hangin' on to you.

For various reasons, I have recently rediscovered my love of Fleetwood Mac. They aren't what I would normally listen to, but they were a staple at home growing up. I have always had a fascination with Stevie Nicks in particular and so I've decided to detail a couple of my favorite Fleetwood songs. I didn't pick the most popular or well known songs, but I picked those that are most aestetically pleasing to me at this time. Each of these songs have particular meaning in my life right now and happen to be written/performed by Nicks.

"I Don't Want to Know," Rumours (1977)
This song was written shortly after the dissolution of Nicks' relationship with fellow band member Lindsey Buckingham. It is easy to understand her perspective that even though things get crazy after a breakup, there is no real ill will between the parties. Future songs by both Nicks and Buckingham show a bit more animosity, but I love this song because it remains upbeat despite the adversity. Hand claps, jangly guitars, and tight harmonies define the tone. The catchy chorus brings it all together, saying, "I don't want to know the reasons why/ Love keeps right on walking down the line./ I dont want to stand between you and love,/ Honey, I just want you to feel fine."

"Gypsy," Mirage (1982)
With plucky guitars and a minimal but immaculate arrangement, the focus is kept on Nicks' haunting voice and lyrics. Gypsy has a very melancholic vibe to it, touching on loss, being alone, but also starting over. The repeating themes shown with the lyrics "And it all comes down to you,/ Well you know that it does,/ Well, lightning strikes...maybe once...maybe twice..." are clearly lamenting something, but leaving room for renewal. Nicks initially wanted to use this song for her solo debut, but it took on new meaning when her friend Robin Anderson died of Leukemia, and she kept it for Fleetwood Mac. The outro is an incredibly complex Lindsey Buckingham solo, which will probably hinder me in my quest to record a cover of this song.

Recommended Tracks From Stevie's First Solo Record- Bella Donna (1981):
"Stop Draggin' My Heart Around"
"Think About it"
"After the Glitter Fades"

sweet girl.

My first weekend back in College Park, and hopefully working in the city for good, I knew I had to find something to do to counteract all of my prior downtime at home and the horrific job search. After two mediocre house parties and an advanced screening of Choke, there was the pièce de résistance: The Flying Eyes, Ringo Deathstarr, and 2 1/2 Teeth at WMUC radio station.

Now I have been curious about Ringo Deathstarr for a while and this is another a reason why being affiliated with WMUC really pays off. I got to see this band that intrigues me all for a $3-5 suggested donation. All I really knew about them going in was that I thoroughly enjoy listening to their EP. They had played DC the night before, but I hadn't been able to make it so I was really happy they put on another show. With near perfect timing, we arrived shortly after they took the stage.



In the small studio that is the liveroom, there was little separation between band and audience. The stylishly clad group banged, clanged, and sang away, the room reverberating with feedback, rhythm, and echo. Everyone was sweating, dancing, gazing, and even moshing. I came out with some new battlescars as well. The set was flawless and the band seemed taken with the crowd's involvement. They even hung around afterwards just chilling and speaking with the kids, all without an ounce of arrogance. I was so envious at how effortlessly they seemed to pull it all off.

Finally, what I found is that all of the Jesus & Mary Chain comparisons don't do either of the groups justice. Yes, I would consider Ringo Deathstarr to be shoegaze, but not in a purely traditional sense. They have taken a modern spin on the genre, and have made it their own. While they could sound like a mixture of Psychocandy and Loveless, that's so cliche and Ringo Deathstarr have their own sound and presence.