FLEETWOOD MAC - Tusk - 12" 2LP Vinyl ALBUM

- German Release with Gatefold Album Cover

Fleetwood Mac's 1979 album "Tusk" marked a daring departure from the commercial soft rock sound that had propelled their 1977 masterpiece "Rumours" to stratospheric success. Released as a double LP, "Tusk" captured the band at a crossroads, both personally and creatively, as they navigated the pressures of following up one of the best-selling albums of all time. The German release of this ambitious project, housed in a distinctive gatefold cover, remains a testament to the group's fearless musical exploration.

In the historical context of late 1970s rock, "Tusk" stands out for its experimental approach and willingness to push boundaries. The album was a clear pivot from the polished production of "Rumours," diving headfirst into a more eclectic and avant-garde territory. This pivot was largely driven by Lindsey Buckingham, whose fascination with punk rock and new wave inspired a rawer, more unconventional sound. The contrast between the familiar harmonies and lush arrangements of Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks, and Buckingham's innovative, sometimes abrasive compositions, gives "Tusk" its unique character.

Musically, "Tusk" traverses a wide range of genres, from the ethereal folk-rock of Stevie Nicks' "Sara" to the quirky, frenetic title track spearheaded by Buckingham. Christine McVie's contributions, such as "Over & Over" and "Think About Me," offer melodic anchor points that balance Buckingham's eccentricities. The result is a sprawling, sonically diverse record that refuses to conform to any single genre, instead presenting a collage of rock, pop, and experimental sounds.

The production of "Tusk" was as groundbreaking as the music itself. Recorded at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles, the album was one of the first to utilize digital techniques alongside traditional analog methods. Fleetwood Mac's production team, led by Buckingham and longtime producer Richard Dashut, along with engineer Ken Caillat, employed innovative recording practices that were ahead of their time. They incorporated unconventional instruments and sounds, from the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band on the title track to tribal percussion influences, enriching the album's texture and depth.

Despite its innovative approach, "Tusk" was not without controversy. The album's cost was astronomical for its time, with reports estimating the production budget to be over one million dollars. This lavish expenditure, combined with the band's internal tensions and drug-fueled excesses, fueled skepticism from the record label and the public. Moreover, the stark contrast between "Tusk" and "Rumours" led to mixed critical reception initially, as many listeners were unprepared for Fleetwood Mac's audacious new direction.

Yet, it is precisely this audacity that has cemented "Tusk" as a pivotal moment in Fleetwood Mac's career. The album's willingness to break away from formulaic success and venture into uncharted musical waters exemplifies the spirit of artistic risk-taking. "Tusk" is now celebrated not only as a fascinating chapter in the band's history but also as a landmark in rock music for its experimental production and genre-defying compositions.