Discovering the Greatness of Fleetwood Mac in the Early ’70s

In Mark Blake’s forthcoming book about the history of Fleetwood Mac, “Dreams,” there is a notable quote from Mick Fleetwood reflecting on the band’s tumultuous journey: “This band,” he notes, “is a cauldron of shit.”

The period in Fleetwood Mac’s history when the turmoil was most intense spans from the departure of the original frontman, Peter Green, in mid-1970 to the arrival of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham in 1975, marking their ascent to superstardom.

This era provided the full package for fans of Fleetwood Mac’s turbulent history: wild indulgence, catastrophic breakdowns, the loss of a member to a religious cult, a deceptive manager who sent a fake version of the band on tour, and intra-band romantic entanglements.

Despite this rich drama, the musical reputation of this transitional period remains overshadowed by the eras before and after. Fleetwood Mac’s early 70s albums—Kiln House, Future Games, Bare Trees, Penguin, Mystery to Me, and Heroes Are Hard to Find—are their least-known works, notwithstanding efforts from band members to preserve their legacy.

The late Christine McVie fondly remembered 1973’s “Mystery to Me” as her third-favorite Fleetwood Mac album. Fleetwood has been advocating for reissues, including a new compilation, “The Best of 1969-74,” which even includes a few singles from the waning days of the Green years.

Still, these efforts have largely gone unnoticed. As Blake mentions, the inclusion of 1971’s “Tell Me All the Things You Do” in their 2018 tour set list often prompted audiences to head to the bar. “That’s the trouble,” Fleetwood laments. “People forget there was another Fleetwood Mac after Peter, but before Lindsey and Stevie.”

It’s worth noting that the early 70s Fleetwood Mac albums are indeed uneven, reflecting the band’s struggle to find a cohesive musical direction. However, this was always part of their identity. The Green-era Fleetwood Mac combined the melancholy “Man of the World” with the rock’n’roll pastiche “Somebody’s Gonna Get Their Head Kicked in Tonight,” much like how 1979’s “Tusk” is a blend of disparate ideas.

There are numerous gems from the early 70s period that deserve recognition beyond mere transitional relics. Here are some highlights.

Fleetwood Mac’s first post-Green album, “Kiln House,” features “Station Man,” a hard-rocking track favored by The Who’s Pete Townshend. Danny Kirwan’s “Tell Me All the Things You Do” from the same album suggests an alternate path where Fleetwood Mac becomes a hard-rock band.

Peter Green’s 1970 solo debut “The End of the Game” contains the instrumental “Heavy Heart,” notable for its experimental nature, which would be more acclaimed had it been made by an avant-garde German band.

“Dragonfly” (1971), a lost gem from this era, stands out with its mix of lush harmonies and an underlying sense of eeriness. “Future Games” from the same year, with its melancholic allure, is also ripe for rediscovery.

Christine McVie’s contributions, such as “Show Me a Smile” and “Spare Me a Little of Your Love,” highlight her as the band’s secret weapon, her songs often being the standout tracks.

Bob Welch’s career after Fleetwood Mac was eclectic. His solo fame, bolstered by members of Rumours-era Fleetwood Mac, began with a re-recording of “Sentimental Lady,” a track that should have been a hit initially.

The proto-Rumours sound of “Hypnotized” (1973) is Welch’s most intriguing contribution, blending electric piano, ethereal harmonies, and an insistent beat, although relegated to a B-side.

“Keep on Going” (1973) reflects an untapped potential, with its McVie vocals over funky, orchestrated proto-disco.

Post-“Heroes Are Hard to Find,” Welch departed, but not before giving us “Coming Home,” a mix of psychedelic and soft rock. Other notable tracks include McVie’s “Bad Loser,” a jab at their deceptive manager put to dreamy music.

Christine McVie’s persistent attempts to signal the band’s future direction also shine in “Come a Little Bit Closer,” a subtle power ballad that would fit seamlessly on later albums like “Rumours.”

Fleetwood Mac’s early 70s period, though often overlooked, offers a treasure trove of music that bridges their initial blues phase and subsequent mainstream success.

• Best of Fleetwood Mac (1969-1974) is out on July 26 on Rhino on CD and double LP.

Source: The Guardian