Fleetwood Mac – Mr Wonderful

The second studio album by British blues rock greats Fleetwood Mac, again produced by Mike Vernon, took just four days to record, hit the streets in August 1968 and was another success in the UK and Europe. It featured contributions from Christine Perfect (soon to be Christine McVie) of Chicken Shack on keyboards, Duster Bennett on harmonica and various saxophone players, including Johnny Almond. The opening shuffle, ‘Stop Messin’ Round’ sets the tone. Bursting with energy, it’s loose yet controlled; about “as much fun as you can have with a guitar without getting arrested”, as Classic Rock put it 50 years on. ‘Lazy Poker Blues’ carries that same vibrant spirit, adding clever double entendre lyrics that perfectly suit its playful title.

It’s also worth mentioning ‘Need Your Love Tonight,’ a blues ballad elevated by the addition of an orchestra, and the stunning ‘Love That Burns’, which showcases leader Peter Green’s spellbinding talent. One moment he’s sharp and penetrating, and the next he’s gentle and delicate, delivering the kind of performance that B.B. King once said gave him “the cold sweats”.

Format – LP