.
I think you should write Mick a lengthy letter about all of the errors and inconsistencies in his books. Mail it urgent and priority from Peru. He will definitely open it thinking something good from Peru is inside.

[Villavic]

He will definitely open it thinking something good from Peru is inside.

He will definitely think it is. :rolleyes:

and we recorded our album in a somewhat peruvian atmosphere. Until then, Fleetwood Mac hadn't had much experience with this andean rocket fuel.

[Villavic]

So since I was checking some Facebook pages about charts, several related posts have been appearing on my feed for a while now. This one from a week ago shows Mirage.

Now glad to see this.

https://scontent.flim9-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/488881656_1272592170971045_8215255725455367199_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p526x296_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_eui2=AeHuMjinB5ZGR12jtdv1gcq6sRezrGXxniaxF7OsZfGeJjLkps9PEv00drnCyPn1Yhc&_nc_ohc=v2OUwwRf_aUQ7kNvwHS1XzQ&_nc_oc=AdmMPNf7Swk8RLFDeACykrdHJ_zZvqw-eEPYwci_mul1Z8Pl0hyXa0hC65DhOrZO-8HBEMy6u8sa7OMXHr361o_1&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.flim9-1.fna&_nc_gid=8fS8o5FhlrSkTd62E94LBA&oh=00_AfVV9q_ClXDgiIrrFL22vxNvPYavK73F4rwFMabvdIeW8g&oe=689FDF9C