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.

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.

For Buckingham fans, this is a must have. It is his best performance of "I'm So Afraid". And his other performances have unmatched passion with his voice still in its prime: "Go Your Own Way", "Never Going Back Again", "Not That Funny" and "Oh Well" are especially good. But "I'm So Afraid" alone is worth the price.

without a doubt one of the BEST rock bands alive. I bought the vinyl years ago and recently bought the CD. All the songs are performed excellent. Favorites are: Sara, Never going back again, Over & Over, Rhiannon, Go your own way, I am so afraid, Fireflies and Landslide, which in my opinion is one of the most emotional performances Stevie has done ever, you can listen to the depth and the emotions in every whisper and words from her voice, truly amazing.

I see that people are complaining about the quality. Remember this was a live recording originally released in 1980. I had the Fleetwood Mac live 8 track **Actually I think it was even a double 8 track** for this CD for goodness sake. For the time period and the type of recording available back then, this CD rocks and is a must buy for all Fleetwood Mac fans.