Where inner-westies share their favourite vinyl – and darkest secrets!
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours
Sent in by Olivia Hector
If you’ve never heard Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ you’ve probably been living under a rock.
When I was younger my mum used to play this album in the car for me and I fell in love – I know every word. My favourite song of all time, out of anything, is and always will be ‘The Chain’ – ask me in 50 years and my answer won’t have changed. The build-up of the bass riff and drums and Lindsey Buckingham’s searing guitar solo at the end of the song are most memorable, as is the angst of Stevie and Lindsey’s lyrics. I also love the mystic vibe of the last song on the album, ‘Gold Dust Woman’, which fits right in with Stevie Nicks’ own ethereal persona and is highly underrated. Fleetwood Mac’s beautifully layered harmonies and the balance between driving electric guitar lines and acoustic finger-picking are what make this album so enjoyable, and you can feel the emotional subtext behind each track – this album was created during a tumultuous time in the band’s history tainted by complex romances and drug use. Also, the album cover and vinyl sleeve have the best photos of the band. One of my first vinyl records and the one I reach for the most when I’m in need of a pick-me-up.