"Tusk", the first record in history to cross the million dollar threshold in production costs, was the Fleetwood Mac's critically acclaimed, commercially disappointing 1979 double album. This book is an in-depth and 'official' look at one of the most unusual albums ever released by a major rock band. After "Rumours" became the best-selling single album of all-time, Fleetwood Mac asked Warner Brothers Records to buy them a studio (the label refused, costing both Warner Brothers and the band significant cash in the long run) and then handed the reins to their guitarist and resident perfectionist Lindsey Buckingham, a fusion of factors that led "Tusk" to become the first record in history to cross the million dollar threshold in production costs. Blame (or credit) Buckingham's public perception as a punctilious performer and producer on this, the Mac's critically acclaimed, commercially disappointing 1979 double album (it's said that Warner Brothers executives could see their Christmas bonuses flying out the window upon finally hearing "Tusk's" first rough cuts). But the 1975 addition of Buckingham and Stevie Nicks undeniably transformed Fleetwood Mac from a barely viable blues-based group into a radio powerhouse. "Rumours", the second LP by the Mac reconfiguration of Buckingham, one-time paramour Nicks, drummer Mick Fleetwood, bassist John McVie and his wife and keyboardist Christine, sold more than 20 million copies. But during its creation, relationships within the band broke down - Buckingham split from Nicks, McVie from McVie - leaving the follow-up "Tusk" as a bizarre and fractious assemblage held together only by Buckingham's much-documented, Brian Wilson - like obsession. What remains is Fleetwood Mac's "Apocalypse Now", their "White Album", the epic beginning of their ongoing end, a shotgun blast of musical spray. And, without question, the ballsiest venture in rock history. 'A growing Alexandria of rock criticism' - "Los Angeles Times, 2008". 'Ideal for the rock geek who thinks liner notes just aren't enough' - "Rolling Stone". For more information on the series and on individual titles in the series, check out our blog.

A prismatic look at one of the most unusual albums ever released by a major rock band, with fresh input from Lindsey Buckingham.

About the Author
Rob Trucks is a freelance music and sports writer based in NYC. He has published four books on baseball, and one collection of interviews with American fiction writers.

Reviews
[The] journalistic revelations and general insight add yet more layers to the double album's controversial standing. * The Austin Chronicle *
Trucks doesn't spend much time analyzing songs; the book is a tribute to the auteur spirit ... Readers may skim Trucks' long digressions into his own autobiography, which is too bad because they contain some interesting anecdotes, especially regarding the popularity of the Buckingham Nicks album in the author's native Alabama. The real draw of the book, however, are interpolated testimonials from indie rockers such as Camper Van Beethoven's Jonathan Segel and Dave Portner of Animal Collective. -- Kirk Curnutt * Paste Magazine *



Book Information
ISBN 9780826429025
Author Rob Trucks
Format Paperback
Page Count 144
Imprint Continuum Publishing Corporation
Publisher Continuum Publishing Corporation
Weight(grams) 130g