Andrew Bird, Madison Cunningham ‘Cunningham Bird’ Album Review
This one has quite a tale to it. Roll the clock back almost fifty years to California in 1973 and a relatively unknown duo by the name of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks released an album named ‘Buckingham Nicks’. The release of the album barely made a ripple in the music scene but, twelve months later, Buckingham and Nicks would be asked to join the rejuvenated Fleetwood Mac after Mick Fleetwood heard a track from the album. The rest, as they say, is history…
So, what happened to ‘Buckingham Nicks’ the album? Well, as of today, the album, which is now deemed a cult classic, has been long out of print and, as for DSPs… no chance. There is also no chance the album will be forgotten either as these two friends unearthed the album, explored the story and fell in love with this overlooked diamond.
Having collaborated and performed together on multiple occasions, these two close friends are now paying their own homage to this impossible-to-find gem by recording their own faithful tribute to what many deem as the precursor to Fleetwood Mac’s most successful era. It’s a brave move considering what followed for Buckingham and Nicks but, given that Bird and Cunningham have simply replicated the album in their own style, one that they have done an admirable job of.
Of course, it is impossible to replicate the raw, uncluttered, organic sounds of fifty years ago but, try as they have, Bird and Cunningham have come as close as they can while still giving the likes of “Without a Leg to Stand On” and “Races are Run” something of a fresh coat.
Now, with tribute albums, one would expect the odd twist just to throw the listener a bit of a curveball but, in this case, that would almost feel like it would do the album and the original creators a huge disservice. Instead, Bird and Cunningham have poured their mutual love into this nostalgic tribute ensuring that an album almost lost to the history books continues to live on.
For more information or to pick up your copy of ‘Cunningham Bird’, head over to the Cunningham Bird Website
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