Which "Crystal" Is Better: FM or BN?

[cbBen]

Which "Crystal" do you prefer, and why?

[Netter75]

While I can appreciate both versions, I prefer the Fleetwood Mac version by far. It's so soothing and polished, the harmonies have better placement, the three blend so well together, and I think Lindsey does a better vocal. What seals the deal is the Christine's keyboards at the end. They are beautiful and that long outro adds a lot to the song.

However, The Buckingham Nicks version has its appeal. It has a more raw sound and feels more like a duet than the Fleetwood Mac version. It's really charming in a way that the other one is not.

I like BOTH versions more than Stevie's solo version. It's still good, but she could have pulled a better vocal, even at that age. Sheryl Crowe does a good job on the production and it has a good spin on the outro, but it was never going to beat the originals. I'd kill for a 70s version of Stevie singing the song though.

[cbBen]

On one of the Penguin Q&A's someone asks Keith Olsen why Lindsey sangs it. "Lindsey's voice always had the right timbre for that song" was his answer. I wouldn't be surprised if they had tried it both ways and found Lindsey's vocal worked better. He's so multi-talented that we forget wha a great singer he is.

[Macfan4life]

Every version is very good. I prefer the Mac version. I actually like the 1998 version just as much.

[SteveMacD]

The Fleetwood Mac version by far. Christine and John took that to the next level.

[Street_Dreamer]

The Fleetwood Mac version easily for me.

[He's So Unusual]

The FM version. The harmonies are beautiful. The BN version is a little too rough around the edges.

[bombaysaffires]

FM. John's bass line that mimics the build up and crashing of the waves, and Chris's layered synth lines....sublime.

[jwd]

The FM version. What we've said over and over again, regarding FM, the sum is better than the parts, even two parts. "Crystal" is a beautiful song and I prefer it Mac style.

[elle]

Originally Posted by cbBen

Which "Crystal" do you prefer, and why?

FM. way fuller sound. nice rounded song.

[jbrownsjr]

Christine and John make this my fav Fleetwood Mac song. It's just beautiful what they do to it.

[Storms123]

Originally Posted by jbrownsjr

Christine and John make this my fav Fleetwood Mac song. It's just beautiful what they do to it.

Agreed. Truly beautiful song

[button-lip]

I may be in the minority here, but I prefer the BN version. It was the beginning of so many great collaborations between Stevie and Lindsey. When they could still leave their differences aside for a common goal: their music.