MUSIC REVIEWS
FLEETWOOD MAC'S SAY YOU WILL

The legendary band Fleetwood Mac has returned to the music scene with a new release Say You Will. The band's first studio release in almost 15 years features all of the old members with the exception of Christine McVie, the group's keyboard player and a singer/songwriter in her own right. However the four returning artists, Mick Fleetwood (drums and percussion), Lindsey Buckingham (guitar and keyboard), John McVie (bass), and Stevie Nicks (vocals) do an exceptional job. Other artists contribute to the CD including Sheryl Crow, David Palmer, and John Pierce. Even Christine McVie makes a contribution to Say You Will.

Say You Will contains eighteen cuts, and while some of it is typical Fleetwood Mac, there are times when the band ventures into unknown territory. "Thrown Down By Love" is a Stevie Nicks song about a reunion between two former lovers trying to resurrect an old love. Another Stevie Nicks song of note is "Running Through the Garden," a song about a woman imprisoned in a garden which she created. Listen for some excellent Lindsey Buckingham guitar work on this number. Nicks' "Silver Girl" set in a typical Stevie Nicks fantasy land and her 9/11 tribute "Illume" demonstrate that the fairy tale princess of rock and roll is still a major contributor to the genre.

Lindsey Buckingham's "Miranda" about the visions and thoughts of a lonely individual is a great song and also look for some great guitar work on this song. Buckingham really kicks out the jams in "Red Rover," the sixth cut on the CD. Other songs that caught my attention included "Murrow Turning," "Say Goodbye" and the title cut "Say You Will."

Say You Will was produced by Lindsey Buckingham. It was released on Reprise Records earlier this year.

Another legendary artist, Tom Petty, released a new CD recently entitled The Last DJ. The Last DJ is a real slap at the commercial radio and processed music industry that has taken over the airwaves and music studios of America.

The title track, "The Last DJ," is about a DJ who refuses to comply with the programming instructions of the radio station where he works. The complications caused by his independent thinking make up the story line for this song. The second cut, "Money Becomes King," is about a rock star that sells out his music and goes commercial. In another provocative song, "Dreamville," a nostalgic Petty mentions going to the music store to buy some Black Diamond guitar strings. (If you can remember Black Diamond guitar strings you're showing your age.) The song is set in another time when music was heartfelt and not commercial.

The Last DJ features Tom Petty's guitar and vocal style and really makes a statement about the music industry and artists of today.

George Drakoulias, Tom Petty, and Mike Campbell produced the CD. Other artists on the work include Mike Campbell on guitars and bass, Benmont Tench on keyboards, and Steve Ferrone on drums.

In a somber note the Clarion Issue bemoans the death of country music's June Carter Cash, the wife of Johnny Cash, yet a star in her own right. June Carter Cash died on May 15th, from complications following heart surgery. She was 73 and had been married to Johnny for 35 years.

June Carter Cash co-wrote Johnny's big hit "Ring of Fire", and she sang several duets with her husband before establishing a solo career. Her 1999 release, Press On, won her a Grammy. The couple had one son, John Carter Cash. June Carter Cash had a son from a previous marriage, and Rosanne Cash was her stepdaughter. Country music will miss this noted singer and songwriter.