An interesting review of Rumours from 1977

[aleuzzi]

I don't think the reviewer is off the mark that much. He seems to represent a (then) fairly prevalent view of the band, perhaps a tad less generous than most, but ultimately positive.

His feelings about Olsen's production on the White Album have been mentioned before. Personally, I love the White Album production--it seems more like the songs were done live--but there's no question the band's attitude is definitely more confident on Rumours.

I'm wondering what in the italicized phrase about Christine you took issue with: the fact that her voice is "saturated with feeling" or that her song lyrics can be "dumb"?

[PenguinHead]

Originally Posted by aleuzzi

I don't think the reviewer is off the mark that much. He seems to represent a (then) fairly prevalent view of the band, perhaps a tad less generous than most, but ultimately positive.

His feelings about Olsen's production on the White Album have been mentioned before. Personally, I love the White Album production--it seems more like the songs were done live--but there's no question the band's attitude is definitely more confident on Rumours.

I'm wondering what in the italicized phrase about Christine you took issue with: the fact that her voice is "saturated with feeling" or that her song lyrics can be "dumb"?

I didn't like the "dumb" reference. Usually critics reserve that term for Stevie's songs! I do love the dig the writer gave to the Eagles!

[jbrownsjr]

Originally Posted by aleuzzi

I don't think the reviewer is off the mark that much. He seems to represent a (then) fairly prevalent view of the band, perhaps a tad less generous than most, but ultimately positive.

His feelings about Olsen's production on the White Album have been mentioned before. Personally, I love the White Album production--it seems more like the songs were done live--but there's no question the band's attitude is definitely more confident on Rumours.

I'm wondering what in the italicized phrase about Christine you took issue with: the fact that her voice is "saturated with feeling" or that her song lyrics can be "dumb"?

It's true tho, she can make a dumb line sound amazing. Stevie can too sometimes..

[aleuzzi]

Originally Posted by jbrownsjr

It's true tho, she can make a dumb line sound amazing. Stevie can too sometimes..

Agreed on both accounts. "You made me a woman tonight." Yikes.

I think the most poetic lyricist the band ever had was Welch. And some of Stevie's early songs with the band have great lyrics.

[David]

Originally Posted by aleuzzi

I think the most poetic lyricist the band ever had was Welch. And some of Stevie's early songs with the band have great lyrics.

I'm not familiar enough with Welch's lyrics to know, but I think my favorite lyricist from that group was Peter Green.

I'd cite a few favorite lyrics, but I can't find the lyrics section on this website. In fact, I can't find anything I'm looking for on this website. Bummer.

[aleuzzi]

I know! I just looked myself for the lyrics archive and couldn't find it. Weird.

When Green's lyrics were good they were really good: Oh Well, Man of the World, Rattlesnake Shake (for it's earthy with).

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by aleuzzi

I know! I just looked myself for the lyrics archive and couldn't find it. Weird.

I usually go to fmlegacy and look at the lyrics there. The lyrics on this site need an overhaul, which is not affordable at this time.

Michele

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by David

I'd cite a few favorite lyrics, but I can't find the lyrics section on this website. In fact, I can't find anything I'm looking for on this website. Bummer.

Here are the lyrics. http://www.fleetwoodmac.net/penguin/lyrics/index.html

Michele

[David]

Originally Posted by michelej1

Here are the lyrics. http://www.fleetwoodmac.net/penguin/lyrics/index.html

Michele

I am not asking forever from you
I am just asking to be held for awhile
Any timeless face
For love that might place
Still we already caught it, I cried

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by David

Still we already caught it, I cried

"Caught it" rather than "passed it"? That gives rise to new interpretations.

Michele

[jellyman10]

Originally Posted by aleuzzi

Agreed on both accounts. "You made me a woman tonight." Yikes.

I always like to think of Christine and her beau having a lovely evening sitting by the fire playing with modelling clay when I hear that.

[jellyman10]

Originally Posted by aleuzzi

I don't think the reviewer is off the mark that much. He seems to represent a (then) fairly prevalent view of the band, perhaps a tad less generous than most, but ultimately positive.

Has any other band had to put up with so much grudging praise? I've read so many reviews of FM (mostly British ones) that keep coming back to the fact that you really can't deny that they're enjoyable to listen to .... As if it was a crime to enjoy music. But then again, that is just about the only explanation for some of the 'artistes' who were the darlings of the British music press in the late 70s and early 80s: melody and harmony were the work of Satan to those miserable lefties.*

*I'm a lefty myself, but not a miserable one. Which is ironically the way to be the miserable of all.