Gift Of Screws - Lindsey Buckingham Album Review

Lindsey Buckingham

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Album Review

Many people view Fleetwood Mac as a guilty pleasure - I view them as a major contribution to heart-felt songwriting and sheer rock n roll. Their life story is injected with jabs of scandal, sadness and squabbling. But what a great band all the same. Lindsey is a terrific guitarist per se - if you like The Durutti Column then his pizzicato stutter across every conceivable combination of strumming will delight you especially on Track 2 - 'Time Precious Time'. In fact "Gift Of Screws" is Buckingham set free, able to expand upon the key ideas on the Mac's last opus, "Say You Will" which was a real stomping return to form. This is also a return to form, of sorts. 27 years ago Lindsey released the album "Law And Order" that featured the classic single, "Trouble". Here he has no 'trouble' but he does have melodies in true Mac style. 'Did You Miss Me' is an obvious choice as a download single or radio choice with straight verse chorus verse chorus fade structure and friendly tune. But I like the almost bombastic 'Wait For You' and the opener, 'Great Day' because they are a combination of obvious instrumentation and not-so-obvious vocals.

LB does sound like he is sitting in a garden shed for some of this album whereas the rest of the band are on a huge festival stage - you almost wish he would scream louder because his voice is still bloody good 27 years later. At least 'Bel Air Rain' does this.

The FM comparisons are inevitable because Buckingham has contributed so much to their sound for decades - here he sounds as though he hasn't for whatever reason. I really like this album for it's overall sound - but I wanted to hear him sing not just play fabulous guitar. Well worth buying - just be patient with it. It's there if you listen.

Paul Pledger