Still smarting from the negative reception that Tusk received from many fans and critics, the Mac decided to release a live album of their previous hits to remind fans of why they became so successful in the first place. A whopping 10 of the double album's 18 tracks come from 1975's FLEETWOOD MAC and 1977's RUMOURS, with "Sara," "Over and Over," and "Not That Funny" standing in as the only songs to represent 1979's underrated masterpiece TUSK. Still, there are a few surprises, including a stunning cover of Peter Green's "Oh Well" and a rare performance of "Don't Let Me Down Again," a stellar number form Buckingham Nicks' long out-of-print debut album.

There are also two newly-written songs, which will be of interest to fans. Christine McVie contributes the lovely ballad "One More Night," which is yet another beautiful, bittersweet ballad, very much in the same vein as much of her melancholy material on TUSK. Stevie's new composition "Fireflies" (#60 Pop, #59 Mainstream Rock) is a groovy mid-tempo rocker, that many of Nicks' fans will no doubt buy this record especially for - although the song was not a hit, it was a charting single, and it has yet to appear on any other album. There is also a terrific backstage recording the Beach Boys' "The Farmer's Daughter," which highlights the groups gorgeous harmonies at the peak of their strength.

Live albums are a sometimes a tough sell, as they are often routine and predictable. This one is one of my favorites, however, as it contains raw and energetic performances that are a nice counterpart to the heavily-produced studio versions. In particular, "Rhiannon," "Don't Stop," "I'm So Afraid," and especially "Go Your Own Way" all rock harder than ever, brimming forth with an almost carnal energy that becomes intoxicating. The set's ballads like "Sara" and "Over and Over" also seem to strike stronger emotional chords in the live setting, with Stevie's tattered rendition of "Landslide" emerging as especially moving; it sounds as though she's literally experiencing the lyrics right in front of your own ears.

On the downside, the material isn't always very well recorded (the mastering of live albums has come a long way since then), and all of the tracks come from different concert dates spliced together, but this device actually works surprisingly well as it gives listeners a well rounded view of the overall tour. I do wonder why the original two record set is presented on two compact discs, when, at about 80 minutes, it could have fit on one CD by editing only a couple seconds. This is a minor nitpick, however, as the album remains an amazing document of one of the all-time great bands at the top of it's game. The album was also a commercial success, peaking at #14 on the Hot 200, which is a great showing for a live recording.

I love this album. It represents the shows of Fleetwood Mac when they were in their prime. The Dance is very good, but is also very polished. When a band goes on tour, the concert goer does not go to a sound stage venue with perfect acoustics as on The Dance.

This album represents the band in all it's glory playing arenas around the world. I was at the St. Louis shows which are featured here on Oh Well and Sara. I'll take a show like this... RAW and rockin' anyday over an album that sounds identical to the studio albums.

If you are forty something and want to be reminded of the shows you saw at arenas when you were in High School, buy this.

Highlights are: Monday Morning, Oh Well, Sara, Don't Let Me Down Again (from the Buckingham/Nicks album released just before joining FM) Rhiannon, Never Going Back Again, Not That Funny and I'm So Afraid. I also love the two new studio tracks included, Fireflies and The Farmer's Daughter.

Fireup and hold your bic lighter up high. Remember all the concert goers who would show up in the crowd dressed like Stevie Nicks. Great memories and this album is a treasure.

Most of the live shows tend to be faithful reproduction of the albums. Fleetwood Mac is a great studio band as evidenced by their albums. But don't forget that they are a great live band as well. They don't just try to reproduce the songs' sounds from the respective albums. Familiar songs with new arrangements are refreshing and also challenging to the listeners. This live album include pre-Buckingham/Nicks tune Oh Well, highlighting Buckingham's underrated guitar playing.
Most other tunes are well known ones from their Self-titled, Rumour and Tusk. One song that is not on any other album, Fireflies stands out. On the liner notes it says it was recorded during the sound check. Anyway, it would fit in any of their albums. It is a classic. Another one of my favorite is Farmer's daughter, a Beach Boys tune. Buckingham was heavily influenced by Brian Wilson and here he pays his respect by reworking a little known Beach Boys song. It's spare arrangement (just a bass guitar & drum I think) & emphasis on harmonizing vocal give it an almost mystical quality.
Overall, it's an outstanding album to have in your collection.

This is Fleetwood Mac. This is the raw energy captured back when they were in their prime. The Dance is pretty, but it lacks sincerity, emotion and energy. Fleetwood Mac Live is an essential part of classic rock history. Live is the only album where you will hear the lovely ballad, Fireflies, said to be about the band members dynamic relationships.

I can't say that I've ever listened to this album, really, or even a whole side of it, so take the 5-star rating with a grain of salt, but I've listened to "I'm So Afraid" about a thousand times, mostly late at night, alone in my room with the lights out. It's not just the vocals, which are amazing, but also the guitar. This is what a live performance is supposed to be, a well-rehearsed, talented band finding their groove and channeling inspiration down from that place where music resides. I admit I was 18 years when I did it--but 20 years later the memory has never left me.

It's pretty rare that a live version of a song surpasses the studio version in all ways, but this is it. After you've listetened to the live version for the tenth time in a row, look for the studio version and play that, just for a giggle.