Rhino Entertainment Company releases a luminous compilation of early Fleetwood Mac music.
Fleetwood Mac – Best Of Fleetwood Mac 1969-1974 – Warner Music Group/Rhino Entertainment Company R1 726624/603497824328 2-LP Sea Blue Vinyl, ****1/2:
(Mick Fleetwood – drums, percussion; John McVie – bass; Peter Green – guitar, six-string bass, harmonica, percussion, vocals); Danny Kirwan – guitar, vocals; Christine McVie – piano, keyboards, vocals; Jeremy Spencer – guitar, piano, vocals; Bob Welch – guitar, vibraphone vocals; Bob Weston – guitar, slide guitar, harmonica, banjo, vocals; Dave Walker – harmonica, vocals)
Before the mega success of the 1977 album Rumours, Fleetwood Mac had been a staple on the British music scene. Formed by Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie in 1967, the earlier configurations of the band would include. Danny Kirwan, Christine McVie, Bob Welch, Jeremy Spencer and Bob Weston. Like many of their contemporaries, Fleetwood Mac began as a blues rock group with edgy guitar work. From 1969-1974, the first ascension included moderate hit singles and 6 notable albums, including Bare Trees, Kiln House and Mystery To Me. Peter Green was the musical leader with songs like “Oh Well (Part 1)” and “The Green Manalishi”. Then, other members like Kirwan (“Sands Of Time”), Welch (“Sentimental Lady”, “Hypnotized”) and McVie (“Prove Your Love”, “Heroes Are Hard To Find”) assumed songwriting responsibility.
Rhino Entertainment Company has released a 2-LP vinyl retrospective of this era. Fleetwood Mac – Best Of 1969–1974 consists of 19 tracks rendered in chronological order. Side 1 opens with the quintessential blues rock opus, “Oh Well (Part 1)”. Green’s jagged, hook-filled guitar and nasty vocals make this number an instant classic. Down ’n’ dirty, “Rattlesnake Shake” feels like electrified slowed-groove Delta. Green’s crisp, distorted guitar licks give this jam a funky resonance. Of course, the cohesive tandem of Fleetwood and McVie never lets the tension subside. The steady early 70’s hard rocker “The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown)” is steeped in psychedelic licks and dual guitar shading. The under-appreciated Kirwan steps into the spotlight on “Station Man” which intermingles blues, country and rock in a less menacing, middle of the road performance. This mellower approach permeates the easy-flowing (but rousing finish) “Jewel Eyed Judy”. Side 2 showcases Kirwan on the hard rocking “Tell Me All The things You Do”, the mellifluous instrumental “Sunny Side Of Heaven” and the folk-infused “Sands Of Time” (which features pop tempo breaks, smooth effect-driven guitars and layered back up vocals, characteristics of later Fleetwood Mac arrangements). Bob Welch (third lead guitarist) adds an ethereal touch to “Future Games’ launching another style transition, aided by nimble organ licks by McVie.
After the final Kirwan composition, “Bare Trees” (a freewheeling crowd-pleaser with serpentine chord changes and a second chorus with vocalese followed by cascading dual guitars), Welch and McVie take over the songwriter helm. “Sentimental Lady” was the most pop-friendly Fleetwood Mac song to date. Welch’s reedy emotional vocals are framed by studio-enhanced guitar tones, and a magnetic chorus with harmonious backup vocals. Christine McVie’s first lead vocal (on her own song) glows with that warm voice and pop sensibility. With a more upbeat tempo, “Remember Me” is classic C.M. with her unique easygoing delivery, matched with crisp guitar intonation. In a change of pace, “Did You Ever Love Me” exudes a Caribbean elegance with flowing aesthetics, including keyboards and marimba. Side 4 is a further progression into pop-rock dynamics. “Emerald Eyes” is agile with exotic instrumental accompaniment. Mick Fleetwood’s “in the pocket” drumming kicks off “Hypnotized”. Welch’s smooth-groove blues tale is enchanting, immersed in a meticulous arrangement that includes a distinctive coda. McVie’s breezy countenance and soulful vocals on “Heroes Are Hard To Find” are a revelation. Her involvement with the band at this point was groundbreaking and a precursor to future efforts. Welch’s final song (“Angel”) reverts to blues rock format with a hypnotic chorus. The finale, “Prove Your Love” is centered around the velvety alto voice (with a trace of falsetto) of Christine McVie. The electric piano and guitar play in counterpoint.
Fleetwood Mac – Best Of 1969-1974 is a vital part of this band’s legacy. This retrospective offers a broad glimpse into a band transitioning with key personnel changes (vividly described in the new liner notes). The remastered sound (Chris Bellaman/Bernie Grundman Mastering) is top notch.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Best Of Fleetwood Mac 1969-1974
Side 1: Oh Well (Part 1); The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown); Station Man; Jewel Eyed Judy
Side 2: Tell Me All The Things You Do; Future Games; Sands Of Time (Single Version); Sunny Side Of Heaven
Side 3: Bare Trees; Sentimental Lady; Spare Me A Little Of Your Love; Remember Me; Did You Ever Love Me
Side 4: Emerald Eyes; Hypnotized; Heroes Are Hard To Find; Angel; Prove Your Love.
