The Original vs. The Cover – “The Chain”

For this edition of The Original vs. The Cover, we are going to explore the Fleetwood Mac song “The Chain” which was covered by the band The Highwomen for the soundtrack to the movie ‘The Kitchen’ back in 2019. I could’ve picked other covers by maybe Tantric or Evanescence, but I really liked this version. The song was written by all of Fleetwood Mac and this is certainly true as the song is pieced together from parts of several different unused material from all members of the band.

The opening intro was from an old Lindsey Buckingham song called “Lola (My Love”, the lyrics are from Stevie Nicks and other elements were worked in from Christine McVie’s song “Keep Me There”. The final section of the, including the bass progression were written by Mick Fleetwood and John McVie. It is a Frankenstein’s Monster of sorts and quite wonderful.

Let’s take a look at each version and see which one is the best.

FLEETWOOD MAC

The Fleetwood Mac version is so well known, it would be hard to top it. The opening guitar picking by Buckingham is damn near perfect. Lindsey and Stevie’s vocals together are always so perfect together as their tones play off each other so nicely. Mick’s drumming is so precise and played for the song. Not one drum hit is out of place. When you get to that bass progression towards the end, the song is really hitting on all cylinders as the tempo picks up and the energy as well. The vocal harmonies are what sets this song apart. It is one of those songs where each instrument is so critically placed and if pulled out the song would suffer. I’m telling you, it don’t get much better than this.

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Top Albums of 2019

The year is almost over so it is time to look back at what was awesome in music during the year.  I have already looked back at the Top Rock Albums of 2019 (click to read).   This list will cover all other genres that I listened to over the year including Pop, Country, Christian and whatever other genre you want classify these albums.  Rock is my favorite genre and that is why it gets it’s own list, but that doesn’t take away from any of these choices as I think they are great on their own.

I feel I didn’t get to as many as I would have liked as the year seem to get away from me.  I did spend a lot of time on a few series such as finishing The Billy Idol Series, The Kiss Bootleg Series, the Kiss Box Set 6 Part Series and starting the David Coverdale Series.  These consumed a lot of my time.  What I am trying to say is I missed a lot.

Note:  These albums were my favorites and not necessarily the most played on the radio (which I hate the radio) or even the biggest sellers.  There aren’t the trendy indie bands on everyone else’s top albums list (okay, there might be one or two).  These are just what I came across during the year and connected with me in some way and some thanks to my kids.  So, we might as well get started…

#10 – The Highwomen – ‘The Highwomen’

61lneK+2aVL._SL1200_  A Country Super-Group consisting of Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires.  I have not been digging Country lately, but the women on country rock.  I found this to be enjoyable and was really digging the songs “The Highwomen”, a rework of the the Jimmy Webb classic “The Highwayman” as well as “Redesigning Women” and “Crowded Table”.  Check them out.

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Friday New Releases – September 6th

Summer is over and School is back in session, now we need some new music.  Who am I kidding, I don’t need a reason to want new music. Every week is a good week for that.  However, this week is a little limited on the releases.  There are quite a few, but not a lot to excite my senses.  There are a few I will check out and they are highlighted in Blue.  Let me know what interests you and what I might have missed.  Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!!

  • A1JK4IW57yL._SS500_  Black Star Riders – Another State of Grace – (Nuclear Blast):  Black Star Riders are back with their fourth studio release and I am eager to hear what is in store as well as a little apprehensive since Damon Johnson is no longer in the band.  He was a big draw.  I will keep an open mind and give it a try as Ricky is still on vocals and Scott is still there as well, but I hate they are only down to 2 of the 5 original members.

  • 61UWCoZUdoL._SX522_  Lindsey Stirling – Artemis – (LindseyStomp Records/BMG):  This young lady plays one mean violin.  I find her to be sensational and always entertaining and I don’t expect this to be any different.  A couple vocal tracks on this one as well with guest Amy Lee and Elle King which should be incredible, but the highlight is always her playing.  If you haven’t checked her out, do yourself a service and do so.

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