9 of the greatest Peter Green era Fleetwood Mac songs
To celebrate Mick Fleetwood's Peter Green concert at London Palladium tonight (25th February), we take a look at some of the greatest Peter Green era Fleetwood Mac songs.
Last updated 11th Mar 2020
What with all the Fleetwood Mac fall-outs, line-up changes and the kind Herculean hoovering that kept South American black economies in serious business in the 70’s, it’s become all too easy for many members of general public to forget that Fleetwood Mac emerged in the 1960s as part of the British blues boom.
Emerging from a later line-up of John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, guitarist Peter Green was joined by the rhythm section of drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie and then later by guitarists Jeremy Spencer and Danny Kirwin. Between 1967 and 1970, the Peter Green-led Fleetwood Mac not only helped develop the blues, they also brought them into the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.
Ahead of the Mick Fleetwood’s Peter Green concert, here are some of the finest moments of Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac.
Man of the World
In hindsight, it’s tempting to read into this as a glimpse into the mind of Peter Green, but this lachrymose ballad about stripping away materialism in favour of the search for love does seem to give some hint of what was to follow. Yet for all that, ‘Man Of The World’ taps into a universal truth that will ring true for as long as day follows the night. Last summer, Fleetwood Mac performed 'Man of the World' live for the first time in 50 years with new guitarist Neil Finn taking on vocal duties. As great as it was, it paled in comparison to the original.
Oh Well Parts 1 & 2
Peaking at No. 2 on the UK singles chart in November 1969, this Peter Green composed number was split into two sections. The first is powered by one of Green’s most memorable riffs and sees him sing the verses on his own. Mick Fleetwood’s samba-like drumming and percussion are some of the best of his career. Presenting the first minute of Part 2 at the end of the A-side, you’re compelled to flip the single over to find the guitarists moving into a more laid back and pastoral mode. And judging by AC/DC’s ‘Beating Around The Bush’, the Young brothers had been paying close attention to ‘Oh Well Part 1’.
The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown)
An attack on commercialism and material motivation, ‘The Green Manalishi (With The Two Pronged Crown)’ was written towards the end of Peter Green’s tenure with Fleetwood Mac. Worn down by LSD and isolating himself from the other members of the band, the song emerges triumphant from trying circumstances. The extended instrumental coda is a beast of haunting beauty that weaves together twisting guitars and some genuinely unnerving howls from Green.
Albatross
Such has been the ubiquity of Fleetwood Mac’s only chart topping single that it can become a little to easy to take its languid charms for granted. But return to again and re-discover a band at the peak of its powers. Peter Green’s soloing is achingly mournful but it’s the work by the rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie that’s the bedrock of this classic instrumental.
Black Magic Woman
Though only a minor hit for Fleetwood Mac upon its release, this is one of the band’s major calling cards. What’s particularly interesting about ‘Black Magic Woman’ is not only Peter Green’s heartfelt guitar playing but also his abilities as a singer, a factor that’s often overlooked. The combination – along with sterling playing from his bandmates – makes for an incredible experience. So much so that Santana were moved to cover and in the process score the bigger hit. But this version is where it’s at.
Rattlesnake Shake
Along with The Who’s ‘Pictures Of Lily’, ‘Rattlesnake Shake’ is one of the greatest odes to onanism to have been released in the 1960s. Propelled by one of Peter Green’s filthiest riffs, the pace and delivery of the song suggest a long night alone ahead and a lot of explaining about the stains on the sheet come laundry day.
Somebody’s Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In Tonight
With an intro that cribs from The Ventures’ surf classic, ‘Walk Don’t Run’, and credited to Earl Vince & The Valiants, this Jeremy Spencer-penned b-side to ‘Man Of The World’ deftly displays that the Mac were not only versatile enough musicians to turn their hand to make convincing 50s-inpsired rock’n’roll, they also had a dark sense of humour about them. The song was later covered by Scottish punks The Rezillos on their debut album, ‘Can’t Stand The Rezillos’.
Shake Your Moneymaker
Though Elmore James’ blues classic has been covered before and since, Fleetwood Mac’s version is arguably the most fun. Eschewing the reverence that’s blighted many a blues cover, this reading is aimed straight for the feet and hips. Impossible to sit still through, you can almost hear the band smiling all the way through.
My Baby’s Good To Me
Written by Jeremy Spencer, this Chicago-blues inspired groover is as splendid a showcase as any for the guitarist’s prowess with the slide. Direct and to the point, this is a track that proves that there’s so much more to the blues than your woman doin’ you bad.