Fleetwood Mac

Live in Boston, a deluxe three-hour, two-DVD/one-CD package, offers a video view of the entire concert culled from two nights in September 2003. In addition, there is a CD edited from its best audio moments. This is an energetic and ragged but right set from one of the most enduring acts in rock. The quartet version of Fleetwood Mac is stronger than any of its recent incarnations. The interplay and cooperation between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham are wonderfully articulated in this show, and there are moments of complete magic. As for the duffers, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood, all that can be said is they are one of the great rock rhythm sections in history, and the symbiotic communication between them is evident on video. Musically, the rawer, more immediate sound breathes great life into this old material. Buckingham's guitar is in overdrive most of the evening, and Nicks' voice rises to the challenge of the Mac's louder and prouder arrangements. Highlights on the audio CD include the blowout performance of "Rhiannon," the burning "Big Love," with a great vocal by Buckingham, and of course the finale, "Go Your Own Way." The reliance on tracks like "Dreams," "Landslide," and "Silver Springs" suggests the softer side of the Mac, but on the CD that balance is nearly perfect. On the DVDs, the rockers outnumber the ballads, and that is as it should be. This packaging orgy is hardly new and different, and certainly not revolutionary, but then would fans want it to be? Thoroughly enjoyable. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide