Something big

Description

'Something Big' is the fifth album by The Mick Fleetwood Band, released on September 28, 2004. It features many guest musicians, including John McVie of Fleetwood Mac, Jeremy Spencer, a member of the original Fleetwood Mac lineup, and singer-songwriter Jackson Browne. By February 2005, the album had sold more than 3,000 copies in the United States. Like many Mick Fleetwood albums, it has been released several times. To date, it is the only Mick Fleetwood album credited to "The Mick Fleetwood Band". Although 'Something Big' is treated as a Mick Fleetwood side project (the album is credited to the Mick Fleetwood Band), it is very much the brainchild of co-producer Todd Smallwood. Make no mistake, Fleetwood plays an important role in the proceedings with his steady, arrangement-oriented percussion work. However, Smallwood wrote all the songs except one ("Looking into You" by Jackson Browne is reproduced here in a close cover, with Browne himself helping on vocals). He also handles the lead vocals and plays half a dozen instruments, not to mention the full mix. The result is a solid rock album with a late-'70s feel that is pleasant to listen to. Smallwood's songs are carefully crafted and his voice (which sounds like a cross between Don Henley and Mark Knopfler) constantly exudes real sincerity. Among the best tracks are the opening title track, "Bitter End," which starts as a fake 78 blues before breaking into a midtempo rock shuffle, and "Where the Wind Blows," which offers a Dylan-esque drive and phrasing. John McVie, longtime bassist of Fleetwood Mac, and Jeremy Spencer, former Mac guitarist, perform "No Borders," a desperately optimistic song whose main idea is that, in the future, "the only passport will be the heart." Lauren Evans handles duet vocals with Smallwood on a few tracks (as well as backing vocals on several others), notably on the strong and catchy "It's Only Money."