Tusk Expanded - Early Thoughts

[Keith]

Tusk Deluxe came yesterday and I must admit that the packaging is stellar (and they finally included the lyrics – my original nitpick about this album when it was first released). I decided to take it one step at a time and started listening to the alternate mixes and there are many great moments - many. I’m glad the stingy band (or is it the record company) finally shared these different takes with their diehard fans (yes, we are out here and we dig this stuff and we want more). Now Tusk comes in as my 3rd favorite Mac album. I’m one of those fans that doesn’t consider it a masterpiece, albeit great, because it has its flaws and tracks that I skip (unless I listen to it on vinyl which I do quite frequently and I can’t wait to spin these new discs). My playlist Tusk has always been 15 tracks (5 songs from each songwriter) that I sequenced differently from the original order. I have been listening non-stop to these new alternate tracks, and started incorporating a few into my Tusk playlist which only improves the listen to this innovative and interesting record. Sounds nice and fresh and my world yesterday and today is all about listening to this gift of music from my favorite band. It’s like getting reacquainted with an old friend who has matured over time. Here is my new Tusk – with a bit of an alternative twist - playlist:

1. Over and Over – I have always loved this song and think it is a great opener and that’s how my “Tusk” playlist begins. I replaced the original with the alt version primarily because I think the end is magical with how Christine sings ‘over and over’ as the song winds down. Such an ‘under the radar’ gem - either version really works to begin the record.

2. I Know I’m Not Wrong - one of my favorite tracks and I really dig the added Stevie vocals in the alt mix. However, the original has the accordion which I think really lifts this song even higher with an added punch. Tough call for this Stevie fan, but I am choosing the accordion / original version. I wish they would have included both Stevie’s really cool vocals along with the accordion. But, it’s Fleetwood Mac. And the original is stellar! “.. her eyes looked sad..”

3. Think About Me - It’s the single remix that rocks. Dig the alt version, but can’t nix the remix.

4. Sara.. ok. Not really a fan of the alt version – it has its moments, though – the ending vocal and lyrics. Not a fan of “I don’t want to be a cleaning lady..,” the dreadful “ooh wahs..” that pop up out of nowhere and make me cringe. The original is so hauntingly arranged and the orchestration and lushness propels “Sara” to one of Stevie’s best Fleetwood Mac songs. Get rid of the “..i want to be a star..” and the “ooh wahs” and you have a pretty alt version – still pales to the original “Sara.”

5. Tusk – I really dig this alt version with all its quirkiness. “how’s the tenors, Johnny?” Did Lindsey just “eeeeeeehhh…:” and snort, or was that a burp? Alt version it is.

6. Sisters of the Moon – “We listen to their voices…” you know it’s the alt version when Stevie sings those words at the end - pretty incredible version all around. I’m listening to this moon sister’s voice in all its mystery.

7. Brown Eyes – hands down the best of the alternate versions. Took me back to Fleetwood Mac’s early years. Does she even sing “Brown Eyes”? Maybe we should call this version “Yesterday’s Tears” or even better “Green Eyes”. How did this bluesy track not make it on the original Tusk is a head scratcher. But, that’s Tusk for ya. “Sha la la… yesterday’s tears..” Love this track! Love that guitar!

8. That’s Enough for Me – when a song begins with Christine saying “sh!t, that’s fast” you know it’s going to be a rocking two minutes. I adore “That’s Enough for Me” and I think this version rocks it out of the ballpark. I can’t wait to hear the live version which I plan on getting to today.

9. Angel – I adore the smoky softness of Stevie’s voice on this alt version. She captures the song’s darkness as she described it during the Tusk doc. Yep, it’s a keeper. Is she singing “You might catch a wind, but you won’t catch me?”

10. Not That Funny - The alt version hands down. The weirdo-psycho sounding start totally fits on Tusk and the song is just pure Tusk-era Buckingham with its jarring vibe and bitterness. Love how he sings the “goodbyes” towards the end - and a great ending it is. “yea.. yea.. yea..”

11. Honey Hi – The alt version is good (the piano is too upfront for my liking), but pales to the original version. Need those lush harmonies from the band. I do like how Lindsey picks and plays on the alt version, but the original was the right call.

12. Beautiful Child – This is a roll the dice moment as I really like both versions. What drives me crazy about the alt version is when Stevie wails at the end - it reminds me of the Boston DVD version and I want her to finish with “I do love you.. I still need you.. I wish, I wish that you were mine..” I probably will go back and forth with the two versions. Did I say how much I adore “Beautiful Child.” I love how Lindsey sneaks in “too trusting yes’ at the end.

13. Save Me a Place – My favorite Lindsey song on Tusk and I have to say that I’m really digging the simplicity of the alt version. It’s a simple song already, but this breaks down its sadness and longing even more and just pulls me in. Stellar version of an incredible song.

14. Storms - Just like “Beautiful Child,” I really find something to love in both versions. I love how the alt Storms captures how sad Stevie’s voice can be and how Lindsey can capture that sadness and loneliness through his strumming. He stated that he loves this song in the album notes and you can tell. (I hear traces of Never Going Back Again in his playing). I do miss Stevie’s wandering ending lyrics from the original version, but the quivering stillness in the alt version just breaks my heart. A very Buckingham Nicks feel.

15. Never Forget – The original version hands down as I think it is the perfect closer for Tusk. The organ in the alt version is just a no go for me. I love how the singers harmonize as the song and album mellows out. “We will never forget tonight.” What a finish and what a ride – Tusk!

Up next – the live tracks!