Get your Fleetwood Mac Fill with JDSkills! A blog on the classic band that is Fleetwood Mac. Here is where I dish out all my feelings on the band. After years of being a fan of their music, I'm going to want to talk about everything-so bear with me.
I think its quite lovely to say that I am taking the Fleetwood Mac Fill to new heights by actually writing my blog in the city where Fleetwood Mac thrived in the late seventies and continue to do so today. Can you guess where I am?
Here's a hint...
I'm blogging from Los Angeles folks! For a good two months I will be out here and I'm not complaining. Its honestly a home away from home for me and I encourage anyone to take a trip out here at least once in their lifetime. You can't help but sing Tom Petty's Free Fallin' and smile when you realize that you are "gliding down over Mulholland."
I can't think of a song that make you feel like you are all here in LA with me other than this video from 1978. It just screams "California!" Stevie Nicks is singing with former Fleetwood Mac guitarist, Bob Welch. Mick Fleetwood is featured in the fun video. Enjoy it and pretend that you are out here soaking up the sun, and music, with me!
I need Stevie's outfit from this video. I just love it!
This performance of Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon," would make any Fleetwood Mac fan vote for American Idol contestant, Haley Reinhart.
Not many people can pull of this song, but Reinhart sure did.
From the very moment that this season of American Idol started, I thought to myself, "Haley reminds me of a young Stevie Nicks." Obviously, record producer Jimmy Iovine thought the same thing and chose this song for Reinhart to sing in finals for the top three contestants.
Unfortunately, Reinhart was eliminated the following night and as a result, the finale between Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina was somewhat of a snooze-fest. Lauren Alaina has a beautiful voice, but the finale would have been much more interesting if the top two were between Scotty McCreery and Haley Reinhart. The battle between the country boy and the rocker chick.
Reinhart should be able to look back on this performance of "Rhiannon" and be proud. She did a perfect job of making this 1975 classic her own. She didn't try to copy Nicks, like many amateur performers sometimes do. Yes, she may have mimicked that "airy-fairy" quality that Nicks possesses in her performances, but she remained sophisticated and brought her own personality into the song. It was a perfect blend of both Nicks and Reinhart in one performance.
Lets take a look at Stevie Nicks' performance of "Rhiannon" in 1976...
Obviously, the original by Nicks wins hands down, but that isn't to say that Reinhart's performance wasn't equally as memorable. We need more singers out there like Reinhart. I am sick of the "too-perfect" and therefore overdubbed voices that I hear everytime that I turn on my radio. Sometimes being imperfect, is what makes the song raw, emotional, and real. Stevie Nicks proved this point in the seventies and continues to do so today, and her musical persona has obviously rubbed off on the young talent of today's generation.
I'm sure that this performance by Haley Reinhart on American Idol would have made Stevie Nicks proud!
It was Stevie Nicks' birthday this past Thursday, May 26. She turned 63 but she looks like she could honestly be 36. Its insane!
It figures that Nicks decided to do a show on her birthday. She loves being with her fans and it seems like she is happiest when singing on stage. She performed at the Wiltern Theatre on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles.
We can't all be in LA, although sometimes we wish we could, so here is a clip that can make you feel like you were actually in attendance at Nicks' B-day Bash...
63 years old? Seriously? Its so thrilling to see Nicks sing this song live. Lets cross our fingers and pray that Nicks decided to do a tour for the In Your Dreams album. I need to see some more live performances!
Want to hear something cute? My sister was lucky enough to attend the show (and hold up the phone so I could hear every song...) She said that Nicks gave each member of the audience a birthday cupcake! How adorable is that?
Drummer Mick Fleetwood and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham were in attendance. In fact, check out the video above from mark 4:20 onward. I heard from multiple sources that Nicks was singing those lyrics to Buckingham who sat in a balcony seat next to Mick Fleetwood. Gossip? Maybe. Interesting? Yes...
Record producer, Jimmy Iovine was in attendance. Iovine produced Nicks' first solo album, Bella Donna, in 1981. Actress Reese Witherspoon and musician Orianthi were also spotted in the audience. Nicks sang eight songs off the In Your Dreams album.
Lindsey Buckingham sang vocals and played his guitar riff on the song, "Soldier's Angel". Here is a clip of that performance...
Happy Birthday Stevie! 63 and still rockin' hard...
I'm back! Sorry for the long MIA macsters. Last week, people seemed to be in a frenzy for clothes and I was there to tell them A.) "You look great," or B) "Mmm not so hot..." Yes I work in retail and it is an interesting little job You meet a bunch of characters on a day to day basis, but in the back of my mind of course I was thinking, "Fleetwood Mac Fill, Fleetwood Mac Fill, Fleetwood Mac Fill..."
Rumor has it that Stevie Nicks plans on releasing a documentary on her most recent album, In Your Dreams. She goes into depth about most of the songs that are featured on the album. Take a look!
Part I
Part II
Wow. So great stuff right? I am seriously teased and seriously thrilled about the release of the documentary in its full entirety. JDSKills
Remember that little diddy I posted a few months back? It was probably under the demo section, but it was a song called "My Heart." Stevie Nicks has done it again and brought back this demo track that was originally supposed to be on her 2001 solo album, Trouble in Shangri-La. Lets first listen to the demo track from 2001, and then the updated bonus track that is on In Your Dreams.
Demo Track: My Heart (2001)
Bonus Track on In Your Dreams
So which one is better? It is really hard to answer that question. Personally, I like the raw quality that is found on a demo track, but that's not to say that the clean album track isn't equally as good. The mandolin guitar break and the "Ooh yeahs" are pretty cool when they blend together. Chilling if you ask me.
So once again, Miss Nicks has brought back a song from the dead. First the single, "Secret Love," and now "My Heart." I, along with other die hard fans, am loving that she is bringing back the "long lost songs."
Wow. Seriously, I can't pick which song I like best on this album. The more that I listen to the album, the more that I seem to find new favorites! This song, "Soldier's Angel," is a song dedicated to those brave soldier's who have served our country within the past decade. Lindsey Buckingham sings vocals and plays guitar on the song. Gosh, it is just pure heaven when those two voices blend together isn't it?
Track 9: "Soldier's Angel"
In 2006, Stevie Nicks visited the heroic soldiers overseas in Iraq and actually donated hundreds of Ipods to the wounded soldiers. Nicks included some of her songs on the Ipods, as well as songs by Aerosmith and Elvis Presley. She simply wanted the soldiers to feel better and uplifted. She was deeply effected by her interaction with those soldiers and that is where the inspiration of this song came from.
Stevie Nicks told People Magazine that any one of those soldiers could have been her own child. "You can't help but fall in love with them," Nicks said.
"Through the eyes of a soldier, I am a soldier's mother."-"Soldier's Angel"
Whether it is present day in Iraq or whether it was over 100 years ago during the Civil War, we are all connected to those who served our country. As Americans, we have an obligation to support those who have served our country. We may not support the war, but we can support those who sacrificed their lives to defend our country.
This next song is another one of my favorites on the album. Take a listen to "For What Its Worth." Record producer and Heartbreaker (of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers...) did some work with Stevie Nicks on this track.
Track 2-"For What Its Worth"
Don't you just love how she does the harmony part with her own voice for the second and third chorus parts? Wow, I don't know if that came across right, but listen to it at mark 2:16 on. You will see what I mean. Its absolutely beautiful. Its so simple and passionate all at the same time. Love it.
"I got to sing
I got to dance
I got to be apart of a great romance
Still forbidden..."
Ok...now I am leaning towards believing that this song is about Lindsey Buckingham...again. You all are probably thinking that I am crazy and a little bit fanatic about their everlasting relationship (both musical and physical), but I can't see these lyrics pointing to anyone else! Obviously, the relationship between Lindsey and Stevie is and was considered a "great romance." This was also evident in 1997 when Fleetwood Mac went on the road for "The Dance Tour." "I got to sing and got to DANCE. I got to be a part of a great romance..." And I also heard that Buckingham did have a girlfriend during the time of that tour, which obviously made the relationship between Nicks and Buckingham somewhat forbidden. I might be taking this too far, but you get the point.
And how can you deny this quote? This is what Buckingham had to say about his relationship with Nicks during "The Dance" tour.
"This was like the girl I used to live with again. And it was no longer bittersweet, like it had been for so long, it was just sweet."
I was seriously getting some major withdrawals/sweats when I saw that blogspot was down for the past two days. I have so much to talk to you Macsters about!
As promised, I will deliver my thoughts on the new Stevie Nicks album, "In Your Dreams."
Guys, it is really one of her best solo records to date. The songs are perfect to listen to when going for that long summer drive. It is evident that Nicks has poured her heart and soul into this album. Lets take you through the album song by song shall we?- But don't hesitate to go out and by the album! Its so worth it.
Actually, I take that back. Lets review ONE song off the album each day. You didn't think I was going to spoon feed you the entire album did you? Nope. You need to actually go out and BUY it. This might seem like a tease, but it is all the more reason as to why you need to go out and BUY the album. You will thank me later...
Track 6: "Moonlight ( A Vampire's Dream)"
This is my favorite song on the album by far. Those first few versus are actually from an unreleased demo track that Nicks recorded in the late seventies. The demo track, "Lady From the Mountain," was one of those demos that is believed to be written about her relationship with Lindsey Buckingham. Nicks also said in past interviews that the chorus of this song was inspired from the film, "Twilight." Nicks told online website, "Spinner UK," about her inspiration behind the song...
"He loves her, but he loves his life alone as well' -- people would think that was written about Edward, but it was written about Lindsey. So this really is an ancient song that encompasses my strange and everlasting relationship with Lindsey Buckingham, and Bella and Edward, all mixed into one."
Nicks also said that her relationship with Buckingham was quite "vampiric," in the way that their relationship seems to never die. She said that it was a song about how love never dies.
Alright. My little heart melted when I read that. I can't help it. I wish those two could just work it out...
I also have to say that I am super pumped that she used that demo track. There was a post a few months back, I'm guessing in January, where I created a "wish list" of songs that I hoped Stevie would include on the album. They were all demo tracks. "Lady from the Mountain" was at the top of the list.
Um, Stevie....are you out there reading this blog? Give a shout out. That would absolutely make my day.
I realize I have been MIA, but it is simply because I have been studious over the past few days and studying for my finals. Good girl right?
I will tell you this, I have gotten my copy "In Your Dreams," and it literally brings tears of joy to my eyes. It was well worth the wait!
Here is a track off the album, and again, I will be back on here to give a personal review over the next few days!
"Annabel Lee"-A poem by Edgar Allen Poe put into musical form by Stevie Nicks.
At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about this song. It seemed a little too slow at the beginning, but I listened to the rest of the song and...BOOM. The chorus comes in at mark 1:23 and now it is one of my favorite songs on the album. Not only is the musical arrangement simply stunning in this song, but the song allows me to see how similar the lyrical formatting is between Nicks and Poe. You can see where she gets her creative influence from.
And I also think it is pretty cool to say, "Yes, I know a poem by Edgar Allen Poe by heart...jealous?"
The day is finally here! Stevie Nicks' solo album, "In Your Dreams," is officially released.
I gotta say, I was a little bummed to walk out to my mailbox and see that I have yet to receive the album. I am guessing that I will receive it either tomorrow or the day after, but the this is absolute torture!
I promised myself that I wouldn't cheat and preview the tracks on Itunes, but I caved last night at midnight and previewed track 6 on the album, "Moonlight." When I didn't find the album in my mailbox, I immediately purchased the song off Itunes. I only caved on one song though...the rest will all be a surprise when I pop it into my car's CD player.
Anyways, if the rest of the album is in any way similar to "Moonlight," then we are all in for a real treat. It literally brought tears to my eyes it was that good. She brought back an old track from the late 70's entitled, "Lady from the Mountain," and put a new futuristic spin on it. Strings galore. Its an awesome track and it only leave me itching to hear the rest of the album!
If any of you purchased the album, ENJOY IT! I hope I will be pleasantly surprised tomorrow when I open my mailbox.
Ooooh! But on an even better note, check out Glee tonight! They are doing a whole episode deicated to Fleetwood Mac's Rumours album!
Well my dears, tomorrow is the big day and I couldn't be happier. I don't know about all of you, but this highly anticipated album has gotten me through the toughest times the last month.
1.Workouts
2. Last minute tests that professors decide to cram into the end of a semester...just for kicks
3. Depression after realizing that I will never be a Royal Princess like Kate Middleton. (Yes, I had a touch of the Royal Wedding blues)-just kidding, I wasn't down in the dumps. I literally watched the wedding three times in one day. Obsessed? Maybe...
Okay, so maybe not the TOUGHEST times, but the album has been a big motivator to GET STUFF DONE. Thinking about it made the tedious moments feel not as annoying.
I am thrilled to say that tomorrow, May 3, Stevie Nicks' solo album, "In Your Dreams," will be released. Yeah yeah yeahhhh!
I love the two day mark in any type of countdown. Its great because all you have to think is, "The day after tomorrow!" Its just a great feeling.
2 DAYS!
Here is a great live performance from Stevie Nicks in 1981. The Roxy is a great LA music venue where many great rock stars have performed. Here she is singing "Gold Dust Woman," with former Mac guitarist, Bob Welch and Mick Fleetwood on bongos (Yup. bongos...how fun!) Catch it from mark 4:35 onward. Love the way they break it down in the end.
Oh gosh. We are at the 3 day mark. Its oh so close!
3 DAYS!
Here is rare video of Stevie Nicks circa 1985. She is in the backstage of her dressing room and simply jamming out with her makeup artist and backup singer, Lori Nicks. She is singing the song "Wild Heart," off of her 1985 album, "Wild Heart." Its a cool video that I thought you Macsters may enjoy.
Ok, I was probably distracted from the Royal Wedding and forgot to create a post, but come on my ladies out there, it isn't every day that you have a regular girl turn into a princess right before your very eyes!
How gorgeous was Kate Middleton's wedding dress BTW? Absolutely stunning. I heard rumors that the dress was modeled after Grace Kelly's wedding gown. Middleton represented herself with pure elegance and poise. Today surely was a magical day...
And it got even better-Only 4 days until the new Stevie Nicks album guys!
4 DAYS!
I figured I would post a song that mentioned the word "castle" in the song. Its only fitting on the night of the Royal Wedding right?
We are literally a workweek (In my case, school week,) away from the new album guys. Yup. Only five short days until the release date of "In Your Dreams!"
5 DAYS!
Expect one or two Stevie Nicks/Dave Stewart collaborations on the new album. Honestly, I kind of wish she was collaborating a few songs with Mr. Tom Petty rather than Stewart. She has had a history of collaborations with the man and they never seem to disappoint.
Nicks did a performance of Tom Petty's hit, "I Need To Know," in 1981. It lets us take a new look at this song from a lady's perspective. Stevie's version is great and I love her humongous tambo!
I figured we might as well start counting down the days until Stevie Nicks' solo album, "In Your Dreams," is released. Let me remind you that this solo album is Nicks' first solo album in TEN YEARS!
Every day from here on out I will post a Stevie Nicks video...just to get you all excited.
We might as well start by posting her first single off the new album. Here is her music video for "Secret Love." The video was actually released today on AOL. Yayyyy...exciting!
7 DAYS!
P.S.-Oh yes. The drummer in the video is the one and only Mick Fleetwood. Mac Lovin'!
Oh yes. You read correctly. Lindsey Buckingham is planning on releasing another solo album in September of this year. The name of the album will be entitled, "Seeds We Sow."
My older sister (my inspiration for my love of Fleetwood Mac,) currently lives in the LA area and was able to see Lindsey Buckingham's "sneak peak" performance at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills this past Friday. He played some Mac songs such as "Go Your Own Way," "Second Hand News," and many more that you know and love. Needless to say, the older sis was once again blown away by his performance.
I did find some videos from Youtube of that night. These songs are the tracks that will be on his upcoming September solo album, "Seeds We Sow." I can't wait for the tour after seeing these live performances!
Stars
This song is my favorite so far. Sometimes I can never tell if the man is playing a guitar or a harp. They talk about guitar gods...I think he's a guitar angel. Actually, I lie. He is a guitar god in my mind. God and angel can be the same thing can't it?
The Way Love Goes
I love how this song starts so delicate and quiet and then....BOOM, crazy drums and guitar riffs mingle to create one hell of a rockin' sound. Check out the guitar solo at mark 2:15. He keeps that intricate riff going while he finishes the song out strong. "It goes, it goes, it goes, it goes..."-Gosh Bucker you already got me singing...
End of Time
Just hearing this song makes me wish that he was releasing his album this summer rather than fall. This one makes me feel like I am laying on a beach in SoCal. Ahh picture it. I already can feel it.
Those are only a few new songs that he played that night. I will post more throughout the week, but what do you think so far? I for one LOVE it. I can barely wait for the fall tour after seeing these performances! It seems as though the great energy of these songs will result in one wild concert.-wild in a good way of course!
I have to admit, when I first heard this song off the Tango in the Night album...I hated it. I didn't like the sound of Stevie Nicks' voice. I didn't like it at all. It wasn't until one night that I actually took a listen to the song all the way through and realized how beautiful it really is.
So, mark 2:37 onward is absolutely stunning right? Well, rumor has it that after the track was recorded, Nicks snuck back into the studio and took out her vocal which left only Lindsey Buckingham singing the last few seconds of the track. Buckingham wanted Nicks singing harmony on the track and Nicks wanted to simply have only Buckingham's voice. It was left to a vote, and everyone in the band, and the studio, voted to have Buckingham close the song with his haunting vocals.
My opinion? Good choice! This sneaky move by Nicks made me love the song even more. When you strip out Nicks' vocal, you can actually hear the emotion in Buckingham's voice. I kinda want to be sneaky myself and do that on a few other Mac songs. The Chain? Go Your Own Way? Mmmm I think I'm getting ideas...
Stevie Nicks has admitted herself that if she were not a rock star, she would probably be a "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers" groupie. When Nicks embarked on her solo career in the early 80's, Nicks collaborated with the lead Heartbreaker on a few songs.
Put these two musicians together and you instantly melt. Her voice seems to wrap around Petty's almost perfectly. Their harmonies evolve into one powerful yet serene sound that can only be described as nothing short of magic.
This first videos is probably going to be familiar to most of you...
Stop Draggin' My Heart Around-1981
I have to admit, this video is a bit sad. We gotta give Nicks a break though. Music videos were brand new in 1981 and I guess she just wasn't used to the art of lip-syncing.
The Apartment Song-year unknown. Most likely, 1980's.
How bad are you bopping in your seats right now? I absolutely ADORE this song!
Nicks also joined Petty onstage during his tour with the Heartbreakers in 2006. It makes me a sad girl to say...I didn't go to the concert. Seriously, my eyes welled up writing that sentence. Huge regret.
Learning to Fly-2006 Tour
Obsessed with this performance. I will play it on repeat over and over again...
Don't Come Around Here No More-2006 Tour
I love this whole performance, but mark 5:20 on...I'm in pure bliss.
This is huge. Stevie Nicks hasn't been on Oprah in the HISTORY of her singing career. Its about time shes on the talk show!
Unfortunately, Nicks won't be the only performer. The show is entitled Rock Goddesses of the 70's and 80's. Women singer/songwriters such as Pat Benetar, Joan Jett and more will be on the show along with our lady Nicks.
Honestly, I wish it was just a Stevie show, but hey...beggars can't be choosers.
Woah there. Just watched the video above and I gotta be honest... I gagged a little when I saw that Miley Cyrus and Avril Lavigne were going to be on the show. That just took the "cool factor" down three notches.
...buttttt still looking forward to it obviously! Check out your local listings. It will be on at 4 p.m. east coast time.
So, what did you think of that last post? The lyrics and guitar on Lindsey Buckingham's song, ToTry For The Sun are beautiful, but why oh why does he overdub so many of his songs? His voice is so strong in his live performances. Why can't he just leave his voice alone?
Ok, I don't want to get all negative on my man Buck Not all of the songs on his albums sound overly overdubbed (I couldn't think of a better way to say that...I'm sorry). Lets post a song that is equally as good on the album as it is live! Its a 1992 favorite of mine. Oh yes, I am sure that I was that four year old bopping along to this song in the backseat of my mom's car...
Countdown-Album version
Countdown-Live version
See what I mean? There is so much passion in that live version. (bare feet and all!) I love this song, both on the album and live, but that live version...is seriously hot. It obviously gave me the chills.
We have had a lot of posts about Stevie Nicks. She is only one of the five members of Fleetwood Mac!
Here is a solo song from Lindsey Buckingham's Under the Skin album in 2006. It is a song called To Try For The Sun. My honest opinion? His voice is too overdubbed on this song, but the guitar work is absolutely stunning. I have heard this man perform live and his vocals don't need to be touched one bit. Why he overdubbed it...I will never know.
Ill talk more about this great song in the next post. Its been a busy week!
Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart have been on tour for a month or so and I am sad as well as quite disappointed to say...I have yet to see a show.
I know! I know! I am cringing as I write this, but you don't understand. Tickets were literally over $300 each. If it was simply Nicks alone or Fleetwood Mac, I would GLADLY pay that amount of money. I am saving up my money in the hopes that Nicks will do a summer tour for her new CD, In Your Dreams(Wahhhhoooo for May 3rd!)
Anyways, I did find some great performances of Youtube from the Rod/Stevie Tour. Check out a few...
Love Is (Closing song for Stevie's set list)
Hold the phone...can we take a moment and look at how stunningly beautiful this woman is at age 62?! I don't know how she does it. She doesn't even use botox! She is just timeless. And this song...gorgeous. She is hitting some soft notes in this performance that resembles the voice of a young Nicks in the 1970's. Those notes are the ones that makes me close my eyes and wish I could go back and time to that world. For a moment, I feel as though I actually can. TMP (Time machine performance)
Young Turks (Rod Stewart ft. Stevie Nicks)
I am going to sound really silly, but where in this song do they actually say the word "Young Turks"? I wonder why they never named it Young Hearts? Anyways, Stewart makes me laaaaaugh. His voice really hasn't changed a bit. I mean, I will be the first to admit that this guy's voice gives me shivers up and down my spine. I will also admit another thing...at mark 2:50 I get a bit...well...embarrassed for Stevie. I'm sure shes having a great time, but it makes me uncomfortable...I don't know why! But hey, she still looks GORG (as in gorgeous). Overall, it was all a fun, upbeat performance.
Ah it is so late I know, but I promised a post on this incredible song and now I will deliver!
A little background on the song...
Believe it or not Stevie Nicks was once a married woman. The day she married her then husband Kim Anderson in 1982, was the day that she wrote Stand Back. The Prince song Little Red Corvette was playing on the radio when Nicks and Anderson were driving up to Santa Barbara California. Nicks fell in love with the song and wanted to create a song that had the same synthesizer sound.
Stevie really explains it better in her own words. Listen to the story behind Stand Back in the video below. It is from VH1 Storytellers.
Mmmmm, there is nothing hotter than recording a song on your honeymoon night. Kidding. Come on Stevie, you couldn't take a break from songwriting even on your honeymoon night? Well I guess that is considered one sexy night for a prolific songwriter. Thank GOD it is or else we wouldn't have this fabulous song!
Here is the Prince song, Little Red Corvette. Can you hear the similarity? I can...
Man, I seriously dance to that Prince song in my room at least ONCE a week. No joke. You all should really try it. Its a great ab workout...
Anyways, I mentioned earlier that Stand Back is a great song to play when you are having a frustrating day. Honestly, the meaning of the song never really hit me until probably a month ago. It was always a "feel-good" song for me. Little did I know that the song's actual meaning is anything but "feel good".
The song is an argument put into song. Sidetrack: Don't you think life would be more enjoyable is we could solve every problem through song? I guess they just call those musicals...but hey, it would make solving problems an absolute breeze!
In the song, Nicks sings of a man who let her down. Its directed to that man who feels as though he can twist a woman's heart in his hands. Nicks is here to let him know that he can't. When Nicks wails the ending lyrics, "Take me home,"she is mimicking the voice of a man begging for a second chance.
"No one knows how I feel
What I say...unless you read between my lines..."
No one can really know what a woman feels when her heart breaks. Sometimes you feel angry and sometimes you feel sad. Sometimes you feel such strong emotions that they can't really be explained in simple words...so...we cry. Its a sad thing, it really is, and sometimes a woman can be seen as "over emotional" because of this fact. But what about the man? It is selfish for this particular man to feel as though he can hold her down and once again, twist her heart in his hand at his leisure. Where was he when she needed him? Its too little too late for this guy...(Nicks mean business!)
"In the middle of my room I did not hear from you...
It's alright, its alright to be standing in a line
I would cry."
Stand Back is always going to be a song that makes a person feel good. I have been to many Stevie Nicks concerts, and this song is constantly in the set list because it is a crowd pleaser. It always brings everyone in the audience to their feet. Do me a favor. When you hear this song, sit back and listen to the actual meaning behind it. Listen to the sound of a woman who is begging for a man...to be aman!
Stand Back. Besides the 1981 hit Edge of Seventeen, this single off of Stevie Nicks' 1983 album, TheWild Heart, is probably Stevie Nicks' most recognizable songs.
My eyes are drifting off which means I must be tired, but more to come in tomorrows post about this FABULOUS 80's hit single.
Listen to the track to get pumped for tomorrow's post!
I swear there is nothing like playing this song full blast when you're slightly...well...pissed. Sing your heart out to this song and all that frustration will just roll right out of your body. It works every time...
Look what I found! Take a look at this awesome trailer for Stevie Nicks' upcoming album, In Your Dreams.
Wow...speechless! I don't know what I'm more excited about, the tracks or the video! Once again I got some chills going on throughout my body (but really, when do I not seem to get chills?)
Some tracks definitely stand out, as far as hearing songs that have been "brought back from the dead." The second song played, Annabelle Lee, was a demo recorded in the past. The song is basically just a musical form of Edgar Allen Poe's poem Annabelle Lee. Nicks has said several times in the past that Edgar Allen Poe had been an influence for many of her songs. It is not surprising that she would include this track on her album.
I'm so happy to hear songs that are loud in sound. When you listen to these songs you can hear layers upon layers of intricate musical arrangements. They all seem to come together to make one beautiful, big sound. I mean, the violins on that last previewed song...stunning! It honestly brought a tear to my eye...
If the rest of the album is anywhere near as good as these four songs that were previewed, we are certainly in for a treat!
Stevie Nicks' song Thrown Down is by far, my favorite track off of Fleetwood Mac's 2003 album Say You Will. It is a song that is filled with such great instrumental and vocal work that it could have easily blended right in with the tracks on their 1977 Rumours album.
Yes, the song sounds great at first listen, but to understand the depths behind the making of this song is a whole different story. The Say You Will album was the first studio album that Fleetwood Mac made in over 15 years. The last time that the band was in a studio creating an album, was during the making of their Tango In The Night album in 1987. Christine McVie decided to sit this one out. Her angelic vocals and bluesy sound is sorely missed on this album. Regardless, this album is still one of my favorites.
When the band reunited for The Dance tour in 1997, there was an obvious chemistry that was still present between ex lovers, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Of course, I was only eight years old when Fleetwood Mac embarked on this fabulous tour, but I have seen some live performances on old VHS tapes and can clearly see that there was still a spark between the two musicians.
Take a listen to this beautiful song...
The song really speaks for itself. Listen to the lyrics and you will listen to the story of a relationship that has never really ended. It can apply to their relationship within the 1970's as well as their relationship in 1997. It seems as though these two musicians never really got a break as far as their relationship was concerned. Its as though they sacrificed their love for their musical career. In 1997, it seemed as though they were in a place where a possible relationship could start again. They had both grown over the years and were less influenced by the rock and roll lifestyle. They were able to start on a clean slate. They were able to recognize the love that was always present within their relationship, both musical and personal.
"Maybe now he could prove to her,
That he could be good for her,
And that they should be together."
Check out the video clip below. It is a snippet from the documentary, Destiny Rules, which taped the making of the 2003 album Say You Will. Nicks describes the meaning of this song the best. At mark 3:30, you can see the tension between the two musicians within the studio. "I'm talking to you!"-That has to give you a hint as who this song is directed to right? I guess some things never change...
Check it out!
It is a song that allows you to get an inside peek into the turmoil within their relationship. The song could have multiple meanings. Even though it has been said that Buckingham and Nicks called it quits in their relationship in 1976, it seemed as though they never really broke up. I mean think about it..
When you break up with someone, you don't have to see them the next day. Nicks and Buckingham broke up 1976 and saw each other constantly for the next ten or so years. How can you really break up when you are always together? Yes, we got some great music out of that breakup, but at the expense of heartache. They never really had a chance to get over each other, for they were constantly re-living their relationship through their music. Nicks went on to write songs influenced by her relationship with Buckingham for years to come. That has to tell you something right?
Their love story is quite sad if you think about it. The two musicians never seemed to catch the right timing. They joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975 and broke up in 1976. They were together for about four years prior to joined Fleetwood Mac and Nicks as stated in previous interviews that they were practically married.
"Lindsey and I were as close to married as I'll probably ever be. I took care of him, I cooked for him, I ironed his jeans, I embroidered stars and moons on them, I adored him, I took care of him."
-Stevie Nicks, MTV 1515, 1998
...Umm.. hold the phone! She embroidered stars and moons on his jeans?! Aw, how cute is that? I wonder if he actually wore them out? So, go ahead and call me a romantic, but I love these two and their never ending love story breaks my heart. Come on guys...work it out!
"About just how much he never really told her...
About how difficult it had been to be without her."
Oh P.S.-Stevie Nicks In Her Own Words is an awesome website where you can read direct quotes from Nicks herself. Its great.
Wow. Check out the feedback that was given by the Glee kids regarding Nicks' surprise visit on the Glee set. They simply ADORE her! I mean, who wouldn't?
Aw how cute is he? " I lost my mind." I don't blame you!
So we have some Finn and Quinn feedback happening here. Its great that Nicks is finally getting some recognition within today's generation. Its crazy...I feel like a proud Mama!
Can I play this on repeat all week long? It seriously relaxes me oh so much...
Thank you Mr. Dan Rogers for making my week a little more peaceful. I recommend this cover to anyone who is cramming this week for midterms. It will take your stress level down about five good notches.
Stevie Nicks wasn't technically a character on Glee, but her song Landslide was used on this past Tuesday's episode. She even had time to pay a visit to the Glee cast and express how happy she was about their choice to use her song. She was thrilled( and a tad smitten for Mr. Shue) to say the least...
"What makes you happy Stevie?"
"To be on my pink couch
in my 1938 library with a cup of Chai Tea, hot water bottle and...Glee."-Stevie Nicks
Watch this interview where Nicks talks about what went into the making of the song Landslide. Honestly, I knew that this song was about some aspect of change in a young person's life, but I never really knew exactly what the lyrics meant until now. Really interesting video...check it out.
" On my last day on this earth there are a few things I will think of and I will definitely think of my day at Glee."
Now, I will be the first to chuckle at this statement. Stevie, on your LAST day on this earth, the thing you will be thinking about is your time on Glee? Thats a pretty intense statement! She must really love the show...
One thing I won't chuckle at is the fact that her statement about how Glee is bringing back songs into the mainstream is so right on. Yes, some parts of the show may be a bit cheesy, but let me tell you first hand that I know that this show is a guilty pleasure for some men out there. Don't deny it...
The songs on this show are undeniably creative and they bring a new twist on some songs that otherwise would have been forgotten. Props Glee and thank you Stevie for recognizing the great talent behind this show. After all, if Stevie Nicks thinks this show is cool...then its cool.
Ah yesss! I found another beautiful demo that deserves some recognition. Seriously, I get so amped when I find these-you have no idea.
The amp in my heart has faded a bit after taking a listen to this demo. You can't help but feel the pain that is evident in her voice. It is no question that Spinning Wheels is a demo that is inspired by heartbreak. Nicks' use of the word spinning wheels is a metaphor for the disillusionment that love can sometimes bring.
"Spinning wheels,
Crystal perfection
Not to be confused with the tears.
Oh Christian, what about your sad, wild dreams?
What kind of feelings do you feel for me?
Do you cherish all those memories?
What kind of feelings do you feel for me?"
Sometimes we want a relationship to be perfect, even though that is absolutely impossible. We tend to look past the flaws and focus on the times that make us feel good. Nicks' reference to crystal perfection illustrates this fact. She then goes on to question herself. She is guarded and fearful that she will be hurt. Its as though doesn't want to be made into a fool and you can hear the fragility and in her voice as she sings these lyrics. She doesn't want to have her heart broken, even though she can predict that it will probably break at any moment. Makes you want to reach out and give her a hug, right?
"With the faith of a child,
Have you given enough?
Have you given too much?"
Now, I have said it once, but I will say it again- I believe that this song is inspired of the breakup between Nicks and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. She has said herself that Buckingham was, and still is, an inspiration for her music. Although she has written numerous songs about various past lovers, it seems to be that some of her most beautiful songs have been written about her experiences with Buckingham.
"Sweet things that we live for,
They say that dreams are made of them."
"No quiet cries...something that was.
No quiet cries for us."
I gotta say...I can't complain. If heartbreak is what it takes to create a song this beautiful, then I just have to say "BRING ON THE HEARTACHE." It might sound heartless, but sometimes the harder you hurt, the better the song is.
It turns out that flu was bronchitis in disguise. I was not a pretty sight for the past few days, but now my voice has finally come back from the dead. Actually I have a little confession...
You know when you are sick and you lose your voice? Am I the only girl out there who loves to get that raspy after sick voice? Sometimes, I blast Stevie Nicks songs and pretend I have that same beautiful rasp that she has.-Honestly!
So, that was my little confession. I pretend to sing like Stevie Nicks when I am getting over an illness. I guess it is just my way of putting a positive twist on a bad situation.
On my way home I was blasting the demo for Gold Dust Woman, which is on the Rumours album. This version can be found on the Rumours Deluxe Edition CD. I advise all of you readers to get yourself a copy of this CD. It gives you an inside listen as to what the recording of the Rumours album was like. You are able to listen to the magic that went into the making of this legendary album.
Now, listen to the demo at mark 3:50 onward. Nicks sneaks in a bit of another song that she must have been working on at the time. If You Ever Did Believe was a song that Nicks wrote in the 1970's. It was brought back in 1998 when the film Practical Magic was released.
In this following clip, Nicks gives her view on the power of music within a film. You can also hear the polished version of the song, If You Ever Did Believe.
Play the clip at 3:32. Sound familiar? Thats because you heard the same thing in the Gold Dust Woman demo clip! Not only is this just a cool tidbit, but it makes me want to speculate the meaning of If You Ever Did Believe. Nicks has said in the past that Gold Dust Woman is about the use of drugs, cocaine in particular, and she tends to shy away from this song being about anything romantic in nature.
Okay, I beg to differ. Yes, I know that Stevie Nicks of all people would know the meaning to her own songs, but I can't help but think that this song has multiple meanings. As I take a look at the lyrics to Gold Dust Woman, I see lyrics that refer to both cocaine use as well as the unraveling of a romantic relationship. Take a look at the lyrics here.
Now, lets play detective...
The Rumours album is known to be an album inspired by the breakups of the various members within the band.
The fact that Nicks intertwined the lyrics to If You Ever Did Believe into the end of the demo track of Gold Dust Woman, leads me to believe that IYEDB (yes I abbreviate...) was in the running to be on the Rumours album. It is clearly another song that is directed at guitarist, Lindsey Buckingham.
The demo for If You Ever Did Believe was from 1976. The Rumours album was released in 1977. Hmm..
So I leave you with this question. Is If You Ever Did Believe really an extension of Gold Dust Woman? My musical investigation leads me to believe that it is.
I can't remember the last time I got the flu, but its hit me and I forgot how bad it can make you feel. I knew I should have gotten that flu shot! *shakes fist in the air*
Music always seems to make me feel better when I'm feeling lousy, so here are a few tunes that simply relax me. I never like to play music thats too loud because...
A) my head is already pounding and B) the loud/fast paced music seems to make me feel like I need to dance. Dancing...is the last thing I want to be doing right now. (I must be feeling really sick to say that right?)
So if you're feeling a little under the weather like me, make yourself a cup of tea (add a little milk and sugar) and simply relax to these mellow Mac songs...
Fleetwood Mac 1975: Crystal
Stevie Nicks 1980's(not sure on exact date): I Sing For The Things
Fleetwood Mac 1979: Beautiful Child
I hope this made you feel better! I know that by getting my Mac fill, I am one step closer to recovery...
Oh boy, so I have some bad news and some good news to share with you. I'll start with the bad...
Remember how I posted earlier that my sister was going to attend that meet and greet with Stevie Nicks at that event, The Sunset Sessions? Well, she was called into work and wasn't able to make it down to San Diego. Ugh, bummer right?! It all just seemed too good to be true.
Now for the good news. At the event Stevie sang with singer/songwriter Vanessa Carlton. They sang a song entitled, Carousel, which will be on Vanessa's upcoming album, Rabbits on the Run. I heard the song and absolutely fell in love.
Do you have a twinkle of a tear in your eye? It's alright if you do! It's good when music can touch you on an emotional level. Personally, thats what I think makes good music. If you can sit down and listen to a song and actually feel something, then you know its good.
Nicks is right when she says that Vanessa is one of the great ones. We don't hear a lot of her music on the radio these days and its a real shame. Here we have a girl who actually writes her own music and the lyrics come out as nothing short of poetry. They are beautiful lyrics that are supported by substance and meaning. The truth in this song is the catalyst for that tear in your eye!
The 14th annual Sunset Sessions will take place tomorrow, Feb 19 in San Diego C.A at the La Costa Resort. This is an event that most regulars don't know too much about, but our very own Stevie Nicks will be in attendance.
Man, it sure is one of those times when I wish I were living with my sister on the west coast. My sister, another fan of the Mac, lives in LA and although San Diego is a good two hours away, she will be making the trip down the coast to visit Nicks.
My sister called me last night all excited and in panic at the same time. Can I say blame her? If I met Stevie Nicks, I wouldn't know where to begin. What would I say? What would I ask? What would I wear? Honestly, what do you wear when you meet not only one of the most influential women in rock music, but one of the most influential women in the fashion world as well?
But what would I even say? You know when you are so excited to meet someone that the words just don't come out right? Well, I bet that would happen to me. Actually, I for SURE know it would happen to me. I would need to write out my thoughts and bring the list with me to the meet in greet. For sure...
I would write my list out, but that is a bit personal. Lets just say I would definitely let her know what a role model she is in my life. I might even gain the courage to sneak a link to this blog for her to check out. Seriously, how AWESOME would it be if I looked to the right of this page and saw "Followers: Stevie Nicks" Unreal...
The tickets I heard were a bit pricey at $250, but its got to be worth it. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! If my sister happens to take and pics, I will be sure to upload them here!
