[strandinthewind]

I like if not love Tusk. It was a turning point for a variety of reasons with mainstream burnout probably being the most significant. I do not like all of LB's songs - they are just too out there for me. Good examples of this are NTF and The Ledge. I think these two are brilliant in concept, but are just too confused in what they want to be. But, I do get what he was going for and think others like Save Me a Place, Tusk, and Walk a Thin Line are gorgeous. I think listening to his stuff on Tusk is like watching the first hints of his new genius and the change from the 70's guitar god stance strongly reflected in his personal demeanor and dress and in the brilliant GYOW and ISA. SYW is a good example of that genius evolved. Songs like Red Rover, Murrow, and Miranda are brilliantly quirky and are more focused and polished than some of the things on Tusk.

Interstingly and risking the wrath of the Buckinghamists on the board, I think Tusk was Stevie's moment. Her songs are brilliant, melodic, and carefully crafted, with many kudos to LB for that, and eclipse all other songs on the record.