Official UTS Review Thread

[chiliD]

Originally Posted by estranged4life

I am on the first track "Not Too Late" and I like what I hear.

Heh, Why couldnt Lindsey's last name have started with the letter "Z", now I have to move my collection to add his disc into the alphabetical/chronological order I have my discs (Which is a pain in the ass!!!)

You should be glad his last name isn't "Aardvark".

[amber]

Originally Posted by John Run

Some quick thoughts on the album after listening to it for 3 plus days.

Musically I really enjoy it. It is sparse with lots of space. Subtle guitar playing, as opposed to some of the over the top stuff on Say You Will.

The songs are introspective and so far hold up well lyrically.

My problem with the album is the vocals. For me they come off as someone who is ashamed of his voice. The processing and the delays, and the whisper to almost a spoken word, really decay the quality of the songs for me. Nice pieces of music lose a lot of their muicality because of it.

I know many will see the merit in the way he approaches vocal sounds on this album. I find them to lessen what had the potential to me much better.

This is just about exactly how I feel about the album, well put. I want to hear Lindsey sing. Lyrically I couldn't ask for better.

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by chiliD

You should be glad his last name isn't "Aardvark".

I will have to reorganize next week when the new Amon Amarth disc arrives.

At least the Rush discs I am expecting/received are easy to place in the order (Weird, stopped at Hastings in Norman on Main Street today and was in and out the store in less than 1 minute-Seems they are totally remodeling the store and had ALL the music section under plastic tarps as they tore the ceiling tiles down )

[CarterNix]

Originally Posted by chiliD

I have no idea about the tuning. And, to be honest, I don't really care, since I have NO plans to sit down and try to learn the song (or any of his new songs). That's Lindsey's thing, I have my own thing...#1 one of which isn't to copy his.

ChiliD, you really ought to have a decade spanning career, a dedicated fan base AND unquestionable talent before talking on a Fleetwood Mac forum about whatever it is you might do in you spare time.

-CarterNix

[chiliD]

Originally Posted by CarterNix

ChiliD, you really ought to have a decade spanning career, a dedicated fan base AND unquestionable talent before talking on a Fleetwood Mac forum about whatever it is you might do in you spare time.

-CarterNix

And YOUR expertise is?

I do have a "decade spanning career"...and my fans are damned "dedicated". And, my talent IS "unquestionable". "Opportunity" didn't drop in my lap like somebody we all fawn over.

[CarterNix]

Originally Posted by chiliD

And YOUR expertise is?

Firstly, I am expert in knowing when it's my place to comment, and I believe it to be a skill that you could do with learning.
Secondly, my expertise is of no consequence here - I'm not the one claiming to be too good to learn how to play Lindsey's songs.

Originally Posted by chiliD

I do have a "decade spanning career"...and my fans are damned "dedicated". And, my talent IS "unquestionable". "Opportunity" didn't drop in my lap like somebody we all fawn over.

I've never believed much in making music for music's sake. I see it as the excuse of people who can't boast musical success.

-CarterNix

[amber]

Originally Posted by CarterNix

I've never believed much in making music for music's sake. I see it as the excuse of people who can't boast musical success.

-CarterNix

But what about all the billions of people who love to make music, because it's fun, but aren't monetarily successful, but still may be really good? I know hella superior singers who aren't famous or singing for a living. I dunno, that whole statement confused me. You can't make music unless you love it, anyway, which is doing music for music's sake. Also, as far as I can tell, more than many people - Lindsey truly does make music for music's sake. He is also successful. The two aren't mutually exclusive, nor do they necessarily go hand in hand.

[Peestie]

Originally Posted by CarterNix

Firstly, I am expert in knowing when it's my place to comment, and I believe it to be a skill that you could do with learning.
Secondly, my expertise is of no consequence here - I'm not the one claiming to be too good to learn how to play Lindsey's songs.

He didn't say he was "too good" to learn Lindsey's stuff He said he doesn't learn Lindsey's stuff. I think you took the totally wrong meaning from it. I think most people here would say Chilli can comment however he wants. He's been a fan long enough to know what he's talking about.

I've never believed much in making music for music's sake. I see it as the excuse of people who can't boast musical success.

Rubbish. Some successful artists claim to make music for music's sake. What are they making "excuses" for if they have the success?

[CarterNix]

Originally Posted by amber

But what about all the billions of people who love to make music, because it's fun, but aren't monetarily successful, but still may be really good? I know hella superior singers who aren't famous or singing for a living. I dunno, that whole statement confused me. You can't make music unless you love it, anyway, which is doing music for music's sake. Also, as far as I can tell, more than many people - Lindsey truly does make music for music's sake. He is also successful. The two aren't mutually exclusive, nor do they necessarily go hand in hand.

You're right Amber. I do understand the joy of making music. I simply think that in this case, ChiliD was using it as an excuse. My post was merely a call for humility from someone who is in no place to assume that the general Fleetwood Mac fan base who use this board - (people aside from his close friends and cronies) - would have any interest whatsoever in whatever music he makes.

Further to that, it doesnt matter how long he has been a fan - he was coming across as disrespectful in a thread where people where happily comparing likes/dislikes regarding a new album that has been so long awaited.

Put simply, this is a Lindsey Buckingham messageboard - it doesn't exist for anyone else to promote their own supposed virtues.

[John Run]

I did not interpret what Steve wrote here in anyway to be some sort of self promotion. He simply said he does not learn anyone's music note for note anymore. What is the big deal? As some who has been reading Steve's post for 10 years, I can assure you he is one of the most thoughtful contributers to these boards.

I have to admit I have become increasingly dismayed by the hijacking of these threads by people who seem to have a hair trigger release on anything they might find the least bit off putting. Get to know the styles and sense of humors of the posters.

[amber]

Originally Posted by CarterNix

You're right Amber. I do understand the joy of making music. I simply think that in this case, ChiliD was using it as an excuse. My post was merely a call for humility from someone who is in no place to assume that the general Fleetwood Mac fan base who use this board - (people aside from his close friends and cronies) - would have any interest whatsoever in whatever music he makes.

Further to that, it doesnt matter how long he has been a fan - he was coming across as disrespectful in a thread where people where happily comparing likes/dislikes regarding a new album that has been so long awaited.

Put simply, this is a Lindsey Buckingham messageboard - it doesn't exist for anyone else to promote their own supposed virtues.

Oh. I understand the temptation to say what you said, when someone who hasn't made a billion dollars with their music talks disparagingly about someone who has - but I don't think that will necessarily make it true. Believe me, I understand well, as I have been tempted to use the "everyone loves Stevie!" argument to justify some stuff. It's been hard to employ logic with that, sometimes. But I push through, and still try. She is not immune, no matter how much I love her.

And I can't speak for others, but I do welcome musician's views, especially such seasoned ones as ChiliD. I'm not Chili's friend or Crony, heck, I almost never even talk to him - and maybe others here wouldn't be interested in what he does musically - I don't know.

But though I may disagree with Chili, I still find his opinions interesting, and do want to hear his special musician insight. That dude has been around the scene playing music since I was born, or nearly so - I love it. Though I rarely agree with him.

And maybe he is "disrespectful", I can see your point on that - but that is really what he thinks, and just because he thinks that from his perspective doesn't necessarily make his life musical experience or talent less - it just makes him not agree with "us". And I'm sure you realize not everyone will. I just don't think it is fair to judge his own music on his opinions about Linds. Who knows, Chili may suck, and he may be making excuses ( I doubt it) but until we know for sure, that seems unfair. As of now, we can only say that we think his opinion about Linds sucks. lol.

And people promote their virtues here all the time - it may seem self centered for Mr. D to draw on his own musical choices when talking about Lindsey, but as a lifelong musician, I couldn't really expect him not to draw on that experience. What else is he supposed to draw on? And he really is a musicians, all his opinions here that I've ever seen draw on that knowledge. I mean, that is WHO HE IS.

And as you pointed out, you may think he is "full of sh*t", perhaps, or doesn't have basis for his opinions and ways of doing things because he is a musician but not a "successful" one (I would argue with that, as it seems Mr. D has made a living, or at least a suppliimental living, being a musician).

I have to submit that though he may be full of sh*t, and has drawn on his own experience as a musician to illustrate his feelings about the album - that doesn't make his music or musicianship any less, or his opinions less valid, and doesn't necessarily mean he is self promoting any more than the rest of us - when people talk in their exercise threads about stuff, I sound all superior, too, because I know a lot about exercise and food - music just happens to be ChiliD's area of expertise, he knows about music - so like anyone his opinions in his area of expertise may come off stronger and more arrogant. No big.

Which, IMO, is to be expected, and doesn't at all mean anyone has to agree with him. Or even take his opinion as a seasoned musician. Not at all. I'm not sure I've ever agreed with Chili (except for TP's kick ass rendition of Oh Well)

But nevertheless that will be his perspective, because that is who he is, and where his opinion comes from.

In short version, I think anyone can think anyone else is an a-hole, or wrong, but I never really think it is disrespectful for someone to voice their opinion. Or, maybe I do, but I try to realize that I can't call someone out for their opinion, no matter how "disrespectful" I think it is. Obviously, you can tell when people come from a place of malice, without consideration of the actual work, and I don't think that is the case here.

But also, I think you can call him out, if that is your opinion. I just don't agree with the reasons you posted for your disagreement. I don't think any artist should ever be spared someone's real opinion because you are trying to be respectful. But I do think much, much, criticism about artists is wrong, wrong. Like, the critics who skewer Stevie - I know they don't know what I know, but I can only just say they are a-holes who don't know, and chalk it up to that. Calling them "disrespectful" is like coercing someone to like you when they don't, just because you are famous, or whatever. You can be talented and famous till the world ends, it doesn't still mean everyone will like you, or see that. It's a cryin' shame, but it's true.

I would never spare anyone out of pity, or trying to be respectful, because that shortchanges the artist as well as the listener. Any artist should never be immune to discussion and "criticism." Otherwise, where is the room to grow? It's not possible for any artist, or person, to be perfect all the time, is it? You, or I, might think they are perfect, but to actually expect everyone else to think they are perfect is odd and unattainable, and to label that disrespectful is tyrannical, IMO.

And god forbid, above all, please, no - that the artist themself is ever satisfied and think their work is perfect. Because that is when art dies, and parody and nostalgia take over what used to be art. And I think we all know what I mean by that. *Shudder*

It was nice to read what you said, though, haven't seen you round here. I mean that, too. Sometimes people think I am being sarcastic when I am not, is why I'm double saying that it was a pleasure to read what you thought. It really was. lol.

*Also I may have to again agree with John Run. Twice in one day! Are you gay, John Run, or can I date you? lol*

And for the record, I bet ChiliD rocks. I know so, so, so many musician/singers who are far superior to what we hear but are not famous or recognized.
I long ago, like when I was 3, and my mom sang with her guitar, stopped judging music by its monetary or public success. I'd be a fool, and miss so many great things, If I had.

Okay but for reals in short:
To question ChiliD's opinion? - AWESOME!
To question ChiliD's musicianship having never heard him? - Lower than low, unfair, petty, etc.

S'okay, happens to the best of us. Or at least me.
gar, I should probably erase the rest of that effluvium that I just wrote.

[desertangel]

So.... um... heh - after listening to this CD for several days... and those whispery vocal songs... I really have to wonder, knowing how Lindsey likes to experiment and all... perhaps he's doing a Bob Dylan thing, yanno... by makin his voice different - whispery - or something. heh, just a crazy thought... sorry for all the dots.

[Peestie]

Originally Posted by CarterNix

You're right Amber. I do understand the joy of making music. I simply think that in this case, ChiliD was using it as an excuse. My post was merely a call for humility from someone who is in no place to assume that the general Fleetwood Mac fan base who use this board - (people aside from his close friends and cronies) - would have any interest whatsoever in whatever music he makes.

Further to that, it doesnt matter how long he has been a fan - he was coming across as disrespectful in a thread where people where happily comparing likes/dislikes regarding a new album that has been so long awaited.

Put simply, this is a Lindsey Buckingham messageboard - it doesn't exist for anyone else to promote their own supposed virtues.

What posts are you reading?! There was no self promotion! He just said he doesn't learn stuff by other artists! He didn't dismiss Lindsey's stuff (in this thread anyway ) and he didn't promote his own.


Back on topic, I've listened to this album 50+ times since Monday and is IMO one of his top albums. Not Too Late has become a real favourite. Hell, they are all real favourites! I just wish the album was longer, because I like it so much!

[Sarah]

Originally Posted by estranged4life

Heh, Why couldnt Lindsey's last name have started with the letter "Z", now I have to move my collection to add his disc into the alphabetical/chronological order I have my discs (Which is a pain in the ass!!!)

i do that too.

i haven't moved mine yet.. i think i'm going to do it on the ride to nashville today. frikkin' OCD tendencies.

[Keith]

“Under the Skin”

As soon as the needle hits the record, the familiar speed-induced guitar strum lets you know Lindsey Buckingham has once again filled your space with his always interesting, sometimes head scratching, but overall satisfying work – this time on his new record “Under the Skin.”

The openers “Not Too Late” and “Show You How” require a level of dedication to continue. Both tracks come on strong for being two of the weaker, but still solid tracks – Lindsey throws layers of sound out there, and it takes a bit of commitment to grab it. The listener who does will be rewarded with moments of pleasure as he sings “my children look away.. they don’t know what to say.” “Not Too Late” lets the listener know this journey is going to be a bit different that his last effort “Out of the Cradle.” “The shadow singer will stand and linger.. .. in places no one ever goes.” You instantly realize his words rely on the music he’s creating to express the emotion. “Show You How” continues to grow on me with each listen. It’s sentiment of being lucky enough to have someone that can center you in this crazy, unsettling world is powerful. Maybe this explains why Lindsey mellows the song as it fades out – slowing down for her.

He then strums perfectly into “Under the Skin” with its gorgeous melody that wraps nicely around his soft echoing voice. I willingly floated into its sadness. He follows it with two other great numbers: the longing, whispering “I Am Waiting” with its addictive, breathy strum and “It Was You” which has the best chorus-chant-vocal-layer on the record that fronts the catchy guitar riff anchoring the track. “Everyday now I can hear the sound.”

At this point, I’m totally immersed in Lindsey’s new record and it pays off as he delivers the one-two punch of “To Try for the Sun” and “Castaway Dreams,” two of my favorite tracks. “To Try for the Sun” is vintage Buckingham without sounding used. I hear pieces of Buckingham Nicks and Tango in the Night. His shift into high gear as the song ends reminisces “Big Love.” And with lines like “the Gypsy Girl and I… we were only trying for the sun” makes you wonder if he is writing about those Buckingham Nicks days.

I adore the lyrics of “Castaway Dreams,” especially “Hearts will break with choices we must make, so sleep and dream of me.” Sometimes the most simple lyrics best captures the sentiment, especially when the music that surrounds the words falsely emanates the air of serenity. “Look for me in the morning light.. ..dancing on my castaway dreams.”

“Shut Us Down” requires a good set of headphones to appreciate – hints of “World Turning” can be heard by the listener who moves beyond the vocals and focuses on the perfectly layered strings.

Although the next two tracks are outstanding, they seem a bit out of place due to their familiarity – I’ve heard them before. “Down on Radio” surprises by not being the radio single – actually I’ve heard it 3 times this past week on “The Loft” on XM radio. At least someone is playing it, as it’s a wonderful track. “Someone’s Gotta Change Your Mind” is another beauty, although its liveliness seems strange on this record.

He finishes the album with the breezy riff of “Flying Down Juniper” that floats along with such delicate percussion that you can almost feel Lindsey’s fingers brushing against the strings. The perfect, albeit too soon, ending.

The ultimate musical satisfaction can only come from the ultimate artist. “Under the Skin” achieves that distinction due to Lindsey’s passion, vision, and talent. Easily one of the best records I’ve heard this year. For music and this fan’s sake, let’s hope Lindsey Buckingham strums on…