Biblioracle: ‘Fleetwood Mac All the Songs' is my kind of coffee table book
When I found out that there is a 608-page book weighing in at over five pounds titled 'Fleetwood Mac All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track,' I knew I had to get my hands on a copy and see what's doing.
It's not that I'm anything more than an average (or slightly above) Fleetwood Mac fan. Like everyone else, I'm well-versed in the 'Rumours'-era mega-hits like 'Don't Stop' and 'The Chain,' and I even have some passing knowledge of their pre-Buckingham/Nicks incarnation as a heavy blues outfit led by Peter Green, but that's about it.
Sure, I've watched the 'Classic Albums: Rumours' episode three or four times, relishing the story of how interpersonal drama mixed with drug use and alcohol abuse was turned into one of the greatest albums of all time, but who doesn't like a story that's both a train wreck and something like the opposite?
When 'Fleetwood Mac All the Songs,' was delivered to my doorstep, the thumping noise scared the dogs, and when I opened the box and saw the book inside, it was love at first sight. This is my kind of coffee table book, and if you're at all interested in the ins and outs of a band — even if you're not a huge Fleetwood Mac fan — I think you will find it fascinating.
Produced by two French music journalists, Olivier Roubin and Romuald Ollivier, the book delivers on the promise of its title. It truly breaks down every song by Fleetwood Mac, starting with its blue-rock origins, moving through a middle period where they were led by singer-songwriter-guitarists Bob Welch and Danny Kirwan, on through the mega-act years, and even beyond into some Fleetwood Mac incarnations I didn't know existed and that members of the band would maybe prefer to forget.
But not Roubin and Ollivier. They forget nothing. Each song is broken down in terms of origins, songwriting and production, plus frequent trivia tidbits that were often my favorite parts. For example, I discovered that 'Second Hand News,' a favorite somewhat lesser-known track from 'Rumours' has a rhythm pattern borrowed from The Bee Gees, and the percussion is augmented by Lindsey Buckingham pounding on a Naugahyde chair with a pair of sticks.
Maybe that's not interesting to you, but there's a real pleasure to learning these things, and going back to the music and listening with more attentive ears to see what you can now hear.
In addition to the breakdown of each song and album, the authors include profiles of all of the band members over the years, and also of the producers, engineers and others who worked with Fleetwood Mac. Mini-essays work through the big events in the band's history, the tours, the drama, the break-ups.
There was absolutely no culling process in terms of what was included in the book. Everything is present.
It would be ridiculous to claim that I've read the entire book. I haven't even come close. It's 608 pages! But after initially going through the material I was most familiar with, I turned back to the beginning of the Peter Green-era and started reading along as I listened to music I'd been aware of, but never really, truly heard. It's been both fun and instructive.
Deep down, I think I just appreciate a truly obsessive project like this. I can't imagine the depth of dedication it would take to pull this book together. It seems like a lifetime of work in and of itself.
This is a book that would make a great gift for the right person, and you probably all know one right person.
John Warner is the author of books including 'More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI.' You can find him at biblioracle.com.
John Warner tells you what to read based on the last five books you've read.
1. 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry
2. 'The Power of One' by Bryce Courtney
3. 'Cutting for Stone' by Abraham Verghese
4. 'North Woods' by Daniel Mason
5. 'The Wide Wide Sea' by Hampton Sides
— Jim G., Naperville
For Jim, I'm feeling like it's a good time to bring one of my top-5 all-time novels into the mix, 'Mrs. Bridge' by Evan S. Connell.
1. 'We Are the Culture: Black Chicago's Influence on Everything' by Arionne Nettles
2. 'If Beale Street Could Talk' by James Baldwin
3. 'John Adams and the Fear of American Oligarchy' by Luke Mayville
4. 'The Captain's Daughter' by Alexander Pushkin
5. 'Abide with Me' by Elizabeth Strout
— Bill B., Des Plaines
Bill should dive into Kent Haruf's 'Plainsong' next.
1. 'Becoming Madam Secretary' by Stephanie Dray
2. 'A Woman of Substance' by Barbara Taylor Bradford
3. 'Still Life' by Sarah Winman
4. 'The Bandit Queens' by Parini Shroff
5. 'The Rose Code' by Kate Quinn
— Lynne A., Waukegan
This is a little outside Lynne's list, but I think it's a reasonable reach, 'The Book of Goose' by Yiyun Li.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
Destination Scientology, Del Valle Celebrates the Cultural Heritage of Mexico
LOS ANGELES, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientology Network's DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY, the weekly travelogue series that takes viewers inside Scientology Churches all around the world and discovers what makes each one unique, presents an episode featuring Del Valle, Mexico City. DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network. ABOUT DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY, DEL VALLE Del Valle is a neighborhood often described as an open-air museum—a place where Mexico's rich cultural legacy lives on through indigenous sculptures, towering murals and landmarks of the nation's pre-Hispanic past. It's a cityscape that stands as a living tribute to history and the enduring spirit of its people. At the heart of the vibrant district stands the Church of Scientology Del Valle, seamlessly woven into the neighborhood's architectural fabric. This episode explores local cuisine, a visit to the famed home of artist Frida Kahlo and conversations with community members who share how the Church inspires creativity while preserving cultural traditions. As one staff member says, "I feel so proud because I know I'm helping Mexico and helping Del Valle become a better place, where we can live without worries and truly prosper." Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018, launched by David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. Since then, Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization and presenting its Social Betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by Independent filmmakers who represent a cross section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards. Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM and AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Church of Scientology International Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
Clive Davis remembers Whitney Houston as he receives Apollo Theater's Legacy Award
Clive Davis remembers Whitney Houston as he receives Apollo Theater's Legacy Award Show Caption Hide Caption Megan Thee Stallion, Serena Williams, more arrive at Pre-Grammy party Watch the stars arrive at the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala in Beverly Hills. USA TODAY's Ralphie Aversa also speaks with Gayle King about the evening. NEW YORK – Clive Davis has been associated with the some of the biggest names in music, from Bruce Springsteen and Barry Manilow to Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin. But the music producer/executive may have no greater association than that with Whitney Houston, from Davis discovering the singer at 19 to her death in 2012 at age 48 on the night of his Pre-Grammy Gala at the Beverly Hilton. The relationship between the two was on display Wednesday night in Harlem's Apollo Theater, where Davis received both a lifetime achievement award and a spot on the theater's walk of fame. Davis was honored with the Legacy Award at the Apollo's annual spring benefit, which raised over $5 million that will go to both renovating the theater and expanding its footprint in Harlem. "After 91 years, anyone, especially this great theater, deserves a modernization," Davis, 92, tells USA TODAY before a star-studded event June 4 that included performances from Method Man, Deborah Cox, Shoshana Bean and Busta Rhymes. "I can't wait to see the new Apollo Theater." The theater's facelift will include new seats, an expanded lobby and a retooling of its iconic marquee. Since 1914, the Apollo has served as both an anchor of the Harlem community and a beacon of Black culture. Performances from Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and Michael Jackson along with comedians such as Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx have all contributed to the venue's legacy. The Essentials: Clive Davis gets candid about new artists, music essentials and Whitney Houston Clive Davis' colleague reveals Whitney Houston story Like Houston, record executive Larry Jackson linked up with Davis when he was 19. Jackson, who co-founded the media company Gamma, introduced Davis ahead of his Walk of Fame ceremony and revealed that Davis has helped artists both publicly and behind the scenes. "When Whitney post-divorce fell on a bit of hard times, (Davis) was there with huge financial and consistent support for her," Jackson said, noting that Davis' goal was to help her "pick up the pieces and put them back together" following Houston's 2006 divorce from Bobby Brown. Jackson also revealed that after a performance in 2001 where Houston looked "skeletal," he stayed "up until 2 in the morning with Clive on the phone that night talking about what we should do to intervene." Pat Houston, Whitney's sister-in-law, also spoke at the ceremony. "I could never speak about Clive and not mention Whitney, and I can never speak about Whitney without speaking of Clive," she said. "The only thing I wish for tonight is Whitney were here to speak instead of me, because I know how proud she would be of you at this moment." Teyana Taylor receives innovator award Teyana Taylor was born in Harlem and performed on the Apollo stage when she was 8 years old: She's now the recipient of the theater's inaugural Innovator Award. The honor was presented to her by fellow Harlem native and fashion designer Dapper Dan along with TV host Sherri Shepherd, who stars with Taylor in the new Netflix film "Straw." Prior to the introduction, rapper Method Man performed a medley of hits and joked that it was worth the "three hours of traffic" he hit en route to the venue to honor Taylor. Taylor's acceptance speech was filled with gratitude. She thanked Shepherd for her sisterhood, Dan for his mentorship and Method Man for believing in her. She also thanked God with a prayer she wrote before acknowledging her family and colleagues. "This little innovative little Harlem girl you see being honored tonight has a tribe that helps me be the greatest that I can be," Taylor, 34, said. "Thank you for having my back, my front (and) both sides." Teyana Taylor, Aaron Pierre go Instagram official with swanky Oscars photoshoot Diddy's presence looms at Apollo Theater event The spring benefit was a celebration of the Apollo and Harlem, but without one of the neighborhood's embattled luminaries. Sean "Diddy" Combs co-founded Bad Boy Records with Davis, but the music mogul is jailed while standing trial on federal sex-crimes in lower Manhattan. Still, his presence at the event was felt. Method Man's set included the single, "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By," which was mixed for radio airplay by Combs. Later in the evening, Rhymes performed "Pass the Courvoisier, Part II" which features Pharrell Williams and Combs. He also credited Davis with helping that song and others become radio hits. Dapper Dan, Busta Rhymes sound the alarm on the Apollo's future Last year, the Kennedy Center bestowed special honors on the Apollo to recognize its status as an iconic American institution. But on day one of President Donald Trump's second term, he issued an executive order to crack down on what he referred to as "illegal and radical' diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Trump later appointed himself chair of the Kennedy Center and took aim at the Smithsonian Institute, complaining that it has "come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology." The Smithsonian opened a Black history museum in 2016. Busta Rhymes, who performed a medley of hits to honor Davis, said before the event that he liked the renovation of the theater "so long as establishment's narrative doesn't change and the history doesn't get erased or removed." "I hope they keep people from the community like myself involved in it," Dapper Dan, born Daniel R. Day, says of the theater's expansion. "I'm deeply concerned about the way culture is being held back by those people in power. So our hope that the liberty that we have to express our culture is not curtailed by people in power."
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
Walton Goggins And Aimee Lou Wood Break Silence On Feud Rumours
Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood have given a joint interview in which they addressed the media scrutiny they've been under in the last few months. The pair were co-stars in the most recent season of The White Lotus, but found themselves at the centre of speculation when it was spotted that they were no longer following one another on Instagram just before the finale aired. In fact, it even appeared that Walton had gone as far as blocking Aimee on the platform, although both parties had still been speaking favourably about one another at the time, most notably in separate social media posts, which were soundtracked by the Fleetwood Mac anthem Silver Springs. Walton then failed to join most of the cast at a viewing party for the White Lotus finale, in which both he and Aimee played pivotal roles. During a new interview with Variety, Walton put his absence down to his busy schedule as he had been filming the new season of Fallout. However, he told Aimee as part of their joint interview: 'I wish I would have been able to watch this with you. It was so cathartic and so painful, and I regret that. I really do.' Walton later added: 'There is no feud. I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me. '[She] is Goldie Hawn. [She] is Meg Ryan. She can do anything, and she will. You watch what the next 20 years of her experience will be.' 'We care about each other very deeply,' he added. The Emmy nominee also said that he'd chosen not to dispel the feud reports during a now-infamous interview with The Times because he didn't want to 'speak for both of us' when Aimee wasn't present. Similarly, she chose to remain schtum on the 'feud' reports until now because she felt anything she said would be misconstrued, instead opting to 'sit back and watch these people making something out of absolutely nothing'. HBO As for his unfollowing Aimee on Instagram, Walton put this down to wanting to put some distance between himself and The White Lotus once the show was over. 'I knew what we had gone through, and I knew how close that we had gotten, and I needed to begin to process saying goodbye to Rick and Chelsea,' he said, apparently beginning to tear up. 'And I knew that that was going to take a while for me, so I let her know, this is what I've gotta do. And she was extremely supportive about that.' It's noted in Variety 's piece that Walton had more of a personal connection to Thailand than most of the rest of the cast, as he went travelling near where The White Lotus was filmed years earlier after his first wife died by suicide. Branding the media furore 'ridiculous', he concluded: 'I'm emotional because we haven't been in the same city to ever talk about this. So for me, this is just so wonderful.' Variety noted that the interview took place on the first weekend of May, shortly before both actors walked the red carpet separately at this year's Met Gala. Since then, Walton's wife Nadia Conners has also spoken out about rumours of an affair between her husband and his White Lotus co-star, which she took in good humour.
