Fleetwood Mac

By Jason Hunter

leetwood Mac — The summer of '98 I was scarf-deep in hipster-dufus bands when I heard "Dreams" pouring out of a passing car. Of course, I was aware of Fleetwood Mac, and knew this song but this moment, this song, starting my interest in looking backwards. I immediately sought out Rumours which was enough for a few years, then I got the rest. The first three records are an amazing study in the a group of people getting together and building something new (Fleetwood Mac), making great art at the expense of destroying each other's lives (Rumours) and then trying to explain, justify and ultimately live with those consequences (Tusk). Depressing interpretation, right? Well, you can also ignore the dramatic backstory because these are such crisp, energetic songs party songs (most them at least) that it's easy to overlook the lyrical content and rock out. Spend some time with these three albums and by the end you – like every other Fleetwood Mac fan – will be able to list your favorite songwriter in order: Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, or Christine McVie. 1975's Fleetwood Mac has "Rhianna" which is probably the most recognizable, but "Monday Morning", and "Over My Head" are great introductions to each songwriter. Rumours is a monster, wall to wall recognizable hits. You hear a lot that Tusk is a disappointment but it's only flaw is that it got released after Rumours. 1975's Tusk, infused with the then new sounds of punk and new wave, is almost as good it's predecessor. By now if Buckingham or McVie is your favored songwriter you're going to have some new favorite songs by them. ("The Ledge", "That's All for Everyone", "Honey Hi", "Think About Me"). In 2004, these three albums were remastered with a much cleaner, crisper sound. If you seek Fleetwood Mac, please seek out the re-issues.