Newsday review of Say You Will

[CarneVaca]

Here's the review from today's Newsday. It gives a pretty good indication as to why Lindsey's solo stuff doesn't sell. While critics by and large seem to adore Lindsey, this Newsday guy is more like the average person who doesn't go for the esoteric.

A Powerhouse Band on a New Road
April 15, 2003


The name of the band may still be Fleetwood Mac, but the key for some time has been the involvement of Buckingham-Nicks.

With guitarist-singer Lindsey Buckingham and singer Stevie Nicks on board with drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie, Fleetwood Mac is one of rock's most successful and influential bands. Without them, it becomes a struggle to explain what went wrong.

No such explanation is necessary for "Say You Will" (Reprise), the first album of new Fleetwood Mac material with Buckingham since 1987's "Tango in the Night" and the first with Nicks since 1990's disappointing "Behind the Mask." While it's not exactly a return to the halcyon days of "Rumours," it's certainly the band's most potent album since 1982's "Mirage," with a string of potential hits to remind people what made them a powerhouse, even without Christine McVie, who remains in retirement.

The title track is a glorious reminder of days gone by, with Nicks' slightly mysterious delivery of its irresistible insta-hook and Buckingham's sun- kissed guitarwork. "Thrown Down" has a classic Mac feel, like the second coming of "Rhiannon," with the Buckingham- Nicks harmonies sounding as comfortable as a down comforter. The leadoff single, "Peacekeeper," weaves together Buckingham's haunting lyrics (written long before the war in Iraq began) and that lush midtempo rock vibe that the band has owned since the 1970s. "What's the World Coming To?" is another charmer, a sunny, Southern California pop-rocker with Buckingham on lead vocals.

"Say You Will" is definitely a Buckingham-driven affair, with the guitarist-singer co-producing 11 of the album's 18 tracks, giving it a cohesive sound. Unfortunately, it seems like the Fleetwood Mac checks-and-balances system may not have been up and running, as some of the songs feature Buckingham running amok with unnecessarily ornate solos and excessive noodling. It works in the frenzied "Running Through the Garden," where the listener is bombarded with a swirl of Nicksian images and a growing musical intensity. In most songs, though, especially the patience-trying "Murrow" and "Red Rover," it doesn't.

Overall, "Say You Will" is a strong addition to the Fleetwood Mac catalog, sure to bring some new life and new fans to the upcoming tour. ("Say You Will," in stores today. Grade: B- )

[ERigby818]

Patience-trying?! Excessive noodling?!!
.
-Sonia

[SmthngOfADreamr]

I get tired of the constant comparisons to prior albums, but I suppose that's inevitable. I just wish that these people could come to terms with the fact that this is really a great album. And no, it won't sell as much as Rumours, or maybe even Tusk. But how many bands can honestly have 30 years + of material out there to be able to compare in the first place? And then to make comparisions such as "their best since 1982's mirage"...and then not back that opinion up in any way. It just drives me nuts. This album is so much better than Mirage that it's almost scary! 1982 was 21 years ago for God's sake! It's like comparing bands like System of a Down or Staind with Wham!

Anyway, excuse the rant. It probably makes no sense, I'm just frustrated with some of these reviews.

[BigAl84]

i think the fact that these reviews keep mentioning lindseys excessive needling and eccentric work, only makes lindsey feel better. The fact that its odd enough that the critics dont favour probably makes his clocks turn. Lindsey said himself the more people who find this album quirky, all the better he will feel.

[Gazza]

They adore Lindsey when there's no "Fleetwood Mac" name in sight. That's what pisses me off.

What I like about Lindsey, is that he can be as completely weird as Radiohead, but his songs still work. You can strip them down to nothing and there's still something great there, which I don't think is the case with much of Radioheads later stuff.

I understand Red Rover is not going to be to everyones taste, but there's something unique there, there's an idea, which is more exciting than most of the generic crap you'll hear today, from bands that for some reason unknown to me get a ridiculous amount of praise for doing something that was done better 25 years ago.

The fact one critic thinks Murrow "totally rocks" whilst another think's it's awful, says it all really.

I hope they make another album that's the wackiest thing you'll ever hear. I'm sure that's what Lindsey wants.

[blodge]

Comparisons to previous albums are inevitable. It's just an opinion; there's no way to really back it up. I was suprised that they considered strongest since Mirage, which IMHO opinion was the Rumours lineups' weakest studio effort. (That being said, it's still a darn good album, which goes to the high standards of FM albums.) I don't get why the critics consistently bag on Tango in the Night as mediocre. I loved that album.

But then again, it's just an opinion.

[Karen]

Unfortunately, it seems like the Fleetwood Mac checks-and-balances system may not have been up and running, as some of the songs feature Buckingham running amok with unnecessarily ornate solos and excessive noodling.

I guess this is supposed to be the writer's way of saying that he/she misses Christine McVie's presence. There have been other reviews that make this point clear. How interesting!

Hey, I'm glad that Lindsey was able to do his own thing on another Fleetwood Mac album (like Tusk ). He's always had great reviews when it comes to his solo work. This isn't the first time that he's used his solo material to make an FM album, nor will it be his last time. The reviewers need to consider this factor.

Thanks for posting the article!

[DownOnRodeo]

The fact one critic thinks Murrow "totally rocks" whilst another think's it's awful, says it all really.

Exactly. This multifaceted album is really proving to be a test of inidividual preference. As you say Gazza, most reviewers have been praising Murrow, and one even preferred Silver Girl to Red Rover. I mean...come on

[blodge]

Comparisons to previous albums are inevitable. It's just an opinion; there's no way to really back it up. I was suprised that they considered strongest since Mirage, which IMHO opinion was the Rumours lineups' weakest studio effort. (That being said, it's still a darn good album, which goes to the high standards of FM albums.) I don't get why the critics consistently bag on Tango in the Night as mediocre. I loved that album.

But then again, it's just an opinion.

[LindseyRocks]

Let's face it, most critics don't have "ears". They don't understand production or experimentation. They tend to be "casual music listeners"; anything that challenges their precious little ears in the slightest really freaks them out.

Quite frankly, the new album is brilliant. The Mac has managed to retain the classic sound while still pushing the envelope a bit. They really have progressed, rather than staying stuck in the same vain that the critics seem to want them to. Lindsey did a great job with this one - even Stevie's material is the strongest I've heard from her in years (which is quite a compliment considering that she lost her voice years ago). The Mac is back, and I'm loving it.

david

[strandinthewind]

Originally posted by LindseyRocks
even Stevie's material is the strongest I've heard from her in years (which is quite a compliment considering that she lost her voice years ago).

david

While I agree her voice changed dramatically after Bella Donna or, at the latest, Wild Heart. I feel compelled to come to La Nicks' defense and point out that she has still sold millions of records and for the most part remained adored both critically and publicly since then. Even Street Angel got decent reviews. So, I must take friendly ( ) issue with your conclusion that she has "lost her voice" if you meant that to say she cannot sing since 1984ish.