Record Reviews

FLEETWOOD MAC ~ 1969 - 1974 REPRISE 603497851300 (Barcode: 603497851300) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1974 Released: 2020 This Box Set includes remastered / expanded CD reissues of the seven studio albums by the iconic British Blues / Rock group Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist, recorded between 1969 and 1974 and a bonus previously unreleased live CD recorded in 1974. The reissued albums are “Then Play OnFind albums with this title” (1969 with four bonus tracks), “Kiln HouseFind albums with this title” (1970 with four bonus tracks), “Future GamesFind albums with this title” (1971 with six bonus tracks), “Bare TreesFind albums with this title” (1972 with three bonus tracks), “PenguinFind albums with this title” (1973 with no bonus tracks), “Mystery To MeFind albums with this title” (1973 with two bonus tracks) and finally “Heroes Are Hard To FindFind albums with this title” (1974 with one bonus track). Those are the group’s third to ninth studio albums. The Box Set shows the transition of the group from the Blues and Blues-Rock idioms, which characterized their early period and the first two studio albums recorded in 1968, with guitarist Peter GreenFind albums by this artist at the helm. That style is still predominantly heard on the “Then Play On” album, which the lineup including also guitarist Danny KirwanFind albums by this artist, bassist John McVieFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick FleetwoodFind albums by this artist. “Kiln House” marks the departure of Green and features guitarist Jeremy SpencerFind albums by this artist in addition to Kirwan, McVie and Fleetwood. “Future Games” marks the departure of Spencer, who was replaced by American guitarist Bob WelchFind albums by this artist and the addition of singer / keyboardist Christine McVieFind albums by this artist. “Bare Trees” featured the same lineup as its predecessor. “Penguin” marks the departure of Kirwan, who was replaced by guitarist Bob WestonFind albums by this artist. “Mystery To Me” was the last album to include Weston. “Heroes Are Hard To Find” was the last album to include Welch and the first album to be recorded in the US. Over the years Fleetwood Mac managed to develop a superb Classic Rock act, with excellent songwriting and perfect musicianship, although their commercial breakthrough was about to happen following the release of their next (tenth) studio album, their second eponymous album “Fleetwood MacFind albums with this title”. Overall, this Box Set is a brilliant collection of great tunes, which are worth being remembered and cherished, despite the fact that they were created before fortune smiled to them Big Time. Side Note The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 22/09/2023Posted: 22/09/2023

CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend