It seems like every ten years Fleetwood Mac somehow finds their way into the spotlight. In 1977, they had the spotlight with the landmark album "Rumours". After the two follow-up albums to "Rumours" didn't quite measure up to the 1977 classic, Fleetwood Mac would take a five year hiatus. After that hiatus, the band would reunite for what was considered a moderately successful 'comeback' album called "Tango in the Night". It was following "Tango in the Night" that major changes would be in-store for the band. Right after the release of "Tango", guitarist and vocalist Lindsey Buckingham - a major creative force would depart from the group. Eventually Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie - the other 2/3 of the creative force in terms of songwriting and vocals would depart. By 1995, Fleetwood Mac with founders Mick Fleetwood and John McVie would still try to go on - this time they would bring in the likes of veteran rocker Dave Mason, but it was clear things were not the same. As 1997 approached, things started to swing upwards again. As told on this CD, Lindsey Buckingham asked Mick Fleetwood to play drums on an album we was working on. Eventually "one thing led to another" and the 5 core members (Buckingham, Nicks, Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie) were all back in the studio. This would eventually lead to some touring - thus in 1997, the live album "The Dance" was released. With live albums, they are often hit or miss, but this on this one - Mac hits on out of the park. Not only do they put out an album that was the best of 1997, they put out one of the greatest live albums - ever.
There are two components to why "The Dance" was so special. These two components have been Mac staples throughout their careers. The first is that the 5 members captured raw emotion on "The Dance". Fleetwood Mac has always shown they are most successful when emotions are running high. This was clearly the case during the making of "Rumours" when the band was dealing with the breakups of both the marriage of the McVies and long-term relationship between Stevie and Lindsey. Much of that emotion led its way into the music and thus "Rumours" catapulted to landmark status. Now some 20 years later, the 5 members are older and wiser. What is evident is that despite all of the trials and tribulations these members went through over the last 20 years, there was still a lot of passion and care between them all. On the performance of "The Dance" they give in Los Angeles, this is very evident. The second component is that Fleetwood Mac was never afraid to deviate from the parameters of the formula of Rock music - in other words, they like to experiment. On "The Dance", the band shows they like to experiment in a few different ways. It's also worth noting that this is all captured on a single night - as opposed to a "best of" of live songs from multiple nights of the tour. This helps make "The Dance" special.
Looking at the first component. If you get the corresponding video to "The Dance" you will see these emotions run high on stage. However, you don't need this video to feel these emotions surface. The vocalists - Christine, Stevie, and Lindsey connect with the audience immediately through speaking to them - especially Lindsey who truly shows he is glad to be back in the group. There is a lot of dynamics between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. During "Landslide", Lindsey plays guitar as Stevie goes into an emotional song dedicated to her father. However, its evident as Lindsey's guitar meshes with Stevie's vocals that a lot of old emotions are beginning to surface - even some tears begin to surface. At the end of the song, Stevie gives what has become a trademark "Thank you Lindsey" and Lindsey responds back "Thank you Stevie". Emotions run higher during "Silver Springs". This was a song that was left off the "Rumours" album, but always was a Stevie favorite. Stevie was always upset that this song never made it to be released. On "The Dance", this was the first single released. This is one of the great live performances ever - especially toward the end of the song when Stevie and Lindsey go into an emotional duet. Emotions are at a complete high because this was a song written by Stevie about Lindsey. At the end Stevie has her say when she remarks how "Silver Springs was a great old song". The McVies never quite wore their hearts on their sleeves like Stevie and Lindsey, but you will see a humorous side when Christine gets John to sing vocals on "Say You Love Me".
As for the experimentation - Mac uses a Banjo and has John on vocals (first time) for "Say You Love Me". The best is when they introduce the USC Marching Band for "Tusk" and "Don't Stop" - this comes off like a charm. It's really good stuff.
There are also four new songs done live. These songs are not token additions - they are terrific. "Temporary One" (Christine vocals) and "Sweet Girl" (Stevie vocals) are the two best ones. The two Lindsey songs are also very good as well ("My Little Demon" and "Bleed to Love Her"). These songs are also packed with a lot of emotion and are terrific additions to the collection..
The 17 songs of "The Dance" will truly keep you happy. There is a good cross-section of the music of the albums made by these 5 core members and should keep old and new fans happy. The liner notes don't have any lyrics (including the new songs) and they don't mention where and when the performance was recorded. However, this is still an excellent album - easily best of 1997 and one to have in your collection.
The Best Album of 1997
Nice Collection
