What if we had Rumours 2?

[aleuzzi]

I’m glad TUSK was what we got. I wasn’t glad then but as an adult, and with the distance of years, I find myself returning again and again to many of its songs. Its stubborn fragmentations are fascinating and the perfect antidote to yacht rock. History is on Buckingham’s side.

When The Eagles finally released THE LONG RUN as a follow up to HOTEL CALIFORNIA, it revealed an anxious commitment to staying commercial and hopefully repeating the formula. As a record, it’s pretty spotty and often bland. No one can say TUSK is bland.

What I have never bought, however, is that it was necessary, or even acceptable, for Lindsey to play other instruments without his peers. He’s a lousy drummer, and a competent pianist and bassist. Why settle for second-tier musicianship when you are working alongside some of the best players in rock?

Another argument I have not bought is MIRAGE is a safe follow-up to RUMOURS. It simply isn’t. It might be softer and more tuneful, but it is filled with weird arrangements. “Gypsy” is a notable exception.” Even “Hold Me” features all kinds of oddball touches. Quirky: that’s the word I’d use for MIRAGE. It’s charming but decidedly quirky. It’s less a follow-up of RUMOURS than a part 2 of LAW AND ORDER…