Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Johnny Stew
This actually brings up an interesting question (though hopefully not another Ledge war):
Since so many fans seem to prefer Stevie's solo outtake of "Running Through The Garden," what we now know is a solo version of "Thrown Down," her piano demo of "Goodbye Baby," and the "angry" version of "Smile At You" (which Ken Caillat has gone on record as saying was NOT recorded by Fleetwood Mac, but rather by Stevie's solo band, and a guitarist recreating Lindsey's style -- much to Lindsey's annoyance), and since so many people dislike the "altered voices" effects in "Illume" and "Everybody Finds Out"....
Is Lindsey not quite as in-tune with what's best for Stevie's songs as he used to be?
Let me go on record as saying that, personally, I prefer Lindsey's production on all the aforementioned songs, above any of the earlier recordings. In every case.
But I've noticed quite a few other fans... even some of the bigger Buckingham fans... stating that they were less-than-thrilled with the production and arrangement touches on Stevie's 'SYW' songs. So it has me wondering.
|
I don't know if you're necessarily referring to me as one of the folks you're talking about, but I know I have complained about some of the above. As I've said before, I prefer his take on Thrown Down and I love the addition of his guitar work on RTTG, althoguh I admit I missed the overlapping vocals "Never did I mean to (until she herself) imprison you (became the deadliest poison)" - that's so cool. Otherwise the SYW version is better.
Regarding Smile At You and Illume.... I'll be frank here.... Lindsey botched them. Don't tell me those unnatural sounds and freakish vocals were Stevie's idea. I'm sure he sold her on it, but it was his idea. And it was a bad one.
Regarding EFO - I adore that mix. It rocks. The echo vocal really works.
So, what's my assessment? I still think Lindsey can take Stevie's songs to places they'd never get to otherwise. I love what he does to MOST of her songs. However, sometimes, it appears he can get out of control and take them TOO far. That's reflected in his own work, when it gets over-produced and gimmicky, and his own self-indulgences occasionally spill over onto Stevie's music when he's producing it. When he controls his tendency to do that, he's still the best there is.
