BEB: Tusk
By Sam Helffrich
October 12th marked the 40th anniversary of Fleetwood Mac’s eclectic album Tusk. It also marked the one-week anniversary of my discovery of said album, and I’ve had it on repeat since then.
I’ve been more of a superficial Fleetwood Mac fan up until this point. I knew all the famous songs from listening to them with my mom growing up. I’d cried to “Silver Spring” as one does at two in the morning. Yet I had not really dived into their discology past Rumours. Fleetwood Mac has a treasure trove of music that transcends their typical genre and in my mind, transcends time and space, itself.
Reading about Tusk’s creation and release, I understood why the album was such a beautiful mess of songs. It was the brainchild of three different songwriters (Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, and Lindsey Buckingham) as they each attempted to either enhance their former style or journey in a totally new direction. As Buckingham embarked down an edgier, more punk-centric road, Nicks remained in her element with songs reminiscent of Rumours.
The group spent more than $1 million dollars on creating the masterpiece. They created a custom-designed studio where they splurged on exotic foods and expensive champagne. Buckingham even created an exact replica of his home’s bathroom so that he could achieve the sounds he created in his bathroom at home. If that doesn't scream 1970s-music-industry-cocaine-addiction, then I don’t know what does.
“Sisters of the Moon” is the quintessential Stevie Nicks-energy that elevates me to my peak witchiness. “Save me a Place” is folksy and earthy and comforting all at the same time. “Storms” has become my new “Landslide” that I always enjoy when I’m feeling that certain type of way. It’s also wild to go from a song like “Storms” to “Not that Funny.” Buckingham really experimented with new sounds and styles with this album and most of his songs have a completely different vibe than the ones put out by Nicks and McVie.
Tusk is the album I never knew I needed. Tusk personifies the absolute chaotic taste and energy I embody yet struggle to define. It is crazy to listen to songs that encapsulate each of the personalities I possess on a daily basis. I would highly recommend giving it a listen because I truly believe it’s a highly underrated piece of work.