Which of Lindsey's TUSK songs do you think frightened the record executives?
 

Tusk
Not That Funny
That's Enough For Me
What Makes You Think You're the One

The Ledge
Not That Funny
What Makes You Think You're The One

Heck, I think even Tusk , the song, was somewhat frightening to people who were expecting more Top 10 pop smoothies. Tusk is addictive in its own way as generations of football fans can tell you today, but not so enchanting in 1979 when your sensibilities are Rumours minded and you were hoping for a big Christmas bonus.

Michele

Tusk just doesn't sound that "out there" to me. It really wasn't too different from other anthemic songs of the day from Queen and War. Here are the two that still frighten ME, 30 years later! :laugh:

What Makes You Think You're The One
Not That Funny

I think the execs were frightened not only by the songs that were "out there" but by those that weren't catchy. Of course, Tusk is plenty catchy, but I don't know if it's a love at first glance -- or love at first listen -- kind of thing. Actually, thinking back, after Sara, Tusk might have been the only song I liked upon first listening to the album. I don't remember if I embraced Think About Me immediately or not, but of course, I love Think About Me and Angel today.

The songs of Lindsey's that are not punk are just so long and slow. I think they also would have scared the pants off of anyone eagerly hoping for something with a hook. Slap SMAP. Michele

I'm surprised no one's said The Ledge

When considering the talent involved along with the climate & circumstances, "Tusk" is quite possibly the ballsiest first single of any artist ever.

Chili did.

Michele

I Know I'm Not Wrong...

Well, one of the strangest things about Tusk its track sequencing. I'm not sure how the songs could have been rearranged to make a more "logical flow" from one track to the next--and I'm not sure such a flow would be desirable. But I do know nothing is stranger than hearing "Over and Over"--a pleasant, glossy, easy-listening tune--followed by "The Ledge", which is one of the most weirdly-arranged/performed songs in rock-n-roll. The juxtaposition of those two tracks at the album's outset seems to encapsulate the spirit of the entire project: two bands working in one, chafing against one another and each benefitting from the other's presence.

Very true. I'd also suggest/point out that "The Ledge" would sound even more jarring/out of place if it was sequenced into any other part of the album. Example- switch it out with "That's Enough For Me", and you'll find the flow is not exactly completely interchangeable.

Apparently I'm not interested in reading today. Oops!

I reckon Save Me A Place. How I wish they continued the White Album/Rumours theme :(

Maybe it's because I didn't hear the complete Tusk album until 1988 or because I'm such a total fan of Lindsey, but I don't really think the album is that far out there. Yes, it is different than Rumours, but it's not completely away from a soft rock sound.

'Save Me a Place' was the only song I wish Lindsey had never done. I have no idea why he thought it was suitable for any album.