Under the Skin [Import]

This album is different from much of Lindsey Buckingham's work, though the important elements remain: the virtuoso guitar work, the studio experimentation, the raw emotion. What's different is the dreamlike atmosphere that Lindsey creates, focussing primarily on accoutic guitar (there are no "rockers" here), reverb-heavy vocals, and minimal percussion.

Some of these songs ("Down on Rodeo" and "Some's Gotta Change Your Mind") date back to the sessions that Buckingham had with Mick Fleetwood and John McVie around the time of "The Dance" that eventually became the sessions for Fleetwood Mac's "Say You Will" album. Some were written during the tour for that album, and some even more recently ("Shut Us Down" was on the Elizabethtown soundtrack). Yet they all hold together as a cohesive whole because of Buckingham's excellent songwriting, unique guitar and singing styles, and exceptional ability as a producer.

Of particular note are the opening song, "Not Too Late," with its fantastic guitar work and almost-shockingly personal lyrics, the title track, "Under the Skin," and "Down on Rodeo," which I think is arguably the best song on the album. As I write this, though, I feel I could mention any or all of the songs as particularly notable!

As with his previous solo album, "Out of the Cradle," and his songwriting contributions to "Say You Will," Buckingham is approaching the current phase of his career with incredible focus and long-honed skill. This album really is magic, and it's truly a worthy addition to the Buckingham catalog.

Lindsey Buckingham has long been one of my favorite artists, going back twelve years to when my parents would play Fleetwood Mac in the car on vacations. His voice is honest, sometimes even angelic--but never fake. His songwriting and producing talents are among the best in the business, and his guitar picking...hell, don't even get me started on that.

So it's not much of a surprise, then, that UNDER THE SKIN is such a great pop record. It has a classic feel to it, as though these were standard pop tunes being revisited; in fact, all but two were written by Buckingham himself. He plays all instrumentation on all the tracks except two (old partner Mick Fleetwood joins him on two songs, and John McVie on one). The acoustic vibe running beneath these songs is sometimes gentle, sometimes furious. Songs of abandonment fit snugly beside tunes of contentment. There are elements of rock, blues, jazz, even country (I dare anyone to say that "Down on Rodeo" is not a country song).

And still none of this is surprising, is it? Because Buckingham has been doing this for decades. He hasn't perfected his art yet--but that's the beauty of it. As good as he is, he is only getting better. UNDER THE SKIN is a beautiful, intimate pop record that will genuinely move you. Give it a listen, and tell me Lindsey Buckingham isn't one of the best pop musicians around.

After the wait after "Out of the Cradle", a personal favorite of mine and well worth looking into for any fans of Lindsey's work, people were left wondering when he'll come out with something again.

Finally he has, with "Under the Skin", and the wait is definitely worth it!

"Under the Skin" is a very intimate experience, but still has those Brian Wilson inspired studio tricks that Lindsey fans know and hope for on a Lindsey album:

1. "Not For You"-Beautiful repeating pattern on acoustic guitar drives this opener.

2. "Show You How"-This one sounds like it could've been off of "Tusk", the rhythm pattern sounds like Lindsey beating on a chair and with somewhat beautifully tortured melody in effect.

3. "Under the Skin"-the title track, warm acoustic sound, intimate vocals and a steady rhythm keep this one going.

4. "I Am Waiting"-this one was an extra track on the Soundstage DVD Lindsey did, similar arrangement, but more of a spacey musical arrangement. As with many songs on this album, very immediate.

5. "It Was You"-another one that could have possibly been on "Tusk", echo vocals and steady rhythm that keeps you hooked.

6. "Try For the Sun"-Lindsey's guitar playing in full effect, showing off yet again his ability to write a catchy melody with intricate guitar work.

7. "Cast Away Dreams"-Dreamy, vocals with a steady guitar strum and instantly catchy. Might surprise some people. His vocals really shine on this one.

8. "Shut Us Down"-Intricate guitar work, and steady vocals, originally appeared on the "Elizabethtown" soundtrack.

9. "Down On Rodeo"-personal favorite on the album, loved this when it first appeared on his Soundstage appearance. A little different sound than first heard on the Soundstage appearance, with an almost slightly country feel to the guitars to compliment Lindsey's Travis picking style. Hopefully will be on the radio soon and will get many people into the album.

10. "Somebody's Gotta Change Your Mind"-Kicked off the Soundstage performance and hasn't changed much since then, but really shows off Lindsey's use of vocal and melody to bring someone into his world really close, make them sit down and marvel at the production.

11. "Juniper"-Probably the most surprising song to me on this album, but really catches your ear. Almost a tropical feel to it slightly in the acoustic guitars, with Lindsey's voice over it, might be a grower for some people, but closes out the album nicely.

I can't fail to mention that this album with mention of tracks sounding like "Tusk", the production value is very well done. Lindsey is gifted as ever on providing an intimate and interesting mix for those listening.

For fans of a great sounding song, you can't go wrong with Lindsey's new one. This one is definitely all about the experience of the acoustic, and probably the best album I've heard this year, if not in a long time.

Lindsey's got an electric album planned for hopefully a release next year, so get this one in the meantime if you're a fan of Lindsey's heavier sounds, and enjoy the Now Sounds.

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