So I just listened to Why for the first time.

[PenguinHead]

Originally Posted by FuzzyPlum

The intro is very labored but it's part of what makes the song so good. By the time Christine's voice kicks in the anticipation has built up so much it gives a sense of euphoria. A gem of a song that's unlikely to be played by FM again but I'd love to see a major artist cover it.

Your description is so accurate and eloquently written.

I agree that the guitar solo proceeding the piano intro from the album version is a great set up, providing striking drama to the song. It's great that we have a recording of the band performing the song in 1975-76, when they were still mining songs from Fleetwood Mac back catalog.

Most of those songs were dropped from their sets when Rumours came out; they now had enough material representing the new band configuration to fill their show. Oh Well was the only song that lingered around for a while. Why should have lingered longer; its power is similar to that of Songbird.

The middle, transitional period of Fleetwood Mac circa 1970-1974 (Kiln House, Future Games, Bare Trees, Penguin, Mystery to Me and Heroes are Hard to Find) is so fascinating and beguiling. Each album has its own unique dimensions, containing lots of unsung sonic treasures.

I wish Christine would have revisited some of those songs, and Stevie and Lindsey revisit a few Buckingham Nicks songs (Don't Let Me Down Again on the Live album is such an a anomaly!) They seem to ignore those older songs, but have been holding tight to old songs, circa 1975-1987, which they are still performing now.