This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
Lindsey Buckingham is possibly the sexiest 57-year-old on earth. With his piercing blue eyes, leather-jacket-clad form, and a head of hair men half his age would kill for, he cuts quite a striking figure. Oh, and his skills on the guitar aren’t too shabby either.
So naturally, it was with great anticipation that I settled into my seat at the Fox Theatre, my first show ever at Foxwoods casino. I quickly realized that this theatre has some unique features.
First, there’s the whole “maitre’d seating” thing. With these tickets, you’re guaranteed a place in the first 15 rows, although exactly where you’re placed is at the discretion of the usher. It occurred to me that slipping him a twenty or flashing a little extra cleavage might bump me up a few rows. However, I was in the mood to do neither.
I ended up in the fifth row, which was good enough for me. But then I noticed the venue’s second idiosyncrasy: waitress service during the shows. This creates the need for extra space between rows so that servers can pass through easily. So basically, the fifth row is more like the tenth. Not a big deal, but it was a little annoying when the waitress occasionally blocked my view so that the guy behind me could get another Bud Light.
And finally, like everywhere else in Foxwoods, eating is encouraged. As I took my seat, I was a bit startled to see the two women next to me devouring a full Panera meal. It worked out okay though, as luckily the music drowned out the sound of their chewing.
But enough about the theatre. On with the review.
Lindsey Buckingham is best known for his work as the sonic architect of Fleetwood Mac. Multi-tasking as singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer, he, along with Stevie Nicks, was the driving force behind the revamped Mac lineup that reigned supreme during the mid ‘70s. Over the years, Buckingham’s solo career continually took a back seat to his work with the band. This long-awaited tour marks his first solo venture in 14 years. The timing coincides with the release of his fourth solo album, “Under the Skin,” the follow-up to 1992’s pop masterpiece “Out of the Cradle.”
The pared-down nature of the new album set the tone for the live show, as Buckingham first appeared on stage alone, with an acoustic guitar. He began the evening with the album’s opening track, “Not Too Late,” then seamlessly segwayed into his early ‘80s hit “Trouble.”
Throughout the evening, Buckingham did an excellent job of mixing material from the new album with choice selections from his Fleetwood Mac and solo catalog. One of the new songs, the catchy “It Was You,” was a particular high point, as were especially enthusiastic renditions of the Mac classics “Second Hand News” and “Tusk.” Buckingham switched guitars at the end of many of the songs, moving effortlessly from acoustic to electric, often playing without the use of a pick.
The absolute highlight of the show was the powerful one-two punch of “Big Love” and “Go Insane,” performed back-to-back. As he has done on the last two Fleetwood Mac tours, Buckingham transformed both songs, originally recorded as synth-heavy ‘80s tracks, to bare bones, stunning acoustic arrangements. The passion of his vocals and the mind-blowing guitar work on these two songs are something every true music lover should witness in his or her lifetime. Buckingham is regarded by many as one of the most underrated guitarists in music today, and after hearing this set, one would be hard-pressed to disagree.
While several songs were performed solo, for others the three backing musicians who also support Fleetwood Mac on tour joined him on stage. Taku Hirano, Brett Tuggle, and Neale Haywood served Buckingham well on songs like “World Turning” and a surprise inclusion of “Holiday Road” from the Vacation soundtrack. (Five bucks says you had no idea he sang that, am I wrong?)
Overall, it was nice to see a seemingly kinder, gentler Buckingham on stage, clearly enjoying being out on his own for the first time in so very, very long. A first-time father at the age of 48, he now has three small children and a wife, who seem to have mellowed him, just a bit. It’s clear, though, that the tortured artist, the genius striving for musical perfection, still remains. In “Not Too Late” one of the lyrics reads, “My children look away they don’t know what to say,” which perhaps speaks to a man still struggling to balance a family life with his devotion to his craft.
For me, Buckingham will always be defined by the photo that graces the back of “Out of the Cradle” – a shot of the artist from behind, his shadow looming over a mixing board, no doubt locked away alone in his darkened private studio, recording and re-mixing until his standards have been met.
My standards were definitely met tonight. I had no doubt they would be.
Reviewed by: Heather Kobrin | October 2006
