Richmond Times Dispatch Review of The Chain
February 4, 1993
***
In an era that saw some of rock's formative bands break-up, the rise and fall of disco, the annoying emergence of jazz/rock fusion and such assorted rock snores as the Pousette-Dart Band, Pablo Cruise and Little River Band, Fleetwood Mac's phenomenal rise may be through default.
It was the mid-'70s and the best place to find pop music with any muscle and brains was in the import bins. Oddly, Fleetwood Mac began as a good British blues band with some psychedelic accents. It was a band of impermanent membership. The rhythmic mainstays were drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie.
Close to calling it a day, the band released a pop/rock album with new members guitarist/vocalist Lindsey Buckingham and vocalist Stevie Nicks. With his keen ear for melody and her bleating, tortured sheeplike voice, the album "Fleetwood Mac" sold millions. Its follow-up "Rumours" was a monster seller as well.
After sputtering to collapse a few years ago, Fleetwood Mac went their own way. Now they are back with a bloated, four disc tribute to a career as memorable for its banalities as it was for good songs. "Fleetwood Mac: 25 Years -- The Chain" (Warner Bros.) includes 72 songs. Slick, seamless pop with a pinpoint rhythm section and gossamer harmonies drove many of their songs to the top of the charts.
This collection opens with two new songs. "Paper Doll" is typical of Ms. Nicks' cloying drone. "Love Shines" is the type of pop song that made the band great. Christine McVie's voice romantically implores. Finely detailed guitars intertwine around Ms. McVie's voice and dynamically lift it toward a lushly melodic bridge.
The band's hits are all here. The Draconian reawakening of "Don't Stop" as a Democratic campaign theme, makes it a song played to excess twice in its lifespan. Other popular ditties include "Stand Back," "Say You Love Me," "Rhiannon," "Landslide," "Second Hand News," "The Chain," "Over My Head," "Sara," "Go Your Own Way," "Crystal" and "You Make Loving Fun."
The fourth disc is a study in contrasts. Exuberant blues and powerhouse rock comprise the majority of this disc. It is far removed from the style of smooth pop/rock where Fleetwood Mac found its success. Guitar great Peter Green led this early and, to long time fans, the best incarnation. "Black Magic Woman," "Albatross," "Rattlesnake Shake," "Oh Well, Part 1" and "Green Manalishi" are included.
Fleetwood Mac's Los Angeles period with guitarist Bob Welch is largely ignored. It is inexcusable that such songs as "Bare Trees," "Future Games" and "Show Me a Smile" were omitted. Instead, later insignificant songs or material from such forgettable albums as "Heroes Are Hard to Find" are included.
A four-disc box set priced at a premium should include some color, interesting graphics and an incisive history. "Fleetwood Mac: 25 Years -- The Chain" does not. It is smug to expect listeners to pay from $50 to $70 for it. Though well recorded with excellent digital transfers and a wealth of material (including some alternate versions), this set is designed for die-hard fans with big appetites.
(ljb) Altered Takes
|