We’re flattered whenever music publicists want to share something new with us. Especially when those acts are among those we’ve long known. As one publicist put it, “adult-facing artists.”
If we’re lucky enough to get a review copy, it gets put to The Car Test. I put it in the car and play it whenever I’m driving. That way, it gets heard more than once. That way, I get a good sense of the album.
That said, a few words about “Gift of Screws,” the new album from Lindsey Buckingham.
A confession: I don’t know much about Lindsey Buckingham beyond his work in Fleetwood Mac. I have none of his previous solo albums.
However, after giving it a few spins in the car, I’ve enjoyed his new album, “Gift of Screws.” Especially three songs at mid-CD: “Love Runs Deeper,” “Bel Air Rain” and “The Right Place To Fade.”
“Love Runs Deeper” and “The Right Place To Fade” have a classic mid-’70s Fleetwood Mac vibe. Mick Fleetwood and John McVie join Buckingham on the latter. “Bel Air Rain” is more moody, more edgy, infused with an L.A. vibe and some fine guitar work by Buckingham.
“This is probably the most rock ‘n’ roll album I’ve ever made,” Buckingham told John Soeder of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
That could be why I like it so much.
“Love Runs Deeper” and “Bel Air Rain,” Lindsey Buckingham, from “Gift of Screws,” 2008.
(Postscript: If you’re wondering why there are so few details, I was working without liner notes or production notes or a lyric sheet. Most of the details came from other reviews and interviews.)
AM, Then FM 
Your review: my sentiments exactly. Except I didn’t listen to it in my car. The album is much stronger than I expected.
Bruce
Lindsey Buckinham has always been one of my favorites from Fleetwood Mac. I enjoyed playing his hit “Go Insane” on the radio back in 1984.
Buckingham started out in The Fritz Rabyne Memorial Band with high school friend Stevie Nicks in the 60s. They left Fritz to form the duo, Buckingham-Nicks, in the early 70s. They joined Fleetwood Mac on New Year’s Eve, 1974.
Starting in the late 70s, Buckingham began producing albums for John Stewart and Walter Egan and released his first solo album, Law and Order, in 1981.
In ’09, Buckingham will tour with Fleetwod Mac in support of a new studio album.
The Car Test!!! It’s the only way!
Jeff, are you SURE you’re not my brother from another mother?! I do this same thing when I find a new tune. I almost had a meltdown when his single Did you miss me came out. It was the wee hours of the morning and I couldn’t find a blank cd . Couldn’t wait til the stores opened to copy and burn for my “test drive”. LOVE that song – and I agree with your 3 picks from the album.
My all time favorite Lindsey Buckingham song –
Trouble