Fleetwood Mac - "The Green Manalishi with The Two Prong Crown" b/w "World in Harmony" 7" 45rpm Single, 1970 (Reprise Records)

In many ways, this is a perfect single.   As far as I know, these two songs are not on any official Fleetwood Mac albums, and to discover this disc is finding perfection as practiced.  The beauty of Fleetwood Mac during the height of the Peter Green years is the interaction of three guitars that one can listen to separately, but more likely admire the way they build a wall of sound.   The interplay of the guitars is one of the many joys, and it all comes together on this single. 

"The Green Manalishi" is classic Green/Kirwan/Spencer on guitars and the great rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.  The beauty of their arrangements and how they work out their guitar parts, with individual players is remarkable.  The awesome aspect is that each guitarist has its own sound and identity, and in that sense, they remind me a bit of the band Television, with respect to the dialogue between Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd.   Why "The Green Manalishi" never made it on their "Then Play On" album is a mystery to me.  

The b-side, "World in Harmony" is an instrumental that is highly melodic, and again its the beauty of the guitars working toward each other, yet remarkably distinctive styles at work.  Exceptional record. 

Fleetwood Mac - "Then Play On" Vinyl, LP, Album, 1969 (Reprise)

I discovered this album late in my life.   Fleetwood Mac when under the control or influence of Peter Green was something magical.  The beauty of the lineup of Green, Kirwan, Spencer, and the dynamic rhythm section, Fleetwood and McVie made an impressive amount of noise.  This album is the perfect blend of blues, pop rock, a touch of surf, and impressive songwriting.  What's pleasing to me is to hear three separate guitars with their individual style, and all blending into the mix.  The dynamics of this particular line-up, when together, is bigger than any person in the band.  In other words, "Then Play On" is a work by a band.  

Kirwan I feel is an underrated songwriter at this time.  There is a sweetness but tinted with sadness that really gives his songs a real soul.  Green I feel was exploring the blues to find a new angle in approaching that category.   The combination of all gives this album a majestic sound.  To my ears, it reminds me a bit of Television -especially with the difference between Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd on their instruments.  This Fleetwood Mac album leaves a great aftertaste, but alas it was the last of this particular lineup.  By listening to this album, I would think for sure there would have been more.  Unfortunately, that wasn't meant to happen.