Dave mentions Stevie's "forthcoming album" in new Billboard article

[Phil]

Yes I suspected that Stevie had muffled Dave from tweeting this week - he has been strangely silent. I know he was busy elsewhere on Thursday though:

http://ethrill.net/2010/07/24/l-a-ti...ground-in-l-a/

[Nikolaj]

I wonder if Dave is filming any rehearsals for the five dates coming- The first date is in TEN DAYS! I don't think anyone would perform without running through the set with the band, and the lineup of Stevie's solo bands tend to vary a bit each time out. Granted, she is only doing five concerts, but she's just not going to walk in on August 4 and do a show without any preparation, is she? Nah. I somehow expect Dave to be on stage with her at the shows.
So, my expectation is perhaps the recording is slowing down for a month, Dave is filming the 2 or 3 new songs she may surprise us with in her set, and he'll be at the shows with her.
Maybe. Maybe not. Or could be that Waddy is putting together the band and setlist with Stevie and then Stevie's just gonna show up at a soundcheck the day before and wing the five shows and not do any new material? Should all be very interesting, August 4 is practically here! I do think it's likely that this documentary he's speaking of will likely feature footage of some of the five shows, especially if she debuts her new Dave-ly produced material. I hope that's how it goes down. Thoughts? IS she in rehearsal for the 5 August shows right about now?

[louielouie2000]

Stevie always rehearses, perhaps more than she should... hence her rather robotic, emotionless concerts of the past 15 years. She's definitely rehearsing, probably as I type. If she debuts any new music, I'd have to think it'd only be one song. But with such a small amount of shows, playing such small audiences, it really wouldn't behoove her to debut new material at this time. Especially since she hasn't recorded enough songs to know which ones will end up making the final cut, and I doubt any are totally in the can and fully ready to go. For the record, I hope she proves me wrong and debuts new material, and it blows everyone's socks off! I just don't see casino audiences as a very "Stevie" place to do that.

[Nikolaj]

Good points, Louie. But I think she's recorded more vocals than Dave has let on. The Rolling Stone reporter has heard the music, and said 'there's blood in those tracks"-- he wouldn't say such a thing about music tracks laid down without lead vocals, reading from a lyric sheet.
It's more done than they're letting on. Just my opinion. I think they're nearly done. If they still had a ton of work to do on it, I don't think Dave would be planning this documentary or left for a week to work on his solo cd.
Of course, you can be totally right. But the RS writers raves weren't based upon rough mixes with scratch vocals- why would he go out on a limb about how good it all was if he knew he'd only heard demos that could be totally changed by the time of release? He'd look stupid, if the songs turn out to suck. He's heard final mixes, is my belief.
Also, since its only 5 dates, why NOT do more new songs than usual, what the hell difference would it make, she has no more bookings and it could create a small advance release buzz for the cd- and with youtube, maybe not small at all!
Don't get me wrong, I see all of your points, and wouldn't be surprised if you're totally correct!

[SuiteShangriLa]

Originally Posted by louielouie2000

more than she should... hence her rather robotic, emotionless concerts of the past 15 years. She's definitely rehearsing, probably as I type. I hope she proves me wrong and debuts new material, and it blows everyone's socks off! I just don't see casino audiences as a very "Stevie" place to do that.

Louielouie....a man after my own heart...i could have said the same thing...with a little less cooth.

[louielouie2000]

Originally Posted by Nikolaj

Good points, Louie. But I think she's recorded more vocals than Dave has let on. The Rolling Stone reporter has heard the music, and said 'there's blood in those tracks"-- he wouldn't say such a thing about music tracks laid down without lead vocals, reading from a lyric sheet.
It's more done than they're letting on. Just my opinion. I think they're nearly done. If they still had a ton of work to do on it, I don't think Dave would be planning this documentary or left for a week to work on his solo cd.
Of course, you can be totally right. But the RS writers raves weren't based up on rough mixes with scratch vocals- why would he go out on a limb about how good it all was if he knew he'd only heard demos that could be totally changed by the time of release? He'd look stupid, if the songs turn out to suck. He's heard final mixes, is my belief.
Also, since its only 5 dates, why NOT do more new songs than usual, what the hell difference would it make, she has no more bookings and it could create a small advance release buzz for the cd- and with youtube, maybe not small at all!
Don't get me wrong, I see all of your points, and wouldn't be surprised if you're totally correct!

And all of your points are perfectly valid, my friend. ...unless you think like Stevie Nicks!

Just think back to the Destiny Rules documentary, when Fleetwood Mac was shopping a record deal. The band (sans Stevie), had been recording for what, over a year at that point? and had half of an album done and in the can. What were the songs Stevie insisted the record execs (including the then-president of Warner Bros Music) hear FIRST? Her 5 unfinished rough demos, which were recorded OUTSIDE of Fleetwood Mac. And this was AFTER Mick explained to Stevie they'd spent the past 18 months trying NOT to sound like themselves, to break their own typecast mould. My point with this rambling is that Stevie doesn't have a problem sharing unfinished demos to the ears she deems worthy, even if the situation isn't entirely appropriate.

It's my humble opinion we won't see a new album before May of next year at the very earliest. That's if a major personnel change doesn't happen, if the album doesn't get scrapped for a mid-cycle reboot in regards to theme, or if Stevie doesn't shelve it altogether. All of this has happened in her past. I'm basing my formula for the release date on my experience with TISL in particular, since it's Stevie's only modern album. After we first started hearing rumblings about it in the press, and once she confirmed it, it was a full year before it dropped. Probably more, actually. I think my May release date is actually quite aggressive... it'll likely get pushed back further than that.

[louielouie2000]

Also, another reason we probably haven't heard from Dave is because it's most likely Stevie's in rehearsals for her upcoming shows, and he doesn't have much to report on. Undoubtedly, Stevie's got him on Twitter lockdown too, like everyone is surmising.

[Nikolaj]

Originally Posted by louielouie2000

Stevie always rehearses, perhaps more than she should... . For the record, I hope she proves me wrong and debuts new material, and it blows everyone's socks off! I just don't see casino audiences as a very "Stevie" place to do that.

Again, I see what you're saying. But 'casino audiences' are exactly who Stevie has chosen to perform to this coming month, because she's getting her price. Stevie must be aware that her fans will be right there along with the highrollers. I think if she loves the new music, she could really go out on a limb and do a few new songs, or more even, because it's not like she has a major concert promoter to say 'you can't'- plus, I don't think anybody is successful in telling Stevie 'you can't'.
I just really think the cd is almost completed. Really, why would a RS writer with his reputation at stake, say how good what he heard was, if he had only heard the music without the lead vocals on it? I believe he heard a good handful of songs, perhaps 7, that were complete. Stevie and Dave may have finished 2 more by now.
I'm not saying it will happen, but I think it makes sense to debut a bunch of new material in these size settings. The MGM Grand in CT seats 4,000. That's not tiny, tiny. In fact, it's about the perfect size venue for her to do whatever the hell she wants to do, which is what she does, usually. I think this time around, it could mean new songs. It could also mean she'll come through with what she said on that subscription (Serius?) radio show, about doing songs like 'Sable on Blonde' and 'Wild Heart' "the next time I go out solo".
I also am very aware that it could not be that way, at all. I have seen every tour she's done since 1982. I think the tinyness of this tour may help. The first solo tour was short, and she pulled out 'Blue Lamp' and a bunch of things that hadn't been heard before. Or since!

[RockAlot]

Originally Posted by louielouie2000

Also, another reason we probably haven't heard from Dave is because it's most likely Stevie's in rehearsals for her upcoming shows, and he doesn't have much to report on. Undoubtedly, Stevie's got him on Twitter lockdown too, like everyone is surmising.

She's got to be in rehearsals by now, and hopefully rehearsing one of the new songs! all these scenes can play out, I just hope its not the one with nothing new and same set-list

[gldstwmn]

Originally Posted by louielouie2000

Just think back to the Destiny Rules documentary, when Fleetwood Mac was shopping a record deal. The band (sans Stevie), had been recording for what, over a year at that point? and had half of an album done and in the can. What were the songs Stevie insisted the record execs (including the then-president of Warner Bros Music) hear FIRST? Her 5 unfinished rough demos, which were recorded OUTSIDE of Fleetwood Mac.

She didn't play the roughs. She played a finished version of Say You Will.

[Christopher]

Ever since Dave tweeted he is filming a documentary, I feel ever optimistic that Stevie will perform a new song or two at least during one of the concert appearances. It seems to me that Stevie trusts Dave utterly, & Waddy has been involved in the sessions and knows the songs. She spent a week fine tuning the vocal's and harmonies while Dave was away in Nashville. So with the complete support of Dave & Waddy in tow, I suspect a new song will be played & filmed possibly to drum up even more attention towards the new record. Waddy has alway's tried to shake Stevie's set up, as he mentioned in a Q & A years ago suggesting instead of the tried and true Outside The Rain that they kick off the TISL concert with "Talk To Me" and ultimately compromised on SDMHA. Besides that, some people seem to forget that Stevie played 6 new songs off of TISL on that tour, And the Enchanted tour before that was another set list shake up. Stevie set began getting stale while performing in support of her greatest hits from 05'-08', and now that Crystal Visions is behind her and Soundstage has been filmed & released for posterity - I can really see how even Stevie may be a bit bored & shake up her set again by adding some old tour warhorses (Gold & Braid, No Spoken Word, Leather & Lace, Rooms on Fire) as well as her exciting new songs.

I'm also optimistic that the 7 songs that Dave mentioned on July 5th being complete tracks are keeper's and very good. And 2 or 3 of those tracks have got to be Killer!! Stevie has waited 10 years to record a new album & because the record business itself has become so scattered & without foundation which in itself allows for a certain freedom to not cater towards something that has to be viewed as commercial. I'm really hopeful that Stevie feels liberated to create something that she really love's and not stilted (by the powers that be) to create a top 20 hit or something overtly commercial. Then maybe, just maybe, she will write another accidental hit or have a semi-major comeback.

This of course is all very pragmatic deduction on my part, but completely plausible. And even after following Stevie for 30 years, I just don't think there will be a calculated need to delay the record's release, baring health issues, as there was with TISL (plotting a big comeback & angling for a hit single), while the RAL delay's were for completely different reason's - Stevie cocaine fueled ego collided with Jimmy & derailed the record whilst Stevie jumped from producers & recordings studio's all across globe - cut to SA - which was delayed by both narcotic's abuse & a horrible relationship with producer Glyn Johns culminating in another rehab stint then re-mixing & adding Waddy to the final recorded tracks. None of these obstacles or demons seem present or afoot. It appears that Stevie is in a stable & creative mode and is surrounded with musicians she respects and trusts. It's practically the perfect storm brewing, as it was with Bella Donna & The Wild Heart. Just my pound of flesh

BTW, Did anyone send David Wild a fan question on twitter @wildaboutmusic yesterday or today? I need to think of a profound and insightful question quick. Sounds like he's meeting w/ Stevie early next week again. Maybe we will see a article pop up on the Huffington Post or Rolling Stone soon.

[SandyMac]

Originally Posted by Christopher

Ever since Dave tweeted he is filming a documentary, I feel ever optimistic that Stevie will perform a new song or two at least during one of the concert appearances. It seems to me that Stevie trusts Dave utterly, & Waddy has been involved in the sessions and knows the songs. She spent a week fine tuning the vocal's and harmonies while Dave was away in Nashville. So with the complete support of Dave & Waddy in tow, I suspect a new song will be played & filmed possibly to drum up even more attention towards the new record. Waddy has alway's tried to shake Stevie's set up, as he mentioned in a Q & A years ago suggesting instead of the tried and true Outside The Rain that they kick off the TISL concert with "Talk To Me" and ultimately compromised on SDMHA. Besides that, some people seem to forget that Stevie played 6 new songs off of TISL on that tour, And the Enchanted tour before that was another set list shake up. Stevie set began getting stale while performing in support of her greatest hits from 05'-08', and now that Crystal Visions is behind her and Soundstage has been filmed & released for posterity - I can really see how even Stevie may be a bit bored & shake up her set again by adding some old tour warhorses (Gold & Braid, No Spoken Word, Leather & Lace, Rooms on Fire) as well as her exciting new songs.

I'm also optimistic that the 7 songs that Dave mentioned on July 5th being complete tracks are keeper's and very good. And 2 or 3 of those tracks have got to be Killer!! Stevie has waited 10 years to record a new album & because the record business itself has become so scattered & without foundation which in itself allows for a certain freedom to not cater towards something that has to be viewed as commercial. I'm really hopeful that Stevie feels liberated to create something that she really love's and not stilted (by the powers that be) to create a top 20 hit or something overtly commercial. Then maybe, just maybe, she will write another accidental hit or have a semi-major comeback.

This of course is all very pragmatic deduction on my part, but completely plausible. And even after following Stevie for 30 years, I just don't think there will be a calculated need to delay the record's release, baring health issues, as there was with TISL (plotting a big comeback & angling for a hit single), while the RAL delay's were for completely different reason's - Stevie cocaine fueled ego collided with Jimmy & derailed the record whilst Stevie jumped from producers & recordings studio's all across globe - cut to SA - which was delayed by both narcotic's abuse & a horrible relationship with producer Glyn Johns culminating in another rehab stint then re-mixing & adding Waddy to the final recorded tracks. None of these obstacles or demons seem present or afoot. It appears that Stevie is in a stable & creative mode and is surrounded with musicians she respects and trusts. It's practically the perfect storm brewing, as it was with Bella Donna & The Wild Heart. Just my pound of flesh

BTW, Did anyone send David Wild a fan question on twitter @wildaboutmusic yesterday or today? I need to think of a profound and insightful question quick. Sounds like he's meeting w/ Stevie early next week again. Maybe we will see a article pop up on the Huffington Post or Rolling Stone soon.

Christopher, very detailed and well constructed post.

It is interesting that you brought up Bella Donna and The Wild Heart as I was beginning to wonder if this new album will be the book end to Bella Donna in terms of critical success as well as Stevie really flexing her creative muscle here (speculation on my part) and since Stevie paired down to only Sharon and Lori on backing vocals, seems possible. With what has been released so far from Dave Stewart in regards to this project, it seems like Stevie's musical muse and passion has returned in a huge way and I think Dave "gets" Stevie in a way other producers have not done in the past.

I am guessing that over the years, Stevie has done a lot of writing and finally wanted to say something to the world musically about everything going in (New Orleans song) and wasn't there a poem written about or to a soldier that I guess could get turned into a song if Stevie deems it worthy.

No matter when this gets released, hopefully I think we all will be blown away by it.

Here are the questions I submitted to David Wild.

Stevie, How did you select Dave Stewart as producer, any magical moments you would like to share during recording?

Stevie, what one word best describes this new album?

Stevie,is the documentary being released to coincide with the album and who came up with the documentary concept?

Stevie, will there be a full tour to support this album and has an album title been chosen yet? Possible release date?

Stevie, Can you tell us about the magic lucky photo on the mixing desk that you put there for the whole sessions?

Stevie,Dave Stewart said the album is being done in a very new way.Can you tell us a little about the process?

Stevie, the walk during Edge of 17 is a highlight of your solo shows, do you still enjoy that connection with the fans?

Stevie, what is your favorite song to sing live on stage?

Stevie, are you still donating iPods to the soldiers? How can fans donate to this worthwhile cause?

Stevie, in two words, describe the recording process/sessions for this album and are there any songs from the "vault"?

Stevie,are there any plans on a possible future Rhiannon movie project on the horizon?

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by gldstwmn

She didn't play the roughs. She played a finished version of Say You Will.

Yes, what she wanted to play was what she'd done with Fleetwood Mac. I don't think Lindsey listened to her anyway. He's like, oh yeah, they do have time to listen to the whole thing. That's their job.
Michele

[Stevie's~Prince]

Dave Stewart isn't tweeting about all the shiz he's got going with Stevie just for nothing he's clearly pre-marketing this whole thing.. Stevie would be foolish to completely shelve this album or delay it any further than necessary as would Dave who to my imagination has a degree of say in this album.. From all the positive compliments ranging from Rolling Stone editors to a collaboration of artists including the producers themselves, they are on a roll here.

Also, Stevie doesn't have the time necessarily to prolong this.. Fleetwood Mac's surely cookin something up to do with the next 3-4 years, she'd wanna do a tour with this album and she would also wanna put something out there while she & The Mac are selling records still (which they are)..

The time is now whether that be Dec or even late May.. With what I see It's impossible for me to be pessimistic about this album in anyway shape or form.

It's Stevie and it's something

[markolas]

Originally Posted by Nikolaj

It could also mean she'll come through with what she said on that subscription (Serius?) radio show, about doing songs like 'Sable on Blonde' and 'Wild Heart' "the next time I go out solo".

!!! When did she say this?

Not that I believe a word of it, but I'd be curious to read/hear this interview.