[Andy Man]

Having just purchased the new Super deluxe edition, I must say this could be the best release that Fleetwood Mac has put out (in terms of deluxe treatments).

Highlights:

-The live recordings (essentially a full Tusk show) are outstanding! By far the best live songs put out by the band. It's amazing to hear them live in their prime (for someone who was born way too late to experience this). It would have been great to have included a live version of Think About Me from the tour, but this is a minor quibble. Every single live track is epic...certainly this is FM at their most raw and 'rockiest'. As I listen to each live track it feels like the creative energy in the band is exploding on stage, resulting in an epic 2 hour listening experience. Well done to the individuals responsible for putting together this live set.

-The Alternate takes are a gem. Normally, I find the demos and such on deluxe treatments to be a formality with little insight; I am always much more interested in getting a remastered version of the original record. However the 'Alternate Tusk' presents us with truly different versions of each song, allowing us to hear each track in it's most raw state. The alternate "Brown Eyes" is certainly the best out of the unreleased material, however I quite enjoy the alternate "Storms" and "Save Me A Place" as well.

-"Save Me A Place" has become an unexpected favourite for me since listening to the new release. I have to say that the final album mix does not do the song justice compared to the much more intimate alternate and live versions. I do hope that if FM tour again that we receive this song in the acoustic set...it is Lindsey at his most vulnerable.

-The packaging is absolutely beautiful. The essay and track notes are well worth the read.

-The Remastering: This is one of the best remasters I have ever heard (especially the 5.1 mix). The remastered album sounds incredible, and it is evident that a lot of time went into making this record shine. The remastering for this release (and the Rumours re-releae, quite frankly) should serve as an example for all engineers and mixers in the industry.

Above all, this release highlights the many talents in the band. I dare say that when you truly listen to "Tusk" it is not hyperbole to state that FM rivals The Beatles in terms of musicianship and songwriting ability. Christine, Stevie, and Lindsey each contribute such creative and sophisticated material throughout the album. If nothing else, this release emphasizes the force that is Lindsey Buckingham. "Tusk" (the album) is his greatest moment, and his ability to transfer his skill to the writing, musicianship, and recording of each other FM member is outstanding.

A great release. It is now more than evident that "Tusk" is the band's crowning achievement.