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Reviews Submitted by Ian Jones
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Ian Jones has contributed 8 reviews to The Penguin: Everything That is Fleetwood Mac:

Rumours (DVD Audio) (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
It's perfect...the best album of all time
Review written by Ian Jones from Atlanta, GA, March 20th, 2005

Everyone has heard Fleetwood Mac's classic RUMOURS album. But the only thing that made it not-so-perfect was the fact that the original version of Silver Springs had to be cut. Here in this DVD-Audio format, the album is presented in it's entirety as it was meant to be.

When I listened to this initially, I was shocked. The sound of the record comes to life. If you close your eyes, you literally feel like you're in the studio with the band. The vocals are crisp and clear, and each track has added instruments that you couldn't hear before. 'Never Going Back Again' has a really fresh sound with the added drum parts. The bass parts on 'Go Your Own Way' really come to life, and the solo at the end has been punched up a bit.

The vocals on this album are unmatched. Lindsey's vocals on '2nd Hand News' come through very nicely. Stevie's 'Silver Springs' is beautiful with Lindsey's violin-like guitar parts. Christine's 'Don't Stop' and 'You Make Loving Fun' are equally as powerful...and 'Songbird' is as perfect as ever.

I don't have one bad thing to say about this DVD. The interview menu which allows all the band members to talk about each song is interesting. Stevie's comments about Silver Springs are especially saddening. This really is a nice package. Now, one can hope that maybe they'll remaster the CD so we can listen to it in our cars!

Tusk (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Lindsey's Baby
Review written by Ian Jones from Atlanta, GA, August 27th, 2004

Lindsey Buckingham takes the reigns on this record, purposely making it the complete opposite of "Rumours." Some called it a bold move, some called it insane. But, where would Fleetwood Mac be now if they had followed the formula just to sell another 25 million records?

At any rate, this record took a few listens for me to get used to it. It's very eccentric and odd sounding. I believe Buckingham did a lot of the recordings in his bathroom and garage. The result is a very savage, almost basic sounding record. The rest of the band seems to be in another place while Lindsey does his own thing.

All in all, it's a great followup. In my opinion, the 2nd best Fleetwood Mac album ever after Rumours. The best tracks are Think About Me, Sara, Not That Funny, Sisters of the Moon, I Know I'm Not Wrong, Storms, Angel...and of course, TUSK!

Behind The Mask (3/5.03/5.03/5.03/5.03/5.0)
The Mac minus Lindsey Buckingham equals disappointment
Review written by Ian Jones from Atlanta, GA, August 17th, 2004

Well the only reason I give this album 3 stars is because of Christine McVie. She really shines on this album, with songs like Save Me, Skies the Limit, and the odd (but intriguing) Behind the Mask.

This album in no way compares to the previous album, Tango in the Night, or to Mirage even. Stevie did't seem to contribute any worthwhile songs, nor does the new guitar duo of Billy Burnette and Rick Vito. While Vito & Burnette are excellent guitar players, they lack the emotional style of Lindsey's guitar work.

It's also noted that this was the only album from 1975-1989 that Fleetwood Mac released that didn't go platinum. I attribute this to Lindsey leaving the band. He was really the creative force behind the records, and any work that came after he quit the band suffered because of it. And while platinum sales don't guarantee an album is worthwhile, thus is the case here.

Out Of The Cradle (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
The guitar genius does it again
Review written by Ian Jones from Atlanta, GA, August 16th, 2004

Lindsey Buckingham, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated guitarists of all time. This fresh, light album reflects his ability to play just about anything. Filled with Tusk-like beats and Fleetwood Mac inspired sounds, this record is sure to please any Mac-head. Some of the best songs include Wrong, Countdown, Soul Drifter, Street of Dreams & You Do or You Don't. It really is a great record and you can hear how much Lindsey's guitar playing evolved from 1987-1992.

The Dance (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
It's perfect...just like Rumours
Review written by Ian Jones from Atlanta, GA, August 16th, 2004


Everything about this record was amazing. The only flaw was that there was 5 songs that got cut from the final track listing.

The album opens up with the best version of The Chain I believe I've ever heard. In fact, it's my favorite song off the record. Dreams is wonderful...and Christine's song Everywhere has been updated a little bit. The vocals are great. I'm So Afraid is jaw-dropping. Bleed to Love Her is a great new one. Big Love is even more jaw-dropping. Landslide is wonderful. My Little Demon is odd, but awesome. Silver Springs really shines on this album, with great dualing vocals from Lindsey & Stevie. You Make Loving Fun is perfect. Sweet Girl is nice. Go Your Own Way ROCKS! Tusk is very cool, and Don't Stop is well...it's Don't Stop!

This is one of my top five favorite albums of all time. The chemistry between the band is obviously stronger than ever. Fleetwood Mac has never sounded better.

Rumours (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
The almost perfect record of all-time
Review written by Ian Jones from Atlanta, GA USA, August 12th, 2004

This album, simply put, is wonderful. It's rare that 11 tracks flow together so easily on an album nowadays. If you're happy or depressed...or angry even, chances are you'll find that range of emotions in this record. Lindsey Buckingham's guitar work is underrated and perfect. "The Chain" is THE band song of all time. I can't say enough about it...the only thing I would change is that they should've included Silver Springs on it.

Tango In The Night (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
The Mac came back!
Review written by Ian Jones from Atlanta, GA, August 10th, 2004

This album comes five years after the semi-hit album "Mirage." Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie really shine on this record.

Fleetwood Mac seemed to have made a conscious effort to update their sound this time around. Back in '87 I think synthesizer pop was running rampant. Lindsey has some great songs including 'Big Love', 'Family Man', and 'Tango in the Night.' The latter of which has an unbelievable guitar solo at the end much like "I'm So Afraid."

As I said, Christine really does well on this record too. With songs like 'Everywhere', 'Little Lies' (which everyone knows!), and the awesome 'Isn't It Midnight.' Her vocals sound just as good as they did 10 years earlier on the Rumours album.

Stevie has one good song called 'Seven Wonders', which wasn't even written by her. I think her head wasn't really in this project back in 1987. Nevertheless, the big Mac is back and their sound is great

Mirage (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Lindsey really shines...
Review written by Ian Jones from Atlanta, GA, August 9th, 2004

A lot of people consider the Mirage album to be the weakest of the Buckingham/Nicks line-up. While that may be true...there are some gems to be found on the album.

I think Lindsey Buckingham was a little at odds with Fleetwood Mac at this point in time, and what comes across is boring pop. But if you listen to the lyrics and the passion of Lindsey's playing, you'll think differently.

"Book of Love" was a highly underrated track, with great vocals and a nice guitar solo at the end. Of course, the perfect pop hit "Gypsy" is on this record too. Stevie's voice was in fine form, and I think Lindsey's compostion of the song was perfect. Another big top ten hit was Christine's "Hold Me" which is another GREAT song. The guitar work at the end and the vocals are amazing. Other great tracks include Love in Store, Straight Back, That's Alright (has a great chorus), and Eyes of the World.