(2 stars) Sundaypaper Review

[MacMan]

Lindsey Buckingham
"Under the Skin"
(Reprise)
http://www.sundaypaper.com/AE/Arts/A...106-Music.aspx

Lindsey Buckingham
At the very least, Lindsey Buckingham's first solo project in 14 years is as far removed from a Fleetwood Mac album as the band's own '70s work was from its blues-rock origins. The guitarist and vocalist's three previous discs were often experimental and tricked-out studio excursions—fascinating to dissect with headphones, but only intermittently enjoyable.

Radically changing course, Buckingham unplugs here, playing most of the instruments himself for a practically drum-free exercise in wistful folk-pop. His cushy vocals are so prominently recorded with gobs of reverb, it sounds as if you're standing in a room with him, or in the case of the multiple overdubs on "It Was You," a bunch of hims.

But somewhere between the concept and the execution, Buckingham forgot to write memorable melodies. Or maybe he used them up on Fleetwood Mac's less-than-stellar 2003 comeback. There are flashes of ideas—some smart reflective lyrics and a few hooks—but everything is submerged below a dreamy, creamy acoustic meringue; sweet and airy, but nothing to sink your teeth into. He even unearths an obscure Jagger/Richards gem ("I Am Waiting"), but it too fades into the billowy sonic landscape. The guitar work is typically excellent, his finger-picking and atmospheric strumming beautifully and intimately rendered.

Flashes of brilliance appear on the sweeping, orchestrated ballad "Someone's Gotta Change Your Mind" and the marginally more upbeat "Show You How." But after nearly a decade-and-a-half wait, that's not enough for this effort to truly get under your skin. 2 STARS—Hal Horowitz

[nodmod]

I thought this was a poor review especially in contrast to the good reviews that we have seen in the UK press today

[MacMan]

Yes, it's on the poor side, but it doesn't completely rip it apart which is great. To each his own I suppose. The line about forgetting to write memorable melodies is completely wrong!

[shackin'up]

Originally Posted by nodmod

I thought this was a poor review especially in contrast to the good reviews that we have seen in the UK press today

Yeah this is gonna happen too. If you're not taking the time to let the melodies reveal themselves-especially difficult in those swirling off-beat fingerpicked pieces- then it's very recognizable criticism. That's the choice that Lindsey makes.

[DavidMn]

He's not for everyone, that's for sure. Uufortunately

[dontlookdown]

No worries. I hardly think Atlanta's Sunday Paper is something that's worthy of journalistic street-cred.

When The New York Times or LA Times tears it apart, then I'll be disappointed.

[DrummerDeanna]

I think a lot of people simply cannot divorce Lindsey from Fleetwood Mac - making it hard for his solo stuff to get a truly fair listen from many. I think it sucks - but that's the way I see it

[shackin'up]

Originally Posted by dontlookdown

No worries. I hardly think Atlanta's Sunday Paper is something that's worthy of journalistic street-cred.

When The New York Times or LA Times tears it apart, then I'll be disappointed.

Well the nice thing is: He isn't tearing it apart. He desribes the qualities of the album but just doesn't let them in fully. This guy is pulling his hair after five listens. ****. There ARE rich melodies and hooks in these songs.

[mondaymornin1]

Dear Mr. Hal Horowitz,


Bite me.

Thanks,

Lisa



What's the old cliche?? "Opinions are like a*^holes...everybody's got one?" Like someone else already said, I'm hoping for a good review from the New York Times or LA Times!

[nichora]

I find this review a little insulting. I appreciate it may not be to everyones taste. I like the way 'The Times' referred to the vocals as whine in eerie reverb - but it works. But to say 'Buckingham forgot to write memorable melodies'! I think Hal's got the disk mixed up with something else. How can you listen to UTS and not have anything but praise for DOR and CAD!

Hal has not heart!

[foxyluva]

I too find this review insulting. "Fleetwood Mac's less-than-stellar 2003 comeback" - bull****!! 'Say You Will' is incredible

[Gazza]

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

I think a lot of people simply cannot divorce Lindsey from Fleetwood Mac - making it hard for his solo stuff to get a truly fair listen from many. I think it sucks - but that's the way I see it

I think a lot of critics simply cannot divorce anyone in Fleetwood Mac from Peter Green who has one thing going for him that critics love... A promising talent who lost his mind (or died) from taking drugs. Whenever a review starts with "As far away from it's blue origins..." you know where that reviewer is coming from, before they've even listened to it.

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by mondaymornin1

What's the old cliche?? "Opinions are like a*^holes...everybody's got one?"

"Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one...and they smell"

[BTFLCHLD]

Originally Posted by Hal Horowitz <-dipchit

not enough for this effort to truly get under your skin

Lindsey never left!!!

Originally Posted by Hal Horowitz <-dipchit

dreamy, creamy

mmmhmmm!

[DavidMn]

Originally Posted by foxyluva

I too find this review insulting. "Fleetwood Mac's less-than-stellar 2003 comeback" - bull****!! 'Say You Will' is incredible

Dear, I've learned over the years to turn a deaf ear to Aholes like that. I know how I feel about the music, and that's all that's important to me. I could positively care less what some peon critic says.