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I have yet to come across a rock guitarist who can match Lindsey's fingerpicking abilities. However, Lindsey's solo work is truly a gift that unfortunately goes unnoticed by many. This album is a wonderful creation that truly displays the talent and unique spectrum of talent that Lindsey Buckingham continues to offer. Hard-driving guitars and tasteful solos are the foundation for some of Lindsey's best lyrics: "I loved you little child, how you mystified, just a blinding flash, we were parallel lines." Lindsey once commented on how having children made him a better lyricist, and these themes are obviously close at hand when he is crafting. Gift of Screws is his second solo album in less than two years, which is unusual for the same artist who took fourteen years between his last two solo records. The creative mastermind behind one of the biggest groups of all time, yet a relatively obscure solo artist. "Treason" is a great closer that features layered acoustic guitars in open tuning and comments on how lies can turn into the truth conveniently and easily. "Wait For You" is a layered and very interesting track, starting off with an oozing guitar riff and staggered beat that leads into a very distinctive chorus.
"Time Precious Time" showcases Lindsey's trademark solo fingerpicking style in startling fashion. Lindsey Buckingham has been long-known as an enigma of sorts. Haunting is an adjective that perfectly describes several songs on this album, including this one. "The Right Place To Fade" sounds like it could have been on Rumours, and includes the rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood and John Mcvie. "Love Runs Deeper" is in my opinion an example of Lindsey at his absolute best.
The lyrics are also quite interesting and poetic. "Underground" is a beautiful melody that betrays the resigned nature of the lyrics, which comment on the short attention span of the music industry. I can only hope that his increased volume of output indicates that there is more to come. It's completely obvious how much he loves doing what he does. The lyrics of this song are particularly impressive, focusing on the theme of the omnipresent and elusive nature of time. Someone commented to me after hearing this song, "You can definitely tell that this guy created the sound of Fleetwood Mac." "Gift of Screws" is a great rock song that includes several of Lindsey's quirky studio techniques, and exudes the joy that he must feel when he plays. Simultaneously able to co-create one of the most radio-friendly and biggest-selling albums of all time (Rumours), yet unable to get his quirky solo work played on any radio station, much less to appear on any bestseller list.
"Bel Air Rain" is a shockingly beautiful creation, this time with rapid steel-string picking accompanying Lindsey's unique voice. Lindsey jokingly refers to the fact that this song was chosen as the single for the album, since it got almost no radio play. The album opens with the searing "Great Day," which features an unbelievable solo and an ingenious arrangement. "Did You Miss Me" is a breezy pop song that exemplifies Lindsey's innate pop sensibilities, echoing Brian Wilson's influence on him.
He sounds passionate and focused and the results jump out of the CD at you.I really enjoyed Under the Skin but this album is another notch above it and contains some Buckingham's best work from a career that continues to grow and surprise. From all the material contained within the CD packaging it's obvious his family features heavily in his creative processes and it's clearly working for him. I am a more recent convert to Lindsey Buckingham's solo work having previously viewed his contributions to Fleetwood Mac as the high point of their albums (eg the song Tango in the Night). On this album of high class material there are two absolute pop gems in Love Runs Deeper and Bel Air Rain.
There are somethings that still remind me of Fleetwood Mac, but how many people would be disappointed if there wasn't a little reminder here and there. Still wish it was just the two of them. I (as many of you do) remember Buckingham Nicks work before Fleetwood Mac. In my humble opinion this is some the finest work he's done since he's left Fleetwood Mac, and equal to some of the feelings he had succeeded in emoting with much of his earlier works. They where amazing. I was astonished that Mic Fleetwood picked them up and changed the format of his band, But when he did Fleetwood Mac where headed into Rock History, and in no small part to Lindsey Buckingham. I've waited a long time for him to find himself again and with this new album believe he has.
Obviously, this man still has a lot to offer so I'm really looking forward to his next album. I do believe that Lindsey Buckingham is at his third peak musically, the first and second being during Tusk and Out Of The Cradle. His latest cd does not disappoint - in fact, it is a masterpiece. I have not stoppped listening to this cd since the day I received it.
To me he's not as good as when he was with FM. I have the DVD "Fleetwood Mac Live in Boston.The music CD "Gift of Screws" disappointed me.He is not a word smith, as he was too repetitive. His excellent guitar playing, well, it just wasn't like "Big love".
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