Fleetwood Mac
Never Make Me Cry

THE REVIEW

Christine Perfect has always been the most intriguing and mysterious figure of the Fleetwood Mac.

She was there from the beginning -or almost- providing many sounds in the band's hits. After marrying John McVie, the historical bassist, she joined the lineup in the late sixties and in the following years her role grew in importance; it wasn't just another keyboardist.

1979. Marriages fail, relationships worsen, and dependencies increase. Tusk, an innovative album, is released, so innovative and so different from their usual repertoire that much of the music critics turn their backs. The tracks are short and intense.

The most fragile and reflective moment, in just 2 minutes and 18 seconds, is undoubtedly the ballad Never Make Me Cry.

So go and do what you want, I know you need it. And don't worry, I'll be fine.

The woman is a victim of a troubled relationship with Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys, and she throws some of her frustration under a carpet of shy notes. The guitar suffers and never explodes, desolation is the last to die. And perhaps in her heart, McVie feels the immortality of that sensation that will never leave.

I think an overwhelming pain never ever completely disappears, and once it is born it unconditionally requires your attention.

Arrogant, but what can you do.

However, we've all been on the other side of the fence, and the piece underlines this duality of role by also using the first person.

There are no hints of spite and resentment, everything flows away like the rain on hair.

And only those who have twisted their own nights will understand that the power of abandonment holds the force of love. I believe this is all that Never Make Me Cry is: the antithesis of the fairy tale, synthesis of reality.