Songbird album first listen

[Macfan4life]

The CD has not arrived yet but Amazon will let you stream it for free. You guys are in for a BIG surprise. Usually remixes are faintly noticed and there are a few things turned up or down. OMG these songs are completely different. Friend starts out like the ending of the song with the da da da's. The Challenge has this heavy guitar riff through the entire song. I suppose this is Clapton. The original song has his picking away and its the melody. I love a heavy guitar riff but this is so shocking its going take some getting used too. It over powers the song.
But give me time, I have not gotten through all the songs yet. I am excited because I was not expecting such radically different versions of these songs.
Personally I prefer the music beginning to Friend compared to vocals right away. Its just so radically different that its going to take a few listens to really soak it all it. All the percussion parts of Ask Anybody are turned way up. Northern Star is odd because like Songbird it almost sounds like the music is interfering with the vocals and timing of the vocals. All You Gotta Do is so bluesy and has this incredible organ in it. Very classic Christine. Easy Come Easy Go is a great and fresh remix with the guitars turned way up. Love it. I just want more and think of the possibilities of some of her better known songs remixed like this. I have always said Love Will Show Us How always needed a remix to jazz it up.
The new heavy metal version of The Challenge is freaking awesome :blob1:

[BLY]

After one listen I agree with you Macfanforlife the remixes are very different and sound amazing. I noticed the back up vocals are much more prominent which I like a lot. The only song that’s not the case is The Challenge which I found odd because Lindsey’s vocals added much to the end of the song. I do like this edger version much better. All the songs hang together very well. I think the only thing missing is Got a Hold On Me. It belongs on this collection and could have used this refresh.

[jbrownsjr]

I'm really enjoying this! Ask Anybody with some nice atmosphere and a few punches in the transitions. Lovely!

[Macfan4life]

This sounds spectacular on my old cruddy tower computer speakers. I can only imagine what the CD will sound like on my Bose system :)

[jbrownsjr]

This sounds spectacular on my old cruddy tower computer speakers. I can only imagine what the CD will sound like on my Bose system :)

I have two Echo Studios left right channel. I hear things on the regular mixes that I've never heard. Can't wait to get home.

[aleuzzi]

Unlike most of the tunes on In the Meantime, All You Gotta Do has layers and layers of keyboards up from and center, including Christine’s trademark Hammond (or a synth equivalent). Stylistically, the song is a rootsy throwback to early 70s rock like The Band.

[jbrownsjr]

Unlike most of the tunes on In the Meantime, All You Gotta Do has layers and layers of keyboards up from and center, including Christine’s trademark Hammond (or a synth equivalent). Stylistically, the song is a rootsy throwback to early 70s rock like The Band.

Almost thought of "I'd Rather Go Blind"!
I was hoping you'd hear all this today.
All you gotta do is be around.

[vivfox]

All You Gotta Do has layers and layers of keyboards up from and center, including Christine’s trademark Hammond (or a synth equivalent)

Rhino Records has provided a complimentary link to this song and one more from this new collection, on youtube today.

[Macfan4life]

I am still fascinated with the guitar riff on The Challenge. It takes the song to another level. I suppose it has always been there but turned way down. The remix artist was probably like OMG, this HAS to be heard.
One of the common complaints of her 1984 album was the lack of musical power. The songs were not wimpy but with the big artists like Clapton, Buckingham, Winwood, and Fleetwood they expected a bigger musical punch.
This is exactly what the album needed. Now I am a greedy pig and want to hear the entire 1984 album remixed :eek:

[BLY]

This is exactly what the album needed. Now I am a greedy pig and want to hear the entire 1984 album remixed :eek:

Heck yes but I don’t think it will happen.☹️

[blinker12]

All You Gotta Do is gorgeous! While George Hawkins' voice is likeable enough, I would've (of course) preferred Christine to sing the whole thing through, because I think this is one of her finest vocals. It reminds me of some of her earliest work with FM, such as "Show Me a Smile."

[jbrownsjr]

All You Gotta Do is gorgeous! While George Hawkins' voice is likeable enough, I would've (of course) preferred Christine to sing the whole thing through, because I think this is one of her finest vocals. It reminds me of some of her earliest work with FM, such as "Show Me a Smile."

My thoughts exactly! She really sings the shi** out of this! It's gorgeous! :nod:

[aleuzzi]

Almost thought of "I'd Rather Go Blind"!
I was hoping you'd hear all this today.
All you gotta do is be around.

You knew I would! And there’s enough there for me to buy the disc, too—even with EASY COME EASY GO on it…

[Macfan4life]

I received my CD just now. What a way to start the weekend. Ok here is something that makes these songs sound so different. Additional musicians played on the remix. A guy named Ethan Johns and Guy Fletcher play percussion and guitar on the remixes.
I assume Ethan is related to Glyn Johns? Glyn did a great job and its funny this is the guy that Stevie hates :lol: But he is known to be one of the best in the biz.

[Netter75]

I assume Ethan is related to Glyn Johns? Glyn did a great job and its funny this is the guy that Stevie hates :lol: But he is known to be one of the best in the biz.

Yes, I believe Ethan Johns is his son. Also almost positive he's the one that wrote Inspiration and God's Garden, those two songs Stevie catapulted off of Street Angel :laugh:

Love this album so far. Standouts have to be The Challenge, Ask Anybody, and Easy Come, Easy Go. They've all been so, I don't know, beefed up? They sound a little less adult contemporary now and it's great (and i couldn't have cared LESS about ECEG before this). I do miss the booming drums on Ask Anybody but the additions on the remix more than make up for it imo.

I like the remix of Friend but agree that I like the instrumental-only opening of the original version better. Maybe I'll feel different with time.

Agreed that the only ones that don't sit right are Northern Star and Songbird. The arrangements are kind of busy and don't mesh with the vocals. I don't hate either one but they won't be replacing the originals for me.

Now The Challenge? The remix has just booted the original off my playlist :)

[bwboy]

I assume Ethan is related to Glyn Johns? Glyn did a great job and its funny this is the guy that Stevie hates :lol: But he is known to be one of the best in the biz.

Ethan is his son. I don’t recall Stevie saying she hates Glyn Johns, but I do believe she said he hates her. As for Glyn Johns being considered one of the best in the business, I present Exhibit A- the album Street Angel. The CD I have includes two songs written by Ethan Johns that were left off the American CD, and for good reason. Stevie deserves the brunt of blame, because many of her songs are horrible, but judging from the fact that Glyn gave her two horrible songs by his son that were so bad they were left off the American version, and by how much better the songs that were remixed for her Enchanted boxset sounded, and it’s obvious the producer is just as much to blame.

[Macfan4life]

Ethan is his son. I don’t recall Stevie saying she hates Glyn Johns, but I do believe she said he hates her. As for Glyn Johns being considered one of the best in the business, I present Exhibit A- the album Street Angel. The CD I have includes two songs written by Ethan Johns that were left off the American CD, and for good reason. Stevie deserves the brunt of blame, because many of her songs are horrible, but judging from the fact that Glyn gave her two horrible songs by his son that were so bad they were left off the American version, and by how much better the songs that were remixed for her Enchanted boxset sounded, and it’s obvious the producer is just as much to blame.
If you are judging him based on Stevie's Street Angel klonopin phase in her career is not quite fair. Stevie blamed everyone except herself. Maybe if she gave a hoot about her career instead of constantly seeking out tranquilizers a better product could have been developed. Other artists may not appreciate Glyn's style but no doubt he is respected for his craft since he has worked with countless artists. I think his stuff is hit or miss. I will never understand the orchestra on Songbird but I like what he did on the other songs.

[justcrazylove]

I'm almost startled by how much I am enjoying these remixes.

I have always loved In the Meantime, but often felt that Dan Perfect got a bit excited with the layering of tracks on an elementary Pro-Tools. Christine's playing, as it should be, is centred in these remixes.

Ask Anybody has Mick and Ray Cooper playing, no wonder they turned up the percussion.

The real dirge on the album is that sloppy muzak version of Songbird, and Northern Star.

But I like how these tracks hang together and the sequencing has shown that Chris has shown a modicum of interest in this project, which was more than I was expecting when I saw the tracklist and heard the first two tracks released.

This will get a high spin on my turntable.

[jbrownsjr]

I'm almost startled by how much I am enjoying these remixes.

I have always loved In the Meantime, but often felt that Dan Perfect got a bit excited with the layering of tracks on an elementary Pro-Tools. Christine's playing, as it should be, is centred in these remixes.

Ask Anybody has Mick and Ray Cooper playing, no wonder they turned up the percussion.

The real dirge on the album is that sloppy muzak version of Songbird, and Northern Star.

But I like how these tracks hang together and the sequencing has shown that Chris has shown a modicum of interest in this project, which was more than I was expecting when I saw the tracklist and heard the first two tracks released.

This will get a high spin on my turntable.
They. really knocked Ask Anybody out of the park. It's a lot more intense, as it should be.

Surprisingly I love the sequencing and Songbird actually grabbed me yesterday. I focused on how beautiful the vocal is. And the rest is window dressing. The duet with Hawkins keeps getting better and better.

And most importantly, I love hearing Christine sing, play organ and keyboards. She's so talented in a way that moves me as a human being. My expectations were low and so now I'm really enjoying the flow of this CD.

By the way, Sweet Revenge is dynamite. Never took to it before, but it has a certain genius to it.

[Macfan4life]

They. really knocked Ask Anybody out of the park. It's a lot more intense, as it should be.

Surprisingly I love the sequencing and Songbird actually grabbed me yesterday. I focused on how beautiful the vocal is. And the rest is window dressing. The duet with Hawkins keeps getting better and better.

And most importantly, I love hearing Christine sing, play organ and keyboards. She's so talented in a way that moves me as a human being. My expectations were low and so now I'm really enjoying the flow of this CD.

By the way, Sweet Revenge is dynamite. Never took to it before, but it has a certain genius to it.
Thats the beauty of this. Re-discovering some songs you skipped over. But it also is a double edged sword because if some of the songs you skip over sound good what if some of your favorites were remixed with added guitars and percussion.

But you cant get everything :eek:

P.S. I'll let you know if this new Songbird ever appeals to me. Right now its probably my least favorite on the CD only because I still dont believe the orchestra music goes with the song. But after a few more plays maybe I will be hypnotized.
Oh look.....something just flew by the window!

[jbrownsjr]

Thats the beauty of this. Re-discovering some songs you skipped over. But it also is a double edged sword because if some of the songs you skip over sound good what if some of your favorites were remixed with added guitars and percussion.

But you cant get everything :eek:

P.S. I'll let you know if this new Songbird ever appeals to me. Right now its probably my least favorite on the CD only because I still dont believe the orchestra music goes with the song. But after a few more plays maybe I will be hypnotized.
Oh look.....something just flew by the window!
You should listen because the party will over when the music ends.

[aleuzzi]

My thoughts on this collection:

Hate the changes to “Friend.”

Like the changes to “Sweet Revenge” and “Easy Come”

LOVE the new amped up version of “The Challenge,” which doesn’t take anything away from the original.

LOVE the two “new” songs and, well, they are my most frequent listens.

HATE this Songbird, HATE this Northern Star, and dislike this “Giving It Back”

No strong feelings about this version of “Ask”—which is quite close to the original—though I question why Mick’s drums were swapped out. Was that necessary?

Bottom line: the only three essentials in here for me are “Slow Down,” “All You Gotta Do” and “The Challenge.” I won’t be forgetting the original albums from which most of these songs came.

[Macfan4life]

My thoughts on this collection:

Hate the changes to “Friend.”

Like the changes to “Sweet Revenge” and “Easy Come”

LOVE the new amped up version of “The Challenge,” which doesn’t take anything away from the original.

LOVE the two “new” songs and, well, they are my most frequent listens.

HATE this Songbird, HATE this Northern Star, and dislike this “Giving It Back”

No strong feelings about this version of “Ask”—which is quite close to the original—though I question why Mick’s drums were swapped out. Was that necessary?

Bottom line: the only three essentials in here for me are “Slow Down,” “All You Gotta Do” and “The Challenge.” I won’t be forgetting the original albums from which most of these songs came.
I agree with all of that.

Friend was perfect in its original form. It almost seemed like a desperate idea how they start the song as if he knew it was perfect so what can we do?

The Challenge is definitely the winner of the remix on the album.
The new songs are really good.

I am sad that Love Will Show Us How did not make the album because I have said since 1984 the song was just a remix away from a big hit. Add some bouncy keyboards and drumming and turn up the guitars a bit.

Oddly enough Songbird is the miss of the album called Songbird. I got "so excited" when I heard Songbird was going to be used with an orchestra. But this is a miss for so many reasons. The music does not seem to go with the song. It's clear the music was just layered in with the singing. It would have been nice to actually hire an orchestra and have them develop the music and then play it live with the singing and record it. But I guess that would cost too much money.

[aleuzzi]

I agree with all of that.

Friend was perfect in its original form. It almost seemed like a desperate idea how they start the song as if he knew it was perfect so what can we do?

The Challenge is definitely the winner of the remix on the album.
The new songs are really good.

I am sad that Love Will Show Us How did not make the album because I have said since 1984 the song was just a remix away from a big hit. Add some bouncy keyboards and drumming and turn up the guitars a bit.

Oddly enough Songbird is the miss of the album called Songbird. I got "so excited" when I heard Songbird was going to be used with an orchestra. But this is a miss for so many reasons. The music does not seem to go with the song. It's clear the music was just layered in with the singing. It would have been nice to actually hire an orchestra and have them develop the music and then play it live with the singing and record it. But I guess that would cost too much money.

Yeah—there was nothing wrong with the original friend (except maybe one too many repetitions, though the acoustic version is flawless).

I was a little bummed to see it wasn’t Christine’s organ work on either “The Challenge” or “All You Gotta Do,” but her piano in the latter is still up front.

[blinker12]

I seem to be in the minority (alone?) in liking the new version of “Northern Star.” I wouldn’t say I prefer it to the original, but I like it as an alternate. Stripping away the lead guitar and adding acoustic gives Christine’s vocal more room to shine, which is always a good thing in my book.

Question: I listen on Spotify so I don’t have the liner notes. Did someone say Mick’s drums were replaced in “Ask Anybody”?? Craziness! Though I am loving that track - much more than I ever did on the CM album.

[jbrownsjr]

I seem to be in the minority (alone?) in liking the new version of “Northern Star.” I wouldn’t say I prefer it to the original, but I like it as an alternate. Stripping away the lead guitar and adding acoustic gives Christine’s vocal more room to shine, which is always a good thing in my book.

Question: I listen on Spotify so I don’t have the liner notes. Did someone say Mick’s drums were replaced in “Ask Anybody”?? Craziness! Though I am loving that track - much more than I ever did on the CM album.

I'm with ya. I think Northern Star and Givin are sacred to a few of this lot. (Me included). But I do like the vocal space and appreciate the alt version. I haven't received my copy yet. I'll let you know on the liner notes. Unless Macfan or BWBoy want to chime in.

[aleuzzi]

I seem to be in the minority (alone?) in liking the new version of “Northern Star.” I wouldn’t say I prefer it to the original, but I like it as an alternate. Stripping away the lead guitar and adding acoustic gives Christine’s vocal more room to shine, which is always a good thing in my book.

Question: I listen on Spotify so I don’t have the liner notes. Did someone say Mick’s drums were replaced in “Ask Anybody”?? Craziness! Though I am loving that track - much more than I ever did on the CM album.

Yes, according to the instrument credits, all the original players on “Ask” were kept except Mick, and Ethan Johns plays the new drum track.

[aleuzzi]

I'm with ya. I think Northern Star and Givin are sacred to a few of this lot. (Me included). But I do like the vocal space and appreciate the alt version. I haven't received my copy yet. I'll let you know on the liner notes. Unless Macfan or BWBoy want to chime in.

There aren’t liner “Notes” per se, just a brief interview followed by a track list and player credits for each song.

[DownOnRodeo]

Sorry but... yikes.

This album is the musical equivalent of Jurassic World Dominion--a cobbling together of new and old to meet some contractual requirement and destroying the original good material while they're at it.

The songs sound like someone with an iPad made some vocal isolation tracks one afternoon and incohesively mixed in some old and new instrumentation in the background as an afterthought.
What was going through their mind when they added those twinkly bells on Sweet Revenge?
Where are the background vocals on every song? Oh, my mistake--they've just been reduced to a frequency only perceptible by raccoons.
Why would they remove that awesome echo on Chris's voice near the end of The Challenge?

Perhaps worst of all, Ask Anybody, once a brooding and finely-tuned masterwork, has had the soul stripped out of it and been given a botched Copacabana facelift.

I would love this album--if I had never had the pleasure of hearing all of the tracks in the original, far superior form.

So sad that they just didn't remaster her solo stuff like Lindsey's amazing Anthology.

[Macfan4life]

Sorry but... yikes.

This album is the musical equivalent of Jurassic World Dominion--a cobbling together of new and old to meet some contractual requirement and destroying the original good material while they're at it.

The songs sound like someone with an iPad made some vocal isolation tracks one afternoon and incohesively mixed in some old and new instrumentation in the background as an afterthought.
What was going through their mind when they added those twinkly bells on Sweet Revenge?
Where are the background vocals on every song? Oh, my mistake--they've just been reduced to a frequency only perceptible by raccoons.
Why would they remove that awesome echo on Chris's voice near the end of The Challenge?

Perhaps worst of all, Ask Anybody, once a brooding and finely-tuned masterwork, has had the soul stripped out of it and been given a botched Copacabana facelift.

I would love this album--if I had never had the pleasure of hearing all of the tracks in the original, far superior form.

So sad that they just didn't remaster her solo stuff like Lindsey's amazing Anthology.
Ha!
Every time I listen the Challenge on this CD, I also miss the echo. I kept telling myself why get frustrated at something so tiny but glad to see I am not the only one. Perhaps he should have enhanced the echo. Chris's 1984 album was so plain jane for 1984 without the 80s tech drum machines and programmed instruments, etc. Let that echo alone!

I was reading reviews on Amazon and someone said something that hit home. Songbird is such a classic song. Would you remix Stairway To Heaven? How dare anyone change anything about it ;)

[WalkAThinLine.]

It appears that most if not all of Roy Cooper's percussion parts on "The Challenge" and "Ask Anybody" have been replaced. "The Challenge" lacks the cowbell on the choruses and features different tambourines while "Ask Anybody" has an entirely different percussion arrangement with new drums. I prefer Mick Fleetwood's drumming on the original "Ask Anybody", but I appreciate that at least some work was put into remixing a few songs.

[jbrownsjr]

I too get mad about that echo!! It's always in my brain NO MATTER WHAT!! HAHA

[Macfan4life]

I too get mad about that echo!! It's always in my brain NO MATTER WHAT!! HAHA
I also love the echo on the live version of The Smile I Live For. I have the Jackson NJ show on CD and its one of my prized possessions. Simple but profound use of basic technology. One of the reasons Chris's 1984 album holds up is because its not using the trendy 80s schtick. No. No. No. There's no Sister Honey here.

[jbrownsjr]

I also love the echo on the live version of The Smile I Live For. I have the Jackson NJ show on CD and its one of my prized possessions. Simple but profound use of basic technology. One of the reasons Chris's 1984 album holds up is because its not using the trendy 80s schtick. No. No. No. There's no Sister Honey here.

Have I heard the Jackson show? Or, is this your private collection?

[Macfan4life]

Have I heard the Jackson show? Or, is this your private collection?
Its a (semi) professionally recorded concert that made it to bootleg. It was frequently sold on Ebay in the 2000's but have not seen it lately. Its a CD. Very similar how you can buy the Bob Welch and friends concert on CD. It was not sold that way but someone made it into a CD. One of the best Songbird dedications ever. Its also shows Christine's sense of humor because she is playing Great Adventure amusement park and she teases them she knows that is not the name of the town because she's "really smart."
She dedicates Songbird to the families and town of the horrific dark ride fire that killed 8 teenagers just days before she played there.

Here is a link to the tragedy she dedicates Songbird to at the park

https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/anniversary-of-fatal-haunted-castle-fire/article_d375bc78-46bd-5828-9f93-b4f0c44f604f.html

[jbrownsjr]

Its a (semi) professionally recorded concert that made it to bootleg. It was frequently sold on Ebay in the 2000's but have not seen it lately. Its a CD. Very similar how you can buy the Bob Welch and friends concert on CD. It was not sold that way but someone made it into a CD. One of the best Songbird dedications ever. Its also shows Christine's sense of humor because she is playing Great Adventure amusement park and she teases them she knows that is not the name of the town because she's "really smart."
She dedicates Songbird to the families and town of the horrific dark ride fire that killed 8 teenagers just days before she played there.

Here is a link to the tragedy she dedicates Songbird to at the park

https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/anniversary-of-fatal-haunted-castle-fire/article_d375bc78-46bd-5828-9f93-b4f0c44f604f.html

I remember you telling that story. I most likely have heard the show. I know I've had the Chicago show at one point.

[aleuzzi]

I remember you telling that story. I most likely have heard the show. I know I've had the Chicago show at one point.

I’ve heard that show. Christine and her band sound terrific there. Her voice was in top form that night.

Re: SONGBIRD (the collection, not the song) I suppose I’m glad to have the two “new songs” and that’s more than I expected, if not hoped for.

But, ugh, the way Johns sucks the reverb out of the vocal part for “Giving It Back”—yuckage

[jbrownsjr]

I’ve heard that show. Christine and her band sound terrific there. Her voice was in top form that night.

Re: SONGBIRD (the collection, not the song) I suppose I’m glad to have the two “new songs” and that’s more than I expected, if not hoped for.

But, ugh, the way Johns sucks the reverb out of the vocal part for “Giving It Back”—yuckage

I'll go back and have a better judgy ear. I've just been so happy to see her release new stuff. I'm biased. :laugh:

[aleuzzi]

I'll go back and have a better judgy ear. I've just been so happy to see her release new stuff. I'm biased. :laugh:

I get it. It’s like she wore an odd dress to a party—but at least she was at the party.

[jbrownsjr]

I get it. It’s like she wore an odd dress to a party—but at least she was at the party.

It's like wearing a shawl that's black, pleated, wrinkled and makes you look homeless, while the other lady in the band looks slim, neat, and elegant. Plus, the other lady isn't wearing carpel tunnel gloves. :lol:
And.. .and... and... the one lady with the shawl tells the thin lady she needs to work out. And.. and... and... That lady tells the whole world that she told the other lady that she needs to work out.

[aleuzzi]

It's like wearing a shawl that's black, pleated, wrinkled and makes you look homeless, while the other lady in the band looks slim, neat, and elegant. Plus, the other lady isn't wearing carpel tunnel gloves. :lol:
And.. .and... and... the one lady with the shawl tells the thin lady she needs to work out. And.. and... and... That lady tells the whole world that she told the other lady that she needs to work out.

And the two women had a pact…

[jbrownsjr]

And the two women had a pact…

A pact that only one of said ladies can confirm.

[aleuzzi]

A pact that only one of said ladies can confirm.

A pact much like a crystal vision

[HomerMcvie]

A pact much like a crystal vision

Those were beer goggles.

[jbrownsjr]

Those were beer goggles.

Coke goggles.

[HomerMcvie]

Coke goggles.

Mmm, goggles....:D

[jbrownsjr]

Mmm, goggles....:D

Who's dreamin' this dream with me?

[nicepace]

Why aren't there any tracks from the Christine Perfect album? It seems that when a performer only has three solo albums, omitting one of them altogether is a real shame. Personally, I really like that album (I'm a big fan of Christine's early blues music) and I think having nothing to represent that music is a terrible oversight.

If this has already been addressed elsewhere, if someone could direct me to that discussion I'd appreciate it.

[blinker12]

Well, she was asked about what she thought of that album in the recent Uncut interview, and here’s her response:

Oh god, do I have to say? (Laughs) I think it’s pretty rum. When I listen to it now — which is pretty seldom — I don’t get what I was doing at all. I think I was inexperienced at songwriting and too inexperienced to hold a whole solo album on my own. There are a couple of good songs on there, but most of them are pretty mediocre. But you’ve just got to keep on trying and at some point you will come out with something you like, so if I’m feeling charitable about it, I could say at least it was part of the learning process.

So it seems she didn’t think there was much of anything on there worth including. But yeah, you’d think she could pick out one tune just for completeness’s sake.

To me the much bigger mystery, and one no one has specifically asked her about, is why in the heck she would leave off her two Top 40 hits.

P.S. Definition of “rum” in British slang: strange, odd, suspect, funny.

[aleuzzi]

Well, she was asked about what she thought of that album in the recent Uncut interview, and here’s her response:

Oh god, do I have to say? (Laughs) I think it’s pretty rum. When I listen to it now — which is pretty seldom — I don’t get what I was doing at all. I think I was inexperienced at songwriting and too inexperienced to hold a whole solo album on my own. There are a couple of good songs on there, but most of them are pretty mediocre. But you’ve just got to keep on trying and at some point you will come out with something you like, so if I’m feeling charitable about it, I could say at least it was part of the learning process.

So it seems she didn’t think there was much of anything on there worth including. But yeah, you’d think she could pick out one tune just for completeness’s sake.

To me the much bigger mystery, and one no one has specifically asked her about, is why in the heck she would leave off her two Top 40 hits.

P.S. Definition of “rum” in British slang: strange, odd, suspect, funny.

Yeah, she’s a tough critic of that.

But “No Road” and “I Want You” are still hot.

[jbrownsjr]

She did acknowledge that a lot of people like the album. I look back at some of my art, writings, comps from my 20's and I sometimes cringe too. I wonder if that's the case here.

[aleuzzi]

She did acknowledge that a lot of people like the album. I look back at some of my art, writings, comps from my 20's and I sometimes cringe too. I wonder if that's the case here.

This does happen to artists a lot. But Christine has been bad mouthing that solo album since its 1976 reissue, when she told the press she was embarrassed by it and wished it would just go away.

[jbrownsjr]

This does happen to artists a lot. But Christine has been bad mouthing that solo album since its 1976 reissue, when she told the press she was embarrassed by it and wished it would just go away.

Well I can't disagree with any of this. I have nothin. :xoxo:

[aleuzzi]

Well I can't disagree with any of this. I have nothin. :xoxo:

But man, I love those two songs (No Road and I Want You).

[jbrownsjr]

But man, I love those two songs (No Road and I Want You).

Me too! I seriously one time didn't even notice that the light had turned red when I put that album in.

[nicepace]

I also really like "Wait and See," and wasn't "I'd Rather Go Blind" an actual hit in England? I personally think there should have been something, even if just one song, from this record.

[jbrownsjr]

I also really like "Wait and See," and wasn't "I'd Rather Go Blind" an actual hit in England? I personally think there should have been something, even if just one song, from this record.

Agreed, and how can Got A Hold On Me, not be part of this collection?
it's just backwards and all wrong.

[aleuzzi]

Agreed, and how can Got A Hold On Me, not be part of this collection?
it's just backwards and all wrong.

No “Smile I Live For,” no “One in a Million,” no “You Are,” no “Anything Is Possible”—

No “Liar,” no “Forgiveness”... what is wrong here?

Aaaaaaaand....the compilation is only ten songs? Wtf?

[HomerMcvie]

Aaaaaaaand....the compilation is only ten songs? Wtf?

Now that's just lazy, or cheap.

Or maybe she heard how long SYW was, and decided that brevity is our friend?

[Macfan4life]

Now that's just lazy, or cheap.

Or maybe she heard how long SYW was, and decided that brevity is our friend?
Or maybe Stevie's trainer has been working her to death and didn't have time to get off the treadmill. Stevie told her new music does not sell so why bother.

[HomerMcvie]

Or maybe Stevie's trainer has been working her to death and didn't have time to get off the treadmill. Stevie told her new music does not sell so why bother.

Oh that $tevie, $he's a visionary!

[jbrownsjr]

This album is dumb. That's all I got.

[aleuzzi]

This album is dumb. That's all I got.

Makes no sense. An odd swan song. But not odd enough.

The two “new” old songs are welcome, though.

[Street_Dreamer]

I listened to The Challenge because it's my favorite of Christine's solo songs and was extremely disappointed. It's just devoid of the spirit and heart of the original. The echoes in the song might be a bit corny or dated but that's part of what why I love it. And it's even worse without Lindsey's vocals at the end.

I'd love to have a real remix of the original song not the debacle I just heard. I'll wait until the CD arrives before I listen to the rest but I hope it doesn't get worse.

[BLY]

I listened to The Challenge because it's my favorite of Christine's solo songs and was extremely disappointed. It's just devoid of the spirit and heart of the original. The echoes in the song might be a bit corny or dated but that's part of what why I love it. And it's even worse without Lindsey's vocals at the end.

I'd love to have a real remix of the original song not the debacle I just heard. I'll wait until the CD arrives before I listen to the rest but I hope it doesn't get worse.

The worst part is dropping Lindsey’s vocals at the end of The Challenge while I was hoping it would have been more prominent. If this is her solo swan song….it was a missed opportunity not to include some Christine Perfect songs and her biggest hit Got a Hold on Me.

[jbrownsjr]

Gosh, I have to go back and listen to his backing vocals again. I don't remember them being that prominent. However, those two sound so much alike.

[FMM2]

Hi all,

The following 4 songs should have been on that album. Who do we contact so we can yell at them for these omissions?

1. I'd Rather Go Blind
2. Close To Me
3. Got A Hold On Me
4. Love Will Show Us How

Seriously!

FMM2

[FMM2]

Okay,

Forgot to mention "You Are, " and "Too Far Gone", "Red Sun" and "Carnival Begin" from her duet record with Lindsey!

FMM2

[HomerMcvie]

Okay,

Forgot to mention "You Are, " and "Too Far Gone", "Red Sun" and "Carnival Begin" from her duet record with Lindsey!

FMM2

DUET record? You mean the FLEETWOOD MAC record that they had to RENAME, due to the Old Goat refusing to participate?

[jbrownsjr]

Hi all,

The following 4 songs should have been on that album. Who do we contact so we can yell at them for these omissions?

1. I'd Rather Go Blind
2. Close To Me
3. Got A Hold On Me
4. Love Will Show Us How

Seriously!

FMM2

Yes, agree 100%

[aleuzzi]

The erasure of Lindsey’s harmonies on “The Challenge” and Mick’s drumming on “Ask Anybody”—I’m wondering if this could somehow be connected to $ they might have to be paid if those songs got released “as is” again. I don’t know—but two other key CM songs with Lindsey’s involvement (“Got a Hold On Me” and “Smile”) are entirely absent. Not sure if this is just a coincidence...