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.

WayOfTheDragon · #7 08-07-2015, 01:45 PM

My favorite is "Hold Me". That slow, high-pitched solo is my favorite part of the song.

jkmaletic · #8 08-07-2015, 02:32 PM

The solo in Frozen Love is my favorite of all. Just awesome.

**jbrownsjr** · #9 08-07-2015, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkmaletic

The solo in Frozen Love is my favorite of all. Just awesome.

Forgot about that one... it gives me goosebumps..

elle · #10 08-07-2015, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbrownsjr

Forgot about that one... it gives me goosebumps..

the only good part of that song, actually, as far as i'm concerned.

i love many, but one that nobody mentioned yet comes to mind: Destiny Rules outro. just gorgeous. can be nicely heard at the start of the Destiny Rules doc, as well as several of SYW tour bootlegs when they performed the song.

fast (although lifted from other songs) outro in many of the live versions Of Eyes of the world.

the Chain John and Lindsey guitar parts make the song for many, myself included.

**jbrownsjr** · #11 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.

KenB · #12 08-07-2015, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbrownsjr

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

Does the long acoustic guitar intro to "Don't Look Down" (from Out Of The Cradle) count as a "solo"? If it does, that's my vote. But really, is an intro a solo?

Macfan4life · #13 08-07-2015, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenB

Does the long acoustic guitar intro to "Don't Look Down" (from Out Of The Cradle) count as a "solo"? If it does, that's my vote. But really, is an intro a solo?

Lindsey picks his strings so to some it may be confusing what a guitar solo is from him. There is no guitar solo in The Chain but there is amazing guitar work live from 1982 in that song.

I still vote Loving Cup but definitely Hold Me and Isnt It Midnight are tops too.

KenB · #14 08-07-2015, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macfan4life

I still vote Loving Cup but definitely Hold Me and Isnt It Midnight are tops too.

Hold Me would be my #2 after Don't Look Down.

Wdm6789 · #15 08-07-2015, 11:46 PM

Gypsy. The long version.