- Made in France
This is the French release of the album "Tusk 2LP" is the 12th album by the British/American rock band Fleetwood Mac. Released in 1979, it is considered experimental, primarily due to Lindsey Buckingham's sparser songwriting arrangements and the influence of punk rock and New Wave on his production techniques.
Fleetwood Mac's 1979 double album "Tusk" was a sonic departure, a sprawling and eclectic masterpiece that showcased the band's individual talents and penchant for the unexpected. While well-received upon its release, it has gained even greater appreciation over the years, seen by fans and critics as a high point of their creativity. The French vinyl edition of "Tusk" offers a unique perspective on this landmark album.
French Pressings: A Collector's Touch
French vinyl pressings are often prized by collectors for their potential audio quality differences. Subtle variations in mastering and the vinyl formulation itself can create a slightly different listening experience compared to releases from other countries. Specifically, French pressings may sometimes offer a warmer, more analog sound.
"Tusk": A Musical Adventure
"Tusk" marked a shift away from the accessible pop-rock that made "Rumours" such a phenomenal success. Instead, the band embraced a raw, almost punk-influenced edge spearheaded by guitarist and songwriter Lindsey Buckingham. His songs like "The Ledge" and "What Makes You Think You're the One" are jagged and frenetic, a stark contrast to the smooth harmonies the band was known for.
However, "Tusk" is far from one-dimensional. Christine McVie's contributions, such as "Over and Over" and "Think About Me", retain the melodic sweetness that defined her songcraft. And Stevie Nicks delivers her trademark mystical musings in tracks like "Sara" and "Sisters of the Moon".
The Double Album Experience
"Tusk" was one of the era's great double albums. Its expansiveness feels particularly fitting on the vinyl format. The act of flipping records breaks the album into digestible chunks, allowing the listener to appreciate the diversity within those sides. The larger artwork of a gatefold sleeve also adds to the experience, giving the iconic "Tusk" marching band image the space it deserves.
Following the global phenomenon of "Rumours", Fleetwood Mac faced immense pressure to replicate that level of mainstream success. Their 1979 double album "Tusk" was a deliberate act of defiance against those expectations. Instead of polished pop, the band delivered a sprawling, idiosyncratic collection of songs that showcased their individual songwriting talents and willingness to experiment.
A Departure from Pop Success
Musically, "Tusk" embraced a wider range of sounds than "Rumours". Lindsey Buckingham's compositions leaned toward a raw, angular sound with hints of punk and new wave. Christine McVie's songs retained hints of pop sensibility, while Stevie Nicks continued to weave her mystical, atmospheric tales. The result was sonically eclectic, defying easy categorization.
Commercial Performance
While "Tusk" was ultimately a commercial success, it didn't reach the stratospheric heights of "Rumours". It sold millions of copies, reaching double platinum status in the US, and spawned successful singles like "Tusk" and "Sara". However, it was perceived as an underperformance compared to its predecessor's monumental sales figures.
Critical Reevaluation and Enduring Influence
Despite the initial mixed commercial reception, "Tusk" gained critical acclaim and grew in stature over time. Music critics and fans came to appreciate the album's daring spirit and diverse musical landscapes. It's now regarded as a high point of the band's musical journey and has influenced countless artists who embrace experimentation and artistic autonomy.
The Power of Artistic Risk
Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk" offers a valuable lesson: artistic risk can be challenging commercially, but it can also lead to a unique legacy. The album's refusal to simply replicate a winning formula makes it a singular point in Fleetwood Mac's vast catalog and a testament to their enduring creative spirit.
| Music Genre: 70s Rock, Pop |
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Album Production Information:
The album: "FLEETWOOD MAC - Tusk 2LP" was produced by: Fleetwood Mac Ken Caillat, Richard Dashut Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Ken Caillat, Richard Dashut, Hernan Rojas, Ken Perry This album was recorded at: Village Recorder Album cover design: Vigon Nahas Vigon Album cover photography: Peter Beard, Jayme Odgers, Normann Seef |
| Label Information: W&B Records WB 66 088 2HS-1-3350 |
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Media Format:
DLP 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record |
| Year & Country: 1979 Made in France |
Lindsey Buckingham - Guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, producer: From Pop Maestro to Punk-Inspired Visionary
Buckingham, the driving force behind "Tusk", reveals his restless creative spirit on this record. His guitar work oscillates between fragile beauty on tracks like "Never Make Me Cry" and the raucous, almost unhinged energy of "The Ledge". His production techniques defy polished expectations, sometimes favoring lo-fi grit and unconventional song structures. This sonic evolution marks a deliberate break from the band's established sound.
Stevie Nicks – Vocalist, songwriter: The Enchantress of Song
Nicks's contributions remain indelible. The aching beauty of "Sara", a timeless fan favorite, is amplified by her fragile vocals and sparse keyboard accompaniment. "Sisters of the Moon" drips with a captivating darkness, echoing her mystical lyrical persona. Even amongst the album's sonic eccentricities, Nicks's songwriting retains its ethereal power.
Christine McVie – Keyboardist, vocalist, songwriter: Melodic Heart and Soul
McVie's presence on "Tusk" is the melodic balm to Buckingham's audacious experiments. "Over and Over" and "Think About Me" offer a sense of warmth and a return to the band's familiar pop roots. Her voice, always a touchstone of Fleetwood Mac's sound, and her assured keyboard work ground the album amidst its wilder explorations. Read Christine's Mini-Biography
The Rhythm Section: John McVie & Mick Fleetwood, A Dynamic Foundation
The foundation of "Tusk" rests on the powerhouse rhythm section of John McVie and Mick Fleetwood. McVie's bass playing is rock-solid, a reliable anchor through the album's unpredictable shifts. Fleetwood's drumming is a masterclass in rhythmic innovation. The tribal intensity of the title track, "Tusk," finds the duo at their most dynamic, their propulsive energy fueling the track's climactic march.
Complete Track Listing of: Fleetwood Mac Tusk |
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The Song/tracks on "Fleetwood Mac Tusk" are
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The album cover of Tusk by Fleetwood Mac has a striking minimalist design with an off-white background textured with scattered flecks of red, yellow, and black, resembling paint splatters. The band's name, FLEETWOOD MAC, appears in uppercase letters at the top, printed in a faded, typewriter-style font over a rough, torn-paper-like strip that spans the width of the cover.
Off-center toward the lower right, a small black-and-white photograph is placed at an angle, appearing to be casually attached to the background. The photograph captures a moment of motion: a light-colored dog, possibly a terrier mix, aggressively biting the front of a person’s sneaker. The person is wearing dark pants, and their foot is slightly lifted, as if reacting to the dog's playful but forceful grip. The sneaker has a distinctive white-striped design, adding a vintage feel. A soft, shadow-like effect beneath the photograph creates an illusion of depth.
The overall design of the cover embraces an avant-garde, almost DIY aesthetic, contrasting starkly with Fleetwood Mac’s polished image. This unconventional visual approach hints at the album’s experimental and raw sound, setting it apart from the band’s previous works.
The back cover of Fleetwood Mac's Tusk 2LP album continues the minimalist design of the front, featuring an off-white, almost textured background scattered with tiny specks of red, black, and yellow, giving it a raw, organic feel. The text is printed in a straightforward, sans-serif black font, arranged in a clean and structured manner.
The tracklist is displayed in four numbered sections, corresponding to the four sides of the double album. Each section is neatly spaced, with songs listed in a simple, unembellished format. The songs include well-known titles like Sara, Tusk, and Sisters of the Moon, reinforcing the album’s legendary status.
Below the tracklist, the production credits list key contributors, including Fleetwood Mac, producers Richard Dashut and Ken Caillat, and mastering engineer Ken Perry. Additional acknowledgments include art direction and design by Vigon Nahas Vigon and photography credits for Peter Beard, Jayme Odgers, and Norman Seeff. There is also a note about the U.S.C. Trojan Marching Band’s appearance on the song Tusk, recorded at Dodger Stadium.
At the very bottom, small text provides copyright and manufacturing details, stating that the album was made in Germany by WEA Musik GmbH. The Warner Bros. Records logo appears discreetly in the lower right corner.
This is a close-up of the label on Side 1 of Fleetwood Mac's Tusk vinyl record. The label has a distinctive off-white background scattered with tiny specks of red, yellow, and black, maintaining the album's minimalist and textured design aesthetic.
At the top, the Warner Bros. Records logo is prominently displayed, featuring the classic shield emblem. Below it, the album title, tusk, is written in lowercase letters, followed by the band's name, Fleetwood Mac, in uppercase.
The production credits are listed beneath, stating that the album was produced by Fleetwood Mac, with special thanks to Lindsey Buckingham and additional production work by Richard Dashut and Ken Caillat. Copyright information notes that the album was released in 1979 by Warner Bros. Records Inc.
On the left side, the label clearly marks this as Side 1, with SACEM (the French copyright and publishing organization) logos nearby. The catalog number WB 66088 and matrix number (2HS-1-3350) are printed on the right side, along with the designation STEREO.
The tracklist is arranged in a clean, numbered format, with song titles, durations, and songwriter credits. Side 1 includes:
At the bottom, the label states that all songs are published by Fleetwood Mac Music – BMI, and there is additional copyright information in small print around the outer edge of the label, including manufacturing details indicating the record was made in Germany.
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