The Soundstage Sessions

by

Stevie Nicks

Edit

Although not all "new" songs, "The Soundstage Sessions" is Stevie's first live album, and first album of completely new recordings in 8 years. What makes this album so special is that it was produced to sound like a studio album. The album was recorded at Grainger Studio in Oct. 2007, and Stevie is proud of the amount of post-production work that has gone into this release. Stevie is also a master of sequencing, and each song flows into the next seamlessly. "Stand Back" opens up the album, and gets everything going. "Beauty and the Beast" closes the album, and along with "Crash into Me", was one of the most anticipated songs of this release. I would recommend this to all fans, because even for the "die-hards", this release offers something new and exciting.

I admit my bias. I fell in love with Stevie Nicks' music when I first heard her voice on Rhiannon when it first played on the radio when I was 16 in 1975. I like the classics. I look forward to some new songs as well and do not doubt her ability to produce some more. This CD is okay, but the video greatly enhances the experience, so I recommend getting the DVD or Blu-Ray and then ripping the sound if you want sound only for an MP3 player. The show was great and I found the picture show of Stevie and her father through the years that was the backdrop for "Landslide" very touching.

I really can't understand why people criticize her voice. It was strong and emotive for this concert. I think she has aged well. Good thing she quit the drugs several years ago. Now if we want to talk about old crows who can't sing anymore and should indeed go away, I would put Kevin Cronin at the very top of that list. Stevie, on the other hand, has plenty left to give.