Lindsey's best guitar solo?

Matt Lucas · #1 08-06-2015, 06:54 PM

Hello all---

My 12-year-old daughter and I were in the car this morning, and she asked to hear some music. With literally thousands of songs on my iPod Classic from which to choose, I decided to surprise her with a favorite of hers that she hadn't requested in months: "Landslide."

I've mentioned here before that I probably fall mostly in Lindsey's corner, though I probably keep a few toes in Christine's corner, too. But having said that, I think "Landslide" might just be my favorite FM song. Perhaps it's even their best song, though I really think whatever song earns that title should feature the whole band.

Anyway, I hadn't heard the song in quite some time. I heard "Landslide" with new ears today, and I was stuck by the simple beauty of Lindsey's guitar solo. I felt every tiny detail, each graceful note. It's a marvel, really. So eloquent and perfect. I hear more than a little Chet Atkins in Lindsey's phrasing, which is no surprise.

That solo may be the best example of one of Lindsey's greatest strengths as a musician---his ability to play a solo that fits the song, that carries the melody into some uncharted, yet familiar territory.

Don't get me wrong, I like Lindsey's loud, rock solos as much as anyone. But he's done so many of them---so many great ones---that sometimes it's hard to pick one that stands head and shoulders above the rest. And so, his solos that are different, like the ones in "Landslide" and "Steal Your Heart Away" and "You Make Loving Fun," are the ones that stand out most to me.

So...what is your favorite Lindsey guitar solo, and why?

Matt

pattyfan · #2 08-06-2015, 07:57 PM

I can only limit myself to the top 3.

1. His solo at the end of Tango in the Night. It fits the song so well and it's such a contrast to other parts of the song where he is finger picking notes.

2. The solo at the end of Gypsy, especially the long version. As with many of Stevie's FM songs, this song really benefitted from Lindsey's arrangement and beautiful solo.

3. I also love his solo at the end of Sisters of the Moon.

Kevin

Macfan4life · #3 08-07-2015, 05:58 AM

This is a tough one. I will stick with the question and solo...not just his best guitar work.
Go your own way is right off the top of my head

But really this is easy for me but its not from a Mac song. I think his best guitar solo is from Loving Cup from Go Insane.

**jbrownsjr** · #4 08-07-2015, 07:59 AM

The Chain (Mirage Tour).. just wow
Isn't It Midnight
Tango In The Night
ISA (Live Album)

louielouie2000 · #5 08-07-2015, 08:35 AM

I agree with everything I'm seeing in this thread. However, I just have to throw some love towards some of Lindsey's more subdued guitar solos, as they often get no appreciation at all. Songs like Mystified and Wish You Were Here have gorgeous, understated solos in their outros. No, they aren't rocking or epic... but they leave me feeling dreamy and contemplative after each listen.

Iamwilliame · #6 08-07-2015, 11:05 AM

One of my all time favorite guitar solos by LB is the one for Hold Me. The way he plays alongside the acoustic guitar, percussion and Chris's keys all the way through the outro........Fleetwood Mac doesn't get any more sublime than that.

As for rocking out.........The Chain from the official 82 tour video. All other arguments are invalid.

I really think he peaked as a guitarist and producer in the early 80s.

**jbrownsjr** · #7 08-07-2015, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by louielouie2000

I agree with everything I'm seeing in this thread. However, I just have to throw some love towards some of Lindsey's more subdued guitar solos, as they often get no appreciation at all. Songs like Mystified and Wish You Were Here have gorgeous, understated solos in their outros. No, they aren't rocking or epic... but they leave me feeling dreamy and contemplative after each listen.

I agree. Only Over You has nice guitar parts, too.

**jbrownsjr** · #8 09-26-2025, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbrownsjr

The Chain (Mirage Tour).. just wow
Isn't It Midnight
Tango In The Night
ISA (Live Album)

These still hold for me.

Add Carnival Begin
Delete ISA Live and add ISA Mirage Live Forum (HBO version)

Wdm6789 · #9 08-07-2015, 11:46 PM

Gypsy. The long version.

Montclare · #10 08-07-2015, 11:59 PM

The Chain, both album and 82, ISA 1980, GYOW Japan 1977. And I second SOTM. I think that's the best guitar work on Tusk. Oh, and the LIB version of Come. I only feel so so about the song, but love the solo in it, especially where he keeps hitting the same note again and again. Orgasmic.

**mylittledemon** · #11 08-08-2015, 03:26 AM

This is a really tough one for me. If I had to pick one that really moves me, I'd have to go with the outro guitar on "Street of Dreams."

2nd choice might have to be "I'm So Afraid" from The Dance.

SorcererJP · #12 08-08-2015, 08:04 AM

So Afraid might be an obvious choice, the outro of Tango in the Night is similar to the recent live-incarnations, still very good. But, after the last three tours no surprise anymore ...

I do like his guitar-solo's/riffs on the Live in Boston-version of 'Come' a lot as well as the all time classic Frozen Love.

aleuzzi · #13 08-08-2015, 10:20 AM

Isn't It Midnight

Smile I Live For

Go Your Own Way (the second of the two set guitar pieces)

Frozen Love

The live versions of Rhiannon from the 75-76 period

This Is the Time