[aleuzzi]

It’s pretty thorough, but I have a problem with one of its key assumptions, namely that Lindsey “carried” FM from 1975-87. While it is true that since 1970 the core trio of Brits have always relied on the musical vision of whatever guitarist was leading them (Kirwan, Welch, Buckingham), the talents of the rhythm section, Stevie’s voice and stage presence, and Christine’s combined songwriting talents and intuitive sense of musical texture were equally important in the band’s success, especially with Rumours and the White Album. Without the trio’s musical foundation, and without Stevie’s personality, Lindsey’s genius would have been relegated to session music, likely some arranging and producing, and possibly some limited success as his own front person. In short, they needed and benefited from each other.

One more thing: Lindsey might be the architect/producer for Tango, but commercially the album would have been consigned to a fate similar to Go Insane if it weren’t for Christine’s songs, the band brand (including Stevie’s voice and persona), and the powerful rhythm section on Caroline, Little Lies, and the title track. Even Big Love, which appears to be 100% Lindsey with no band input, would not have hit as big if people didn’t see the FM name.