200 MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS: #46. Continues in 2 days.

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

200

MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS

Some are the best selling, while others may be obscure, but the albums listed here are all worthy of a listen. No compilation/ best of sets. Only exceptional live albums included. This is a personal listing of the albums I enjoy the most to this day.

#46

TUSK: FLEETWOOD MAC 

 

 [1979] 

'Tusk' is a brave album. Released in the wake of the phenomenal sales triumph achieved by its predecessor 'Rumours', it had to confront the highest expectations from critics and public alike. The album ought to be viewed in the context of the ttime it was unleashed. Fleetwood Mac resisted the temptation of recording a 'Rumours II'. Back then, the group was damned no matter what they put out as a follow-up. Instead of repeating itself, Fleetwood Mac decided to indulge in its creative directions. The recording of 'Rumours' reflected the disintegration of relationships and inner turmoil among all 5 of its members. By the time of 'Tusk', the band was disjointed and this impacted on the content. Gone is the cohesion of the group's previous 2 albums. Its 3 songwriters contributed songs that did not chase popular appeal. Rather than weaken the project, this attitude most likely saved the band. Most of the credit for the album is owed to Lindsey Buckingham (who wrote 9 of its 20 tracks). While Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks do not venture too far from the band's familiar sound, it is he who injects the album with its darker and most peculiar moments. Buckingham was the main driver on 'Tusk'. The quality Fleetwood Mac was renowned for is evident throughout here. 'Tusk' offers many standouts. These include the utterly beautiful "Sara", the unique "Tusk" and the soothing "Storms".

Highlight tracks: Tusk; Sara; Think About Me & The Ledge.