Mick Fleetwood "I'm Not Me"
June 26, 2012
Though this 1983 album is commonly thought of as a Mick Fleetwood solo record, it really was the product of a band, and one helluva band at that!
Aside from the Fleetwood Mac drummer who lays down the primal, bedrock rhythms for which he is famous, and for which his only rival could be Charlie Watts, the denizens of this Zoo include the great Billy Burnette and Steve Ross on guitar and vocals, session bass player supreme Roger Hawkins and, on background vocals, none other than Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham (the band got its start backing Buckingham on a Saturday Night Live appearance).
Though the album was produced by Richard Dashut, who had produced 'Rumors' and 'Tusk', 'I'm Not Me' was almost the 'anti-Tusk', a low-key affair showcasing the considerable singing and songwriting talents of Burnette, Ross and Hawkins, and featuring such inspired cover choices as the Beach Boys' "Baby Come Home", Lloyd Price's "Just Because" and Billy's homage to his father Dorsey and uncle Johnny, "Tear It Up". Given the talent assembled and the fact that it scored a hit in "I Want You Back", it's truly amazing that this engaging, infectious album has never been out on CD, the Real Gone reissue includes notes by Scott Schinder that place 'I'm Not Me' in its proper Fleetwood and Mac context.
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