Music Review: Crystal Visions: The Very Best of Stevie Nicks (CD/DVD Double Disc Edition) - Page 2


The other thing you notice watching these videos is just how much Stevie Nicks and her band really do rock, particularly in a live setting. On live versions of "Whole Lotta Trouble" and especially "Edge Of Seventeen," Stevie Nick's touring band, led by guitarist Waddy Wachtel, display an edge that is not always as apparent on the studio records. Wachtel's solo and intro on "Edge Of Seventeen" in particular are both ferociously delivered.

Like the DVD, the CD likewise features all of Stevie Nicks hits — from "Stop Dragging My Heart Around" to more recent work like her duet with Sheryl Crow on 2001's "Sorcerer". Best of all, there is also more previously unheard rare and live stuff. The "Deep Dish" mix of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" gives the well known hit something of a facelift for the dancefloor. "Silver Springs," the original B-side of Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" shows up here as well.

On the live side, "Rhiannon" is given a more dramatic reading here, begining with a moody sounding intro that eventually segues into what is again a version that rocks quite a bit more than the original. On a live cover of Led Zeppelin's "Rock And Roll," Stevie summons the spirit of Robert Plant himself, as Wachtel and the band shred away with Zep like intensity. On live versions of both "Landslide" and "Edge Of Seventeen" recorded just last year in Austrailia, Nicks is backed by no less than the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Whether you are a new fan looking for a great package of all her best stuff, or a hardcore Nicksaholic salivating for all those juicy extras, Crystal Visions sums up the very best of Stevie Nicks as a solo artist. It also shows her to be an artist who is just as vital now as she was then.

Page 1 — Page 2

Article tags

Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for glen-boyd

Article Author: Glen Boyd

You'll find Blogcritics assistant music editor Glen Boyd sharing his Thoughtmares on his personal blogs The World Wide Glen, and The Rockologist. In a previous life, Glen was a music professional and journalist whose work has appeared in The Rocket, SPIN, Pulse!, and The Source. …

Visit Glen Boyd's author pageGlen Boyd's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own
  • Crystal Visions - The Very Best of Stevie Nicks (CD / DVD) Crystal Visions - The Very Best of Stevie Nicks (CD / DVD)

    How beloved is Stevie Nicks? All six of her original solo albums, spanning 1981-2001, plus two "best of" collections,have been certified at least gold. With rock's superstar chanteuse about to go back ...

  • Bella Donna Bella Donna

    While Stevie Nicks had the most recognizable voice in Fleetwood Mac, there was no guarantee she could craft the same kind of pop-rock magic without the help of the Mac's guiding musical force, Lindsey Buckingham. ...

  • The Wild Heart The Wild Heart
  • The Wild Heart The Wild Heart
  • Trouble in Shangri-La Trouble in Shangri-La

    Rock enchantress Stevie Nicks strips off the shawls, scarves, and most of the rest of her trademark witchy esoterica for her first album since 1994's rather precious Street Angel. Seemingly more ...

  • Rumours Rumours

    Japanese only SHM-CD (Super High Material CD - playable on all CD players) pressing. Warner.

  • Crystal Visions - The Very Best of Stevie Nicks (CD / DVD) Crystal Visions - The Very Best of Stevie Nicks (CD / DVD)

Article comments

  • 1 - Peter

    Apr 01, 2007 at 4:40 pm

    Great review! I agree it is a marvelously put together package.

  • 2 - Belle

    Apr 01, 2007 at 8:37 pm

    Oh, very exciting. I saw her a long time ago and she was terrific. Plus, this CD/DVD may even be available at my local music store. I haven't had much luck finding anything I want lately. Thanks for the great review.

  • 3 - Glen Boyd

    Apr 02, 2007 at 1:32 am

    Thanx for the comments Peter and Belle. I'm glad you enjoyed the review and am confident that you'll enjoy the CD/DVD even more. Thanx again.

    -Glen

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.

blogcritics lists for Nov 27, 2009

fresh articles Most recent articles site-wide

fresh comments Most recent comments site-wide

most comments Most comments in 24hrs

top writers Most prolific Blogcritics for October

top commenters Most prolific Commenters in 24 hrs