Digging for Small Gems (album review)
 

http://spectrum.buffalo.edu/article.php?id=29809

Digging for small gems
RACHEL SHERIDAN - Staff Writer
When artists decide to go solo, the result is usually disastrous. Yet, former Fleetwood Mac member Lindsey Buckingham has proven that he can break away and still retain his musical credibility.

"Under the Skin" is not an impressive album. Almost all of the tracks on it sound the same, but the lyrics are redeeming. Inspired and poetic, they showcase Buckingham's skill as an experienced songwriter.

"Castaway Dreams" is the track that exemplifies this talent the best.

"It would do no good to drown in the sea/ Where no one remembers their name/ and nothing but nothing is free," sings Buckingham.

The title track has a beautifully simple guitar melody, one that carries the song along entirely. It works in harmony with Buckingham's husky voice.

"Down on Rodeo" is influenced by country music, simplistic in its expression of missed opportunities and the fluidity of time.

"We never took quite enough chances/ We never had quite enough time."

Although the lyrics are simple, there is a power of feeling in Buckingham's voice that is capable of inspiring the listener.

His guitar skills shine on "Shut Us Down," a song some may recognize from the film, "Elizabethtown."

Its infectious guitar line adds multiple layers even though the song only features Buckingham singing and playing by himself. The track creates positive sensations despite its talk of "a child is born, another dies." Buckingham can discuss terrible issues without becoming bogged down in the material, keeping the album light.

Much of the album is filled with romantic songs and as a result, it is refreshing when a slightly more up-tempo track comes along.

"Show Me How" displays Buckingham's vocal abilities as he slips from high to low notes with ease, and the beat makes it irresistible.

The album doesn't vary much, but Buckingham is tremendously talented when it comes to chilling out with feeling.

what a strange review . . . it kinda slams the cd at the get go("this is not an impressive album" right after saying that he has been able to break away and maintain his credibility ) . . . but then spends the meat of the article talking about all the good parts there are . . .

i wouldnt say that to gwen stafani, natalie merchant, stevie nicks, michael jackson (:sorry: ), john fogarty, beyonce, peter gabriel, david byrne, diana ross, Lisa gerard, annie lennox, our c. McVie (a drink in the face perhaps??) ,or numerous others that aren't on the tip of my mind (yes it's pointy) . . .



former fleetwood mac member?? how about we go with part-time. . . and then FM doesn't have to pay his health care . . . :laugh:

sounds like it's cincymike in disguise

- just kiddin mike

so they point out all those good points and then summarize . . .


sooo. . . is the only reason it wasn't impressive was it doesn't vary much and they think most of it sounds the same -

granted some of the textures and rhythms have similarities but he intentionally put the album togethr as an accoustic album that has a theme running through it - instrumentally as well as the overall "chill" vibe that speak of . . . it is a snapshot of his work during a particular time with a particular feel -

of course they are free to not be impressed -
but besides the one complaint about variation - they do seem impressed -

and i bet if they listened three more times they would be walking down the street -

". . . anything goes. . .for the asking . . .under the skin , , , "

just my thoughts on it

what a retarded review. :shrug:

Let me just say now that I'm about to be offended by the people who will post that they are offended by the use of the word "retarded" to describe the review.

Oh, wait, I really didn't need to write that. Only people on Stevie's forum are super-sensitive.

And yes, a very retarded review.

it sounds like it was written for a high school newspaper. "this album is by lindsey buckingham. he plays the guitar. he has a girl's name." etc.

this could be a case where the editor is to blame
-[ at least for the incoherence of the article, not the reviewers taste in music :D ]-

the review seems to be missing a few paragraphs (or points ) that hold togethr - so maybe someone cut out something for space restraints - and thus made the writer look bad
:shrug:

right after "this is not an impressive album. " the editor cut-out one of the following

"this is not an impressive album. " ". . . it is THE impressive album"

"this is not an impressive album. " " . . . unless your musical sensibilities are ready for a trip outside the mainstream "

"this is not an impressive album. " ". . . or at least not seemingly so on first listen . . . but soon it is indeed Under Your Skin"

My thoughts exactly!! No style at all ......
besides, they're wrong. :p