The Ledge - story behind SYW

http://www.eagle969.com/staff-content/jock_brian.html

--Lis

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Fleetwood Mac
"Say You Will"
Released April 2003.

Even though the band's member line-up is altered once again, "Say You Will" returns Fleetwood Mac to their successful sound reminiscent of "Tusk," and the land-mark "Rumours" albums. Stevie Nicks (gone since 1990) and Lindsey Buckingham (absent since 1987) have returned to the fold, while Christine McVie chooses in large part to sit this one out (she performs on a few of the 18 songs).

The story behind the album, as told by Lindsey, Stevie, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood on a recent visit with The Mark & Brian Show, is that Buckingham had been working on a solo project (his first since 1992). Lindsey invited bassist McVie and drummer Fleetwood to appear as guests on the CD. With hints of past friendship, and quality of music akin to Fleetwood Mac, the trio invited Stevie to also guest on the release. Unfortunately, she declined because she was on a solo tour. This small twist in the plan is what led to the release becoming a Fleetwood Mac project, when she sends a demo of multiple songs she had in the bank back for them to hear. All parties decided to wait for Stevie, and invite Christine McVie to participate in Fleetwood Mac's first project since 1997's live CD and tour "The Dance."

The resulting release, "Say You Will," is a brilliant collection of songs (18 in total), half written by Lindsey Buckingham, half by Stevie Nicks, with lead vocals handled by the 2 songwriters throughout. Though a few of the songs aren't up to classic quality, more than a dozen are, making this an album of "Rumours" caliber. Stand outs include the 1st single "Peacekeeper," the playful title track "Say You Will," the up-tempo Nicks tracks "Thrown Down," "Running Through The Garden," and "Destiny Rules", and the heart-felt guitar playing and vocals of Buckingham on "Steal Your Heart Away," "Bleed To Love Her" and "Say Goodbye" (all 3 of which I put among the best Fleetwood Mac has ever offered). A few other songs are solid pieces when performed live, but too slick out of the studio (the social conscience "What's The World Coming To" and soft to hard tempo challenged "Come").

Christine McVie chose to take a lesser role with the group, announcing her retirement from the band and music. She does play on a few songs, and gets guesting credit (along with Sheryl Crow), but does not write or sing lead vocals on any of the pieces. Mrs. McVie is all that is missing from a CD that lives up to expectations. It can be argued that there are 2 separate solo CDs packaged into 1 Fleetwood Mac release, but the shared space of Buckingham/Nicks along with the rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood/John McVie covers so much of the same musical ground that it's hard to fault. Do yourself a favor, and create new memories in 2003 with Fleetwood Mac's "Say You Will."

- Brian Lopez (formerly known as "Booger")