Music Review: Mick Fleetwood’s Zoo – I’m Not Me

I’m Not Me is a quasi-solo release from Fleetwood Mac founding member and drummer Mick Fleetwood. The album was a follow-up to his 1981 effort The Visitor. Similarities between it and that earlier record include the retained presence of co-producer Richard Dashut and singer-songwriter George Hawkins. It’s never an unpleasant album, with lots of breezy, tuneful pop rock. But the lasting impression is one of mere generic competence.

In addition to Hawkins, who handles lead vocals on four tunes (three of which he wrote), the singing is handled by guitarists Billy Burnette and Steve Ross. Ross duets with Lindsay Buckingham on the robotic march-like “I Want You Back.” The title track is the work of Burnette, borrowing the swamp rock feel of Creedence Clearwater Revival. “Tear It Up” continues to find Burnette in derivative mode, this time ‘50s rock and roll. He’s more effective on the album-opening cover of Carl Wilson’s “Angel Come Home,” probably the album’s best moment. Ross’ treacly piano ballad “I Give” feels like an unfinished demo.

Scott Schinder’s newly written liner notes effectively place I’m Not Me in context with the rest of Mick Fleetwood’s career. The packaging recreates the original gatefold LP, only in miniature form of course. It’s great that Real Gone Music saw fit to put this album out on CD for the first time, but honestly it’s not a terribly distinctive album. This one is aimed more at Fleetwood Mac completists than anyone else. I’m Not Me sounds like the work of a bunch of guys who clearly know how to play music but simply aren’t trying very hard.