221. RUMOURS by Fleetwood Mac
It seems almost cliche to cover this 1977 breakout record by mixed British / American band Fleetwood Mac (previously covered here), but on the heels of keyboardist / singer / songwriter Christine McVie's death I felt like I needed to. Granted there's not much I can say about this album that hasn't been said before a million times over.
One of my all time favorite records, the influence it had on me during my formative years can't be overstated. The distinct memories that the opening notes of McVie's 'Don't Stop' evoke are now bittersweet. Move next to Lindsey Buckingham's extraordinary fingerpicking on 'Never Going Back Again.' Any mention of this record would, of course, be incomplete if Stevie Nicks' 'Dreams' were to go unmentioned so have a sip of cranberry juice and give this song a listen. And, finally, end with McVie again and the funky groove she lays down with her Hohner Clavinet on 'You Make Loving Fun.'