Date First Published: 09 June 2017 – Classic Rock Radio (UK)
Uncle G’s FUN Music Review
Spotlight: Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie – Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie (2017)
By: Gary “Uncle G” Brown
GaryBrown@garyunclegbrownarchives.com
Just recently I was sent a link to a behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of a new ‘Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie album. The first news I heard of this. So I viewed the almost 18-minute (well-made) video and made a mental note that when the album became available, I would make an attempt to give it a listen.
A few days later and I saw a ‘first listen’ announcement compliments of National Public Radio online. Made a tweet about it to alert all my classic rock friends. From then till now I’ve been taking advantage of that kindness and giving the ‘Lindsey Buckingham_Christie McVie’ self-titled album, multiple listens. Is not the usual rock album I favor/review, that I am known for. The music here is categorized: as pop-rock. It isn’t my usual cup of tea, so I am not labeling it ‘pop-rock’ as it would be meant in a derogatory fashion. When it comes to music, we all have our thing. I’m more drawn to hard, heavy metal, instrumental, and progressive rock, more than any other styles of rock n’ roll music. That does not mean that I can’t acknowledge/appreciate good sounds when I hear it. Under the ‘pop rock’ umbrella, millions if not billions of dollars are made every year in the music industry. Stupid to completely ignore, at least for a journalist like myself who covers pop culture in general.
I first learned of the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Fleetwood Mac, back in 1977 when their mega-popular album ‘Rumors’ was released. Age-wise, I was 15 years old. My favorite song off it is; The Chain. Interesting fact … ‘The Chain’ was the only tune on ‘Rumors’ that was a group composition.
When the follow-up, Fleetwood Mac–Tusk (1979) came out, I purchased the ambitious double album initially on 8-Track. How lucky for teens today that they don’t have to deal with that shitty technology. In between clicks, I overtime memorized every song on it. Of course, I had my favorite numbers (the title track Tusk_Sisters Of The Moon), but this write-up isn’t about that particular release. I do recommend if not already having in your rock collection, to add both Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors and Tusk. Avoid the old 8 tracks if possible. Goes without saying that the entire Fleetwood Mac album catalog is worth having.
“Uncle G” discusses … Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie (self-titled album)
Released today (June 9th), a new duet album by legendary rock musicians, Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie. Their first album together where the focus is on them, together as a real duo act. Both are known for being in a band that sold countless records, and whose songs the classic rock station I write for, plays every day; Fleetwood Mac. Along for the ride on Buckingham_McVie (2017) is one of the best rhythm sections in all recorded pop-rock music. And also from the group Fleetwood Mac; John McVie (bass), and Mick Fleetwood (drums and percussion). The only other musician credited to Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie is Mitchell Froom (keyboards).
Ten songs make this album, with a healthy combo of material from both featured musicians. Lindsey contributed five songs in which he sings lead vocals, while Christine brings along two songs she wrote herself, and then has three co-writing credits along with Mr. Buckingham. Christine does lead vocals on four songs, and then shares that duty along with Lindsey on what can be perhaps my favorite song on here; Too Far Gone.
Many solid consistencies with this almost forty-minute modern pop-rock masterpiece.
For the record, on the new Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie release, the highly skilled drums/percussion of Mick Fleetwood shines, while maintaining the flow, John McVie’s bass work is spot on. Every song!
The melodies and chorus’ are memorable to the point of where I should warn … eargasm material included.
The lyrics, poetry/life reflections, it should be noted, is something one can play aloud around kids, old people, and here in America, Republicans.
Listening with a very good set of headphones (Sennheiser), the finished product of what happened in the studio once the audio started, presented itself. The album itself has a nice crisp sound, where one can hear each member’s participation precisely as their performance(s) was meant to be heard. The entire ten-song recording has a nice flow, whereas the songs advance, and complement each other. Playing the album from start to finish makes two-thirds of an hour fly by rather quickly.
Out of the ten songs, there are tracks that sound very much like Fleetwood Mac. The third track entitled, In My World, is one of them. If forty years ago this would be a huge hit on the radio. One of those songs they would play every 15 minutes, throughout the whole day. Track seven is another one; Lay Down For Free.
I got to mention the closing track; Carnival Begin. Clocks in as the longest composition on the album. Has a slow, mellow prog-rock vibe to it. Chill out with whatever adult libation you are into, and turn up the volume. Just what the doctor ordered. Additionally, and being wishful thinking, I’d love to see this song live in concert, along with ‘Too Far Gone’. Would be fun times!
“Uncle G” rates … Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie (Self Titled 2017)
Using a one to a five-star rating system, whereas one star means it belongs in the cut-out bin, to five stars which means you can safely spend your hard-earned cash on it, “Uncle G” rates Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie … insert a Mick Fleetwood drum roll … 5 stars!
The musicianship involved is what you’d expect from professionals who survived the music business, and turned what they do into an art form. Lindsey Buckingham excels in playing acoustic guitar, as well as electric. Christine McVie … I think I have a crush on her. So talented a piano and keyboard player, and with a voice capable of giving someone goosebumps. Having John McVie and Mick Fleetwood’s participation, was a smart move. After all, it’s the end result that counts most. No, it’s not a new Fleetwood Mac album. Hopefully, the classic line-up has at least one more studio album in them to release. And damn soon (by the end of 2018). But in the meanwhile, this new Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie should help carry over any follower of Fleetwood Mac jonesing out for new material. In closing “Uncle G” predicts that if allowed (which also means being promoted properly), and played on decent sound equipment, Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie (self-titled duet album) should do the same as the music that these people were involved in decades ago; entertain the masses.
OH … sell a shitload of albums/CDs also, but that is an entirely different thing. Another story, for yet another day.
Helpful Weblinks
The Official Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie Website
https://www.buckinghammcvie.com
The Official Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie Twitter Page
https://twitter.com/buckinghammcvie
Bonus Video (The Making of the Album… Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie)
End of Story
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