Despite the success of their mega-selling and era-defining Rumours album, Fleetwood Mac have often been unfairly tagged as a ‘70s West Coast MOR outfit. Their standing has steadily improved however and this comprehensive 17-track collection of Fleetwood Mac covers showcases the breadth of their artistry, drawing on every era of the band’s 45-year history including their earlier incarnation as a blues collective, featuring guitar legend Peter Green.
Like most tribute affairs, the quality varies wildly and, depending on your favourite Mac era and songs, it requires selective listening. That said, there are some great performances. Antony (of the Johnsons fame) chooses a simple acoustic take on ‘Landslide’ which works well, while The New Pornographers’ version of Tusk‘s ‘Think About Me’ is terrific.
The earlier years are well-represented and The Lee Ranaldo Band, featuring J. Mascis do a note-for-note version of ‘Albatross’, the gentle instrumental featuring Peter Green which became the Mac’s first big hit. Meanwhile, Z.Z. Top’s Billy Gibbons and friends do a decent ‘Oh Well’, updating the sound slightly but holding true to the original.
Elsewhere, Best Coast’s slightly quirky version of ‘Rhiannon’ makes it sound like an indie classic, while Marianne Faithfull brings her lived-in voice to a lovely reading of ‘Angel’. Drowned in reverb, Lykke Li’s version of the Rumours-era ‘Silver Springs’ is a tad hard on the ears, while The Kills transform ‘Dreams’ from a harmony-drenched slice of sweet California pop into a something darker and more sinister altogether. It works but you’ll never be able to listen to the song in the same light again!
Other highlights include Matt Sweeney and Bonnie Prince Billy’s ‘Storms’, Trixie Whitley’s soulful ‘Before The Beginning’ and Gardens & Villa’s electro version of ‘Gypsy’ while M.G.M.T. round things off with a suitably ambient ‘Future Games’.