Fleetwood Mac (Deluxe Edition) Box set

[aleuzzi]

Okay, I forked over for the reissue (digital format) solely because I wanted to hear the early versions of the songs.

Surprisingly, I was NOT disappointed! These are not merely recordings minus overdubs but actual early takes, with scratch vocals and occasionally very different instrumental ideas. As usual, I think the final album reflects wise decisions but I have to say I am truly digging the early takes of “Over My Head” and “Sugar Daddy” in particular. On “Over My Head” we get this bright, bouncy piano riff—and for the first time I can see how Christine originally conceived it on her little honer piano. The piano part is similar to that which is used on “Heroes are Hard to Find.” I also love the variations in her voice here. It sounds like a live-in-studio take.

“Sugar Daddy”— wow! If anyone ever doubted Christine’s effectiveness as a keyboard player, they need to listen to her piano and organ work on this. Add to that her bluesy vocal in which, toward the very end of the song, her range hits lower notes than I’ve ever heard from her. The voice on this take is very much a similar, if more developed voice as the one she had on CHRISTINE PERFECT.

I like the electric piano jazz chords and frequent guitar fills on World Turning.

“Crystal” sounds so timeless in it’s barest state. Lovely.

I’ve heard all of the live stuff before except the version of Over My Head. So glad to get that material in digitally remastered form.

[secondhandchain]

Originally Posted by aleuzzi

Okay, I forked over for the reissue (digital format) solely because I wanted to hear the early versions of the songs.

Surprisingly, I was NOT disappointed! These are not merely recordings minus overdubs but actual early takes, with scratch vocals and occasionally very different instrumental ideas. As usual, I think the final album reflects wise decisions but I have to say I am truly digging the early takes of “Over My Head” and “Sugar Daddy” in particular. On “Over My Head” we get this bright, bouncy piano riff—and for the first time I can see how Christine originally conceived it on her little honer piano. The piano part is similar to that which is used on “Heroes are Hard to Find.” I also love the variations in her voice here. It sounds like a live-in-studio take.

“Sugar Daddy”— wow! If anyone ever doubted Christine’s effectiveness as a keyboard player, they need to listen to her piano and organ work on this. Add to that her bluesy vocal in which, toward the very end of the song, her range hits lower notes than I’ve ever heard from her. The voice on this take is very much a similar, if more developed voice as the one she had on CHRISTINE PERFECT.

I like the electric piano jazz chords and frequent guitar fills on World Turning.

“Crystal” sounds so timeless in it’s barest state. Lovely.

I’ve heard all of the live stuff before except the version of Over My Head. So glad to get that material in digitally remastered form.

These aren't really early takes of the song but early versions. The overdubs are different, but the core of the song made it to the final versions. I still ove them though.

[aleuzzi]

Originally Posted by secondhandchain

These aren't really early takes of the song but early versions. The overdubs are different, but the core of the song made it to the final versions. I still ove them though.

Yes, I wrote early take but meant early version. Hence “scratch vocals.”

On “Over My Head” I sense the piano was not an overdub but part of the original base track. The riff is so integrated into the song conception. The decision to remove it was cool (it created a lot more space) but I can also see how that piano riff was probably tied to her composition process.

[secondhandchain]

Originally Posted by aleuzzi

Yes, I wrote early take but meant early version. Hence “scratch vocals.”

On “Over My Head” I sense the piano was not an overdub but part of the original base track. The riff is so integrated into the song conception. The decision to remove it was cool (it created a lot more space) but I can also see how that piano riff was probably tied to her composition process.

I love the overdubs they did but the mix on these early versions sound more alive to me. By the way Chris comes off the best on these tracks, just wow. Her vocal takes to me on her tracks are better then what made it to the final version.

[secondhandchain]

Originally Posted by aleuzzi

Yes, I wrote early take but meant early version. Hence “scratch vocals.”

On “Over My Head” I sense the piano was not an overdub but part of the original base track. The riff is so integrated into the song conception. The decision to remove it was cool (it created a lot more space) but I can also see how that piano riff was probably tied to her composition process.

I take some of that back. Songs like World Turning are completely different takes, drums and all. So different.

[jbrownsjr]

Really interesting ISA (instrumental version). I see how it became a live jam.

[sorcerer999]

EVERY...SINGLE...SONG in the 5.1 surround mix is absolutely sublime! It's like a completely different record! I'm totally loving this!!!

The live stuff from Warner Brothers studios sound almost EXACTLY like the Midnight Special performance. Can someone confirm this?

Regarding the tour disc, "Station Man", "Why", "Blue Letter", "Landslide" and "Hypnotized" are the stand out tracks for me. They all sound amazing! Those harmonies!!! I can't get over how young and energetic they were all sounding and playing in this era! Definitely a "snap shot" in time! ❤️

[iamnotafraid]

What's the best price so far for this set?

I've seen it for $79.99 at Music Direct.

[SisterNightroad]

Originally Posted by sorcerer999

The live stuff from Warner Brothers studios sound almost EXACTLY like the Midnight Special performance. Can someone confirm this?

If you're referring to the "Burbank Studios" performance, it is the Midnight Special recording: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Burbank_Studios

[BaronVonBielski]

I agree about the 5.1 Surround. Once again Ken Caillat does an amazing job. I hate to say it or give him credit, but he knows how to engineer quality surround. It’s really too bad they couldn’t of got him to transfer Tango to 5.1 Surround. That high res bull**** is just a waste of time. Anyways back on topic. In my opinion it’s the best collection of the 5 super deluxe releases. I love the early takes, even if the song is worse it still gives you another take and inside look to the creative process. The live stuff is excellent. I love hearing Lindsey sing and play on the songs from before he was in the band. I prefer his renditions over the originals by far. His vocals are easily an upgrade and he’s always had a way of making one guitar sound like 2. So he holds his own vs. the previous guitarists in Fleetwood Mac. So now I ask, where do they go from here? I really doubt any other FM album will get deluxed.