The Dance - Dark Publications

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•	Rumours
•	Fleetwood Mac - The Dance
•	Fleetwood Mac: Greatest Hits
•	The Very Best of Fleetwood Mac
•	Tango in the Night

Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com essential recording
Fleetwood Mac's 1997 reunion could have been the kind of event that works on video--great concert, after all--but ends up not paying off in repeated listenings on CD. But The Dance, while concentrating on the group's '70s and '80s triumphs, finds the Mac energy running high and impassioned. New songs like "Temporary One" and "Bleed to Love Her" are fine additions to the canon, while "Everywhere" and "Say You Love Me" both breeze along the way you remember them and manage a reinvention in the live setting. The dark side of the vision is accounted for with Lindsey Buckingham's crazed solo "Big Love," but best of all is "Silver Springs," wherein Stevie Nicks tears the roof off the sucker and sets fire to the rubble. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews: Read 157 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

The Best Album of 1997 October 15, 2004
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

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.

5 out of 5 stars

The Mac is Back-- and Better Than Ever! June 14, 1999
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

"The Dance," Fleetwood Mac's ninth and perhaps best album, is a must-have live recording of some of their greatest, most timeless hits mixed in with a few new gems from the group's three gifted, profific songwriters; Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, and Christine McVie. The Mac sound better than ever as they dust off old favorites such as "Say You Love Me" and "The Chain" with renewed vitality. Stevie Nicks' rendition of the lost classic "Silver Springs" is the album's standout track; Nicks sounds just as powerful as ever as she wraps her sexy, velety voice around this grammy- nominated single. Other masterfully remixed tracks include a moving new version of "Rhiannon," as well as an amazing take on "Big Love." The USC Trojan Marching Band joins the gang for rocking renditions of "Tusk," and "Don't Stop." This album helped me rediscover Fleetwood Mac (and fall in love with Stevie Nicks)-- It's one of those great CDs you will listen to over and over again, and appreciate it more every time.

5 out of 5 stars

Rock On, Fleetwood Mac... June 10, 1999
10 out of 12 found this review helpful

The Mac is back with a vengeance...there's no doubt about that. As the owner of just about every album in existence by this timeless group of individuals, I feel obliged to make it known that the tracks presented here are remastered classics taken to new heights. The group sounds better than ever, and each member contributes greatly to produce a triumph of sound and emotion. Lindsey and Stevie are, for me, particular standouts...they have both aged like fine wine and there is a definite chemistry still evident between them, especially during Stevie's golden rendition of "Silver Springs." (Watch the video!) It is a crying shame that "Gold Dust Woman" does not appear on the album...it is without a doubt the single best rendition I have heard--I still get goosebumps. "The Chain," too, puts all other versions of this song to shame...and Lindsey's solos, including "Big Love" and "Go Insane," are breathtaking. Stevie Nicks remains a goddess...she glows onstage more than ever and radiates an ever-intensifying maturity and grace. These are true artists...we can only hope and pray that they return to the studio soon. They're magic!!

5 out of 5 stars

"The Dance" signals an incredible reunion February 16, 2000
9 out of 11 found this review helpful

"The Dance" by Fleetwood Mac is probably the greatest thing to happen to the history of music. After many years of not performing together, this legendary band has rejoined to create a masterpiece of old hits and new songs. However, every song on this album, including the already popular hits such as "The Chain" and "Rhiannon" are different, but still great. The songs still resonate the original sounds and feel, but have grown musically as has the band. In addition to the already mentioned favorites, other songs such as "Dreams", "Don't Stop", and "Go Your Own Way" help pave the path of this great album. Yet this is also full of new songs such as "Bleed to Love Her" by Buckingham and "Sweet Girl" by Nicks. Other great songs which were not as popular with the album's release but have spawned radio success such as "Landslide" and "Silver Springs" are also included. There is NOT a bad song on this album! The original fervor of this stellar band is back! Their live performance is fresh and strong, illustrating their musical maturity and experience.

5 out of 5 stars

Live versions as good as the studio versions! September 2, 2000
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

This live album showcases the incredible musicianship of Fleetwood Mac. John McVee is one of the most overlooked and under-rated bass players in rock. He is truly gifted, listen to his driving, pulsing back beat throughout most of the songs. Mick's drumming is also inspired. Buckingham is usually given most of the credit as the quintessential musician in the band, but this is shafting McVee and Fleetwood, who are awesome in their own rights. Moreover, the vocals here are fresh, vibrant and impassioned on all the songs. This album proves conclusively what a professional and polished unit Fleetwood Mac has always been.

What is remarkable is that these live versions are equal to, and in some cases, superior to the familiar and classic studio versions. Don't Stop and You Make Loving Fun on this album are better than the Rumours versions (honest!)

The pinnacle here is Stevie Nick's haunting and beautiful Silver Springs. She finally resurrects this little-known ode to Lindsey. The arrangement here is as stirring and lovely as anything this band ever recorded. This is a powerhouse band sounding (literally) better than ever. A joyful listening experience.

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