Customer Reviews

Tusk (Deluxe)

5 star:		(67)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have to make these same reluctant but truthful comments regarding the remastered versions of Rumours, Tusk and the epynomous album: The remastering of these terrific albums, which was badly needed, is a real disappointment.
I have a decent stereo (NAD S500i CD player, NAD S300 integrated amp, Dynaudio Contour 1.3 Mark II speakers and a Velodyne FSR-10 sub), and most well-done remasters sound wonderful on it, but these three recordings are extremely bright and sibilant; harsh really.

Also (and I think this is part of the original production), the lead vocals are recessed and muffled; always just lurking in the background, never up-front where they belong. Almost like Stevie or Christine is standing in another room or facing away from the mike. The exact opposite of a modern production, like Norah Jones, where you can virtually see her standing in front of you.

I can barely listen to these albums, they're so bright.

A few years ago I wrote a review of "Tusk" for Amazon in which I wished for a remastered 2-disc version much like the one we now have here. The sound quality on both discs is now awesome, we get the full version of "Sara" and a full disc of outtakes, most of which have different arrangements to their finished counterparts. In all, the liner notes, artwork, remastered sound and bonus disc make this a must; however, a few famous Nicks outtakes from the period, most notably "Watchdevil", "Lady From The Mountain" and "Smile At You" are still missing--why not put these on instead of, say, the takes of "Over And Over" and "Think About Me", which are almost exactly like the final versions? Elsewhere, things are more enticing, like the nine-minute "cleaning lady" take of "Sara", the beautiful acoustic version of "Storms", the three working takes of "I Know I'm Not Wrong", the electric "Beautiful Child" (which still works!),

the fuller "Never Make Me Cry" etc. (btw the jazzy, spacey outtake of "Brown Eyes" here is the same as that found in the "Chain" box set). So, other than the usual minor gripes ("Lady From The Mountain", for one, is a stunning song that should have not only made the bonus disc, but the original album itself!), this reissue is a long-awaited must to be purchased ASAP.

I always knew this was the best and most artistic "Fleetwood Mac" albulm ever... but with the bonus tracks, the out takes and fun band interaction, this makes it the best TUSK -ever. Love Stevie Nicks- always have... but this is her shining moment with the band that she "paid her just dues... with" ...Buy it, you will not be sorry, you will understand the Fleetwood "MAGIC" a little more artistically-Excellent stuff! I wish sometimes it was still the late 70's early 80's musically....Dream on, little dreamer...bethany

Forget what the critics and "fans" tell you, Tusk is the best Fleetwood Mac album ever.

20 great songs, unusual, but effective production, stellar playing and a great album (now CD) package. The remastering only makes this gem shine brighter!

Although not as consistently wonderful as "Rumours", it is, nonetheless, an essential recording to have by this band.

Truly a great re-issue of a unique album...for those with doubts,this is an album whose time has come.The women are locked into a gorgeous groove at least as good as that on the previous two albums, and Lindsey Buckingham's inimitable contributions are not that "funny" 24 years later, just rollicking good fun.They are all still singing about and to each other a la Rumours, but much of the big hurt is gone, leaving wistfulness, and even a smile here and there, amidst some of the most beautiful melodies and arrangements ever. Ultimately my favorite of the "big three" from this version of FM. Oh, there's a terrific second disc to round out the story.Hook into it now!

Finally, TUSK the way it was meant to be presented on CD.

FULL version of Sara - not the single version like on the previous CD version.

Also of note is the Sara outtake at around 9 minutes long!

Great outtakes indeed. Neat to hear Lindsey's demos.

My favorite Fleetwood Mac album gets the royal treatment.

A++

It's hard to believe the original CD version of Tusk was released with an edited version of "Sara", Stevie Nick's finest hour, nor had the record company foresight in releasing Tusk on two discs. The good news is that Tusk is restored to it's original integrity and Stevie resumes the stormy reverie at full-brew once again. Tusk contains a bonus disc of outtakes which is essential listening and gives a 'behind-the-music' glimpse in to it's brilliant, and (at times) subversive, high level of creativity, especially on the part of Lindsey Buckingham. Revel in Lindsey's Song #1 ("I Know I'm Not Wrong") or a rockish "Beautiful Child" or Christine McVie's achingly beautiful "Brown Eyes". The bonus disk brings Tusk's playfulness and emotionally vulnerability in bas relief. Fleetwood Mac must have understood the commercial phenomenon of Rumours, and aimed for Tusk to be the same phenomenon on an artistic level. In doing so, Tusk became the "other side of the mirror" of Rumours. But all these non-musical details aside, the unstoppable momentum of the sprawling and epic Tusk finds Fleetwood Mac transmuting disillusionment and loneliness in a way Pet Sounds transmuted longing and suffering into a masterpiece of austerity. As a showcase of it's three chief songwriters, it is a curiosity. As a pop record, it is a great anomaly. As a rock record it is both haunting and enigmatic, and almost relentlessly so.
-Gene Skala, Chicago, Illinois (Gskala01@aol.com)

I bought all three CDs, Rumours, Tusk and the White Album (Fleetwood Mac) and I am so glad I did. Althought I have many outtakes and box sets, I am pleased with this one to no end, as well. Lindsey Buckingham was at the top of his game at his profession - although anyone who has listend to Out of the Cradle or Say You Will - knows that he continues to peak. And so does Stevie, by the way. Tusk is a great CD and perhaps the best and the new CD brings it out. I remember popping in my cassette tapes and listening to Tusk while I did homework in college. I miss those days. I took this CD and grabbed the dog, and went walking by the river. It was transcendent. In this case, I was listening to the second CD which had different versions or demos. I looked like a stupid, grinning kid walking down the river listening - but I didn't care. Rumours is also great CD and as well as Fleetwood Mac--Fleetwood MAC.

WAs a little disappointed that the long-rumored 12 minute version of SARA isn't included. Stevie has talked about the song being edited down to the album version and then (worse) to the single version.For that matter, they could have put the single version on disc 2.