The six albums included in this superb package have never been issued on CD in the US, although they have been available on import. (In fact two of these discs were never released on LP in the States, but were replaced by the "English Rose" Compilation.)

This set includes every track recorded by the original Fleetwood Mac for the Blue Horizon label, including numerous extra takes and a sprinkling of previously unreleased songs.

If you're a fan of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, this is a must-have item --- superb sound, and plenty of music for a very low price. If you're a Stevie Nicks fan, this probably isn't your cup of tea --- but if you really like the blues, you'll get a generous helping here.

the six disks in the box cover sessions from autumn 1967 to the first days of 1969 which resulted in two hit albums in 1968 in the UK, four terrific singles, and the sprawling double album 'Blues Jam at Chess'. The sixth disk in this set is comprised of selections unreleased until 1971, many of which are terrific performances.

Each disk has at least a handful of wonderful tracks, usually courtesy of the great Peter Green, the best singer/player this side of Jimi Hendrix during the period covered. The other Mac guitarists have their moments also, particularly Jeremy Spencer on the first disk. And all of the participants of the Chess sessions (disks 4 & 5) have standout moments, especially piano great Otis Spann.

Complaints? Green is too earnest on disk 1, playing a few naive and overblown country blues. Spencer is far too repetitive on disk 2. Disk three replaces a couple great Eddie Boyd tracks with 40 minutes of Greeny figuring out how to present 'Need Your Love so Bad', the terrific blues by Little Willie John. The instrumentals at Chess are boring (15 minutes of disk 4). Otherwise this collection works. It's been two wonderful years for Fleetwood Mac fans: live in Boston, Shrine 69, and the Vaudeville Years. This is the best set yet.

If you already know enough to even be considering this album, then go ahead and buy it. I already had all of the original versions of the songs included here, but what makes this box-set so good are the outtakes. Hearing Peter get mad at the producers when they stopped him during a rousing version of Stop Messin'Around is great. You can hear the development of the song in the studio- don't worry it is not boring. The bottom line is, if you love the REAL Fleetwood Mac-buy this.

As my CD collection swells to obscene lengths with new blues talent, I often find myself returning to yesteryear listening to Rory Gallagher, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters and early Fleetwood Mac.

Prior to Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, pop ballads, Glam and stardom, Fleetwood Mac was a British blues machine driven by Peter Green. This, six CD, box memorializes those early days when Green was clearly king. Green's performance throughout is focused, committed and topnotch. As with any CD which contains outtakes, the feel is quite raw and little, if any, overdubs are present. The CD is simply Green and sidekick Jeremy Spencer direct to tape and complete with flubs, missteps and some abrupt endings. The CD, complete with between tracks conversation, makes the listener feel they are a part of the recording session. That being said, there will be some that will prefer one of the many single disc compilations over this masterpiece. But for Green fans and blues/rock fans, there is no better Mojo than this.

As a fan of the original (and only) Fleetwood Mac, I was overjoyed to see this box set of goodies when it came out. The music contained within is nothing short of miraculous, showing off the mighty blues chops of the great Peter Green.

While several of the 6 cds can be had seperately ("Fleetwood Mac," "Mr. Wonderful," "Pious Bird of Good Omen," and "The Original Fleetwood Mac"), it seems to me that for the very inexpensive price, there's no reason to not get this box set. Plus, the 2 cds of "Chess Jams" (mainly with Otis Spann, among others) are well worth the price of admission alone.

The growth of the early Mac can also be charted on these lp's, as well. Green's emergence as a guitar hero to many is justified by many of these tracks- his solos are choice and his overall dedication to the blues can not be questioned. Jeremy Spencer is an interesting case in study, as well. So pivotal to much of the early stuff is he. His Elmore James inspired slide and his gravely voice lends credibility to many of the tunes. We all know that Fleetwood and McVie are a tight rhythm section. Now we can hear that genesis of much of it. Their sense of timing and rock solid rhythm made them the ideal low end section.

The results of these 6 cds has to be heard to be believed, but I'll tell you this- the Mac were smokin' much of the time. The music will back me up here. The Mac were a telented combo indeed. Hear why.