new Dashut blog - Truth & Consequences (My Times with FM)

[aleuzzi]

Originally Posted by michelej1

Even when Lindsey left in 1987, the press was giving him credit for the band's sound. That's why Chris was saying, "but I was right over his shoulder" and such, because the media was wondering where the band would be without him and the band wanted to stress that they could still go on. So, I think he has always been credited for shaping their sound. He just wasn't called a "visionary" because, heaven help me ... in those days maybe Providence was more sensitive about preserving my sanity than it is today.

Michele

Yeah, that visionary stuff...yikes.

Lindsey's role in the production of those albums is obviously central. But Christine's role, if not as forceful, was as crucial to the band's sound. One need only hear some of her songs pre BN to see she was working out aspects of the vocal formula in advance of Lindsey. The thick background vocal textures on the Heroes title track, for example, sets the stage for YMLF three years later. The song Why, though classic balladry, is as offbeat and idiosyncratic in places as anything on Mirage.

Lindsey complains that the whole band took credit for production, and he was probably right to complain. But if he got credit, Christine would have to get an assist credit--or at least co-arrangement credit.

Side note: Danny Kirwan was pretty much the producer on Bare Trees and Future Games. Christine has even credited him as being a top-notch arranger. Mac tradition has always seen the lead guitarist as musical architect.