Song Review: Fleetwood Mac - “Blue Letter” (Live, 1975)
For folks who like their Fleetwood Mac raw and raunchy, the Reelin’ in the Years Archive has a 1975 version of “Blue Letter” that is red-hot.
The music is scattershot, with Mick Fleetwood’s drums occasionally overwhelming the melody. Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar is solo reminiscent of Jimmy Page’s sloppy era.
The harmonies are messy. Christine McVie is undermic’d and can’t hear herself. Stevie Nicks is uncharacteristically restrained amid the sonic firestorm.
All of which is to say, this “Blue Letter,” just out on video of unknown origin, is goddam glorious. It’s Fleetwood Mac’s most commercially successful lineup when it was still hungry for any success at all. Of course, there was obviously cocaine involved as well, but this is the kind of raunch that makes live music so exhilarating.
Grade card: Fleetwood Mac - “Blue Letter” (Live, 1975) - A
3/4/26
