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True, although I can't think of any other examples where the music is so drastically different from one version of a band to another.
In terms of a band being considered a true great, I'd say they'd need to be genuinely influential. I don't think Fleetwood Mac have ever really fitted into the influential category. Obviously a very talented and popular act, but influential? I don't believe so, but I suppose it's all subjective.
Exactly, any band with any longevity will sound pretty different at different points. I think the Manics have a new album out, sounds absolutely nothing like their first 3 albums, you'd never believe that same band put out something like the Holy Bible, whilst the contrast between that album and their first number 1 is huge
Bands evolving in terms of their sound and style happens all the time. The Stranglers (one of my all-time favourite acts) are a great example. No More Heroes and Golden Brown sound as if they were produced by totally different groups.
The big difference with Fleetwood Mac is the songwriters and vocalists were completely different in the 60's version of the band by comparison to the 70's/80's version. Only the drummer and bassist spanned both bands.
Speaking of which, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie were guest musicians on one of my favourite tracks from 1978 - Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon. That didn't sound like the 60's version of Fleetwood Mac either.
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Interesting that Fleetwood Mac come up on here.
Until recently i would never really have given them much thought as a great band.
I never thought they would be my cup of tea, and then I heard Eva Cassidy's version of songbird, loved it. Then down a rabbit hole listening to Fleetwood Mac.
I can't say they are the greatest band I've ever heard, that would be a close call between the Wedding Present and My Bloody Valentine (with the Mary Chain not too far behind)- but it did give me a greater appreciation of them.
I wouldn't say I'm a massive Fleetwood Mac fan, could take them or leave them (although Rumours is a great record with a great backstory).
But comments like "not even top 100" and "not influential" are ridiculous. You can hear them in pretty much any wistful, soft-rock, indie-pop band from the 90s onwards and their songs have been covered hundreds of times.
If they announced a stadium tour today every show would be sold out ten times over.
You've summed up perfectly why the pop version of Fleetwood Mac would never ever get in my Top 100 bands as they are a 'wistful, soft rock band'. My favourite bands and artists always have to have a harder edge to them with one or two notable exceptions.
Name me some indie pop bands that you think were influenced by them?
As for selling out stadiums, so have lots of totally utterly shite bands and artists (especially the more dreadful 'pop' acts) played, if not sold out, venues like Wembley Stadium.
Well yeah, in your top 100, of course, because that's purely up to you. But in your original comment you said: "Nah, far from being the greatest band of all time. Not even in the Top 100."
I'm not an indie/pop/soft rock fan by any stretch, but off the top of my head you can clearly see their influence in Haim, Band of Horses, Lorde, The Corrs, Lana del Ray, Florence and the Machine, Hole, Chris Stapleton, the Dixie Chicks, Tame Impala, even Tom Petty. Even if you can't hear it, most of those artists have name checked them as a major influence.
I can't comment on any of the above really apart from Tom Petty. Loved his first album when it came out and bought several others, 1985s Southern Accents being my last. but he gradually slipped into bland Americana mode. Well, most of what I heard after that release, not of course everything. Not sure I ever heard any of the pop Fleetwood Mac in his songs bar Stop Draggin' My heart Around lol.Just my thoughts that's all.
The rest I have heard music by, but none of their music has registered with me. However, I do like Chris Stapleton - Tennessee Whiskey. The first time I heard it I thought I heard bit's of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac's Need Your Love So Bad via the original by Little Willie John, in the song with regard to the music.. The lyrics I found to be a bit Ronnie Van Zant-ish, which is no bad thing as Mr Vant Zant was the best story teller and lyricist of them all. Just my thoughts that's all. I do need to listen to more of his, Chris Stapleton's, output.
If you think they were the greatest band, fill your boots.
Rumours is an iconic album and taking into account what went on behind the scenes, I doubt an album like that could be made today. It is of it's time, and Fleetwood Mac are a great band, but not my favourite.
The making of Rumours