Stevie Nicks on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine in 1981
There are a few questionable (i.e embarrassing) things about myself that I try not to readily reveal. Certain aspects of myself that may alter the way I'm perceived by friends, family, and law enforcement if they were ever to be discovered. But one thing I will admit fully and whole heartedly, no matter what judgment will be passed upon me or how many snickers I hear:I love Fleetwood Mac.
Truthfully they were probably deemed uncool 20 years ago.The song "Don't Stop" fueled Bill Clinton's 1992 Presidential campaign, and nowadays if you hear a Fleetwood Mac song you're most likely in a dentist office getting metal instruments shoved in your mouth. But it's undeniable that the American-British band made timeless songs that still resonate today.Their best selling and most popular record Rumours, was a crowning achievement in rock music despite the disintegration of relationships within the band. Bassist John McVie and keyboardist Christine McVie were going through a divorce, and guitarist/singer Lindsey Buckingham ended his nine year relationship with singer Stevie Nicks. There was a considerable amount of tension during the recording session, to the point where band members couldn't be in the studio at the same time. For me, the most fascinating thing about Rumours was that the band used the pain of their failed relationships to write amazing songs. The Nicks-penned "Dreams" warns the man who called off a courtship of the miserable loneliness that awaits him, and "Go Your Own Way" sung by Buckingham targets the blame to the female perspective.
If there's any song that captures the overall essence of Rumours, it's "The Chain". It's the only song that was made with contributions from all five members.Bitter, demanding, and tense, "The Chain" commands attention with lines like "If you don't love me now/Then you'll never love me again."
"Rhiannon" Live performance in 1976
www.fleetwoodmac.com
Fleetwood Mac "The Chain" mp3
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