I’ve seen a live performance where Stevie says, “this is a song about an old welsh witch.” Lyrics kind of remind me of Eagles’ “Witchy Woman.” Very magical, ever so slightly dangerous vibes.
You really MUST watch the Midnight Special version others have mentioned - precisely because it extends that ending bit that bugged you cuz it faded out - it’s truly epic.
When you opt for the studio version of Stevie Nicks you are depriving yourself. Her stage performance is every bit as important at the tune itself. Stevie and the band are best served live....
Stevie's voice is magic because she doesn't sing to your ears like a normal vocalist, she sings into your spine. There's this mesmerizing type of hum that the best female singers can do. There has to be a word for it in musicology, or else it isn't a real field.
Now you need to see the live version from Midnight Special. Stevie introduces Rhiannon as an old Welsh witch. Great solos from Lindsey and Christine. And no weak fade out. Stevie goes off. Great version
Rhiannon is a character from a story in Welsh folklore/mythology titled "The Mabinogion". She can be interpreted as a witch, or as a faerie, or as a goddess, but regardless of interpretation she does the sorts of things that supernatural creatures do in folklore and myth. Apparently Stevie had read a novel inspired by the Mabinogion in which one of the characters was a Welsh witch named Rhiannon. Hence the inspiration for all of the supernatural imagery in the song.
"Rhiannon" is a song about an old Welsh witch - according to her introduction to their live version of this song which is my favorite live version performance (alongside Queen's "Someone to Love" from their 1981 Montreal concert).
Nice see this track reacted to. The combination of that riff running in the background, Stevie's voice, the lyrics - it's all quite magical. It's as smooth as the sunshine in South California and just wraps around the listener. And I agree with your interpretation - the "woman taken by the wind" is a nod to the growing power of women.
It’s about time you do some Heart, not only are they an incredible band, but I will die on the hill that their singer Ann Wilson is one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Should definitely give Soul Of The Sea a listen, beautiful and great track that I have yet to hear a reaction to. Although really you can’t go wrong with anything off that album, Dreamboat Annie, which is one of the strongest debut albums ever (and came out the same year as this)
Heart is a terrific band! For one of Ann's best vocal performances, and a heavy rocking sound, I would suggest "Mistral Wind" from Dog & Butterfly (1978). Haunting, powerful and Ann really tears it up!
Buckingham (guitar) and McVie (bass) are just killing it in this track. I mean, Stevie's voice of course, but listen carefully just to what she's singing over! Also -- in one of the live versions, Stevie Nicks introduces the song as one "about a Welsh witch."
Did the live version of the song get blocked? I'm happy you did the song as it's iconic, but the live version has so much power in it and has an amazing performance.
There are a couple live versions. But, that high intensity one you're referring to is on The Midnight Special, shortly after Stevie Nicks and her boyfriend Lindsey Buckingham joined the group, and this was her spectacular unveiling to the public. "Rhiannon" is one example of a song where the live version is so far better than the studio, such that I never, ever listen to the studio version and consider it a waste of my time not to always listen to a specific live version. The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody" and The Edgar Winters Group's "Frankenstein" are two other examples.
@@SyedRewinds Make sure you do the 1976 Midnight Special version. Best high quality filming and sound. You wont be dissapointed. After that would be the Rosebud documentary version. Enjoy.
Rhiannon was written before Stevie and Lindsey joined FWM in 1975. They had performed it on tour as Buckingham/Nicks while working on their second solo album after the first was dropped by Polydor.
Her voice went around 1985. Her solo album ‘Rock a little’ was the last brilliant phase of her voice. Dramatically fell off in the years and albums/tours after that startin with the ‘tango in the night’ album where journalists very correctly pointed this out in almost all reviews and she never recovered. Still had a decent voice, but the unique edge was gone and she became average. 72-85 though was quite special.
Syed, Fleetwood Mac's best albums are their first three, "Fleetwood Mac", "Rumors" and "Tusk", and I highly recommend that you hear all three albums in their entirety. Their follow up to the hugely popular "Rumors", the double album "Tusk" is more adventurous and somewhat quirky. It's Lindsey Buckingham's strongest work with Fleetwood Mac, but Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie both contribute some of the album's best songs. Songs like "Tusk", "I Know I'm Not Wrong", "Sisters of the Moon" and "Think About Me" stand with the band's best. All of the strengths of the band are here as you'd expect: the lively rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie on drums and bass, Lindsey Buckingham's playful guitar work and the incredible harmonies of Christine, Stevie and Lindsey. To me, the way the backing singing enhanced the songs each of them wrote was where much of their magic was found. Like all great bands, Fleetwood Mac was better the sum of their parts. I think you're leaning towards a deep dive into Fleetwood Mac. I suggest you experience these 3 albums in their original order. You're going to be very impressed if you do.
The song Angel and Beautiful Child from Tusk are also amazing. Watching Stevie and Lindsey perform through the decades is almost a cinematic journey...made for the big screen...but real.
Get The Mabinogion, a small collection of stories of Welsh Mythology. Some wild stuff. Rhiannon is a prominent character. Too bad so many Christians consider any non-Christian literature and mythology to be Satan worship or witchcraft.
Gold Dust Woman and The Chain are my favorites from this album. Stevie's Silver Springs was supposed to be on the album, but was too long. They brought it out for The Dance reunion tour in 1997. The live version of Silver Springs (some 20 years post breakup with Lindsey) will answer all your ponderings over the angst, depth of pain, and frustration that built this masterpiece. BTW, live version of The Chain from 1982 (Mirage Tour) is INSANE. This song live, also a must experience.
Pretty much a perfect song. As with most Fleetwood Mack tracks from this time, Mick Fleetwood, and John McVie lay the solid groundwork on drums and bass, while Lindsey Buckingham lays the perfect accents on guitar, and Stevie Nicks provides her, both understated and vulnerable, as well as powerful vocals. The song is about the Welsh Goddess of love but can be applied to any lady trying to take your heart. This album and the next are gold.
She's a witch... I love how the guitar and the electric piano just weave around each other. I'll just add to the rest - do the live version from Midnight Special. You'll be stunned. And check out Songbird and You Make Loving Fun from Rumours. They're Christine McVie's songs, and they're really terrific.
Rhiannon is a major figure in the Mabinogi, the medieval Welsh story collection. She appears mainly in the First Branch of the Mabinogi, and again in the Third Branch. She is a strong-minded Otherworld woman, who chooses Pwyll, prince of Dyfed (west Wales), as her consort, in preference to another man to whom she has already been betrothed. She is intelligent, politically strategic, beautiful, and famed for her wealth and generosity. With Pwyll she has a son, the hero Pryderi, who later inherits the lordship of Dyfed. She endures tragedy when her newborn child is abducted, and she is accused of infanticide. As a widow she marries Manawydan of the British royal family, and has further adventures involving enchantments. Like some other figures of British/Welsh literary tradition, Rhiannon may be a reflection of an earlier Celtic deity. Her name appears to derive from the reconstructed Brittonic form *Rīgantonā, a derivative of *rīgan- "queen". In the First Branch of the Mabinogi, Rhiannon is strongly associated with horses, and so is her son Pryderi. She is often considered to be related to the Gaulish horse goddess Epona. She and her son are often depicted as mare and foal. Like Epona, she sometimes sits on her horse in a calm, stoic way.This connection with Epona is generally accepted among scholars of the Mabinogi and Celtic studies.
Gypsy, another Nicks track by the band, is worth a listen. At the time the video for the song came out it was widely regarded as among the top artistic video achievements.
Have you reacted to “Monday Morning” by FWM? That song is bangin’ and the entire LP was an exceptional recording that still stands out today, IMO. I was glad to see you do “Rhianon” because it is a sexy important part of their catalog and evolution
Mirage, Tusk and Tango in the Night are also amazing albums. Also you should check out the original Fleetwood Mac with Peter Green. They are more than just this era
Rhiannon is one of the 4 songs that Stevie and Lindsey had already written and started recording for their second Buckingham Nicks album that they brought to Fleetwood Mac for their first album with them. Others - Landslide, Monday Morning & I'm So Afraid. Yet they could not get another record based on the strength of any of these songs (or others later released within FM and solo) which is why they joined FM. From their first B&N album I recommend Frozen Love, Long Distance Winner, Crying In The Night, Don't Let Me Down Again & Crystal (re-recorded by FM for their first album). Tusk is a masterpiece but it is divisive - less so now than when it was released. The three singer/songwriters really branch out to different sounds though Lindsey Buckingham as main arranger and producer maintains a thread through with a sparser lo fi production. It and especially Buckingham's work has influenced many Indie bands. It's a sprawling album akin to the Beatles White Album. Also the album that truly set FM apart from other big 70s bands like The Eagles, Boston, Foreigner etc
Rhiannon is a character from Welsh mythology. If memory serves, she's in the Mabinogion... Book of Welsh legends. In summary, she's a sexy witch/Goddess-type entity. Stevie is referring to that legend, as she says in some live versions. I agree with you about the fade out, but I wonder if it features more on songs with a solid groove like this one, because if you're playing live, it gives you options to just ride the groove and jam it... and freestyle the ending from there.
Really need to get some Beatles happening. Yer Blues, Elenor Rigby, I am the Walrus, Strawberry Fields, Tomorrow Never Knows, I'm Only Sleeping, Glass Onion, Back in the USSR, Revolution (both versions), In My Life. The list is almost endless really.
Just getting started and maybe you said this but I didn't catch it but it's important for people to understand this was on the album that immediately preceded the iconic rumors album.
I heard this a million times on the radio in the 70s and 80s (I never bought a Fleetwood Mac album: didn’t need to, their music was inescapable), but I never liked the song until I saw a 1970’s concert performance on TH-cam. It was then that I understood the allure of young Stevie Nicks. You need to see it for yourself. The song is about a young witch. You should also check out the original Fleetwood Mac, AKA Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac. A totally different sound.
That's why we give or request you listen to the "Live" version because the instrument solos and vocals are 100% Better!!! And no fade outs. The groups end the song with a climax. I suggest you react to the Live version!!!!
Not a live guy but this is one of those few where you really gotta check it out. Stevie is so good and so sexy. Her vocals are off the charts and the band is in the pocket the whole time. You’ll absolutely love it. Still glad you did studio first tho.
I actually like this self titled Fleetwood Mac album better than Rumours, although the addition of Silver Springs to updated versions of Rumours improves it substantially. There are so many great songs on this 1975 album. Landslide, Over My Head, Crystal, I'm so Afraid, and on and on. Just a fabulous album.
Couldn't agree with you more on the fade outs so prevalent on albums back in the day, but having been a fan and having seen a number of these artists live, I came up with my own theory on it. I don't recall having heard or read it anywhere, I have nothing to back it up, and maybe I'm just way off base here. My thoughts were always that, since the artists really made their money on the live shows and tours, and the albums were basically promo material to that end, the band purposely left you wanting more. You didn't get a lot of fade outs live. In fact a lot of material would go into extended live "jams" where they would just play and explore. Something maybe even the artists did on their own without the record company even really knowing. What record exec back in the day would even know the difference?
In my view, Dreams is about warning a male player he will regret his actions someday. Rhiannon is about mythologizing a female player. Very different perspectives, both from a woman's view. Both are great songs, no doubt.
Stevie's voice is not a pure voice. She uses that rasp masterfully though. Get's every bit of emotion out of it all. The mystery and magic inherent in this imagery really set Stevie's image apart in the music world.
Yeah, the "Rock" fadeout... I've never liked it either, but I figure there's not necessarily more there to hear; I've always had the impression they just didn't want to or couldn't write an ending. With Fleetwood Mac, I'm guessing they could have, so it does disappoint. But it does make it easy for DJs to segue into the next song.
Rhiannon was a witch in Welsh lore from what I’ve heard. The live version from Midnight Special SO much better. You might prefer to always listen to the studio version first, but then, at least from what I recall, you often don’t come back for the live. That’s why your patron asked for the live. Stevie just goes nuts. Longer too. Higher energy
Stevie left to concentrate on her solo career after Tusk, I believe. I did not care for Tusk. I think they let all the coke they were doing mess with their judgement. IMO. So I had this album and Rumours and then went to solo Stevie mainly
Tusk is definitely an acquired taste and is more of a American Folk sound - well it is to my ears (lol) - there are a few good tracks Storms, Beautiful Child possibly, are worth a listen - how do you top Rumours..right?...impossible. Not a major fan of the band but total respect for all they achieved. Rhiannon is a classic. Love Lindsey Buckingham and his solo work.
So many of Stevie's Mac tracks get faded out in the best lyrics. Sara, Gypsy... I blame Lindsey Buckingham being a bit jealous of her song writing talents
Please react to the live version with piano feature and guitar solo. En of course great singing of Stevie. 1976 Midnight Special version: th-cam.com/video/zuTzAha1t80/w-d-xo.html
Nice try on the lyrics interpretation... however it is about a mythical or supernatural being. Rhiannon is/was a Welsh Goddess (of fertility). In Stevies own words: th-cam.com/video/WZWPPw_hbU8/w-d-xo.html (STEVIE NICKS TALKS ABOUT WRITING RHIANNON) And you must watch the version they did in "The Dance" concert - it is compelling : th-cam.com/video/jzOsQAMtpm0/w-d-xo.html (Fleetwood Mac - Rhiannon - The Dance -1997)
Tusk was very poor. It was a double studio album with only barely enough decent tracks for a single album. Their best album after Rumours came a decade later - Tango In The Night. Rhiannon is ok.
I agree with you about Tusk. But this song came from the album before Rumors, Fleetwood Mac. It is very underrated. In my opinion it’s almost as good as Rumors. It sold over seven million albums just in the US and went to number one on Billboard. ❤️❤️❤️
@@Beatles4Sale. Yes I am aware of that. It is a solid album but doesn't have anything like the creativity in lyrics or music found in Rumours, But a great first outing for this line-up of the band.
You need to watch the live Version this is about a Witch from the welsh book of Myth & Magic the Magabinion you missed the whole meaning of the story it's Welsh Legend of an obsession of the unattainable Woman the Goddess of Fertility & man's Dreams unfulfilled ??
Top 5? Try Top 1. Seriously, though, the people telling you to do a live version are absolutely correct: most live versions start off worse than the studio, but build to an incredible crescendo that simply doesn't exist on the album track. Nicks goes into a sort of trance, almost channeling the spirit of Rhiannon. You're basically missing half the song - and the better half at that. You're going to get a lot of recommendations for the 1976 Midnight Special, which is a good version but IMHO this one is better: th-cam.com/video/jQAK6sVovUk/w-d-xo.html. Hell, watch them both (and then go and watch the 1997 version from The Dance th-cam.com/video/jzOsQAMtpm0/w-d-xo.html for good measure).
Rhiannon was the Welsh goddess of fertility and the moon according to Welsh mythology
Thank you for pointing that out. Mystery mother-in-law explained to me about Rhiannon which is the name given to my wife's youngest sister.
I know 2 Rhiannons!
@@fayesouthall6604 So do I but they live in the same body.
Stevie is amazing in the live video of this.
I’ve seen a live performance where Stevie says, “this is a song about an old welsh witch.” Lyrics kind of remind me of Eagles’ “Witchy Woman.” Very magical, ever so slightly dangerous vibes.
Yes, this is one you must listen to live. Midnight Special 1976. It's an unbelievable performance. 😊
You need to react to this song live and watch Stevie Nicks with the passion of a live performance singing about a Welch witch
Her voice is haunting. Of course RIP Christine McVee
Absolutely 💗
You really MUST watch the Midnight Special version others have mentioned - precisely because it extends that ending bit that bugged you cuz it faded out - it’s truly epic.
When you opt for the studio version of Stevie Nicks you are depriving yourself. Her stage performance is every bit as important at the tune itself. Stevie and the band are best served live....
There is a live version from the Midnight Special that Stevie goes beast mode in.
Rhiannon was a witch.
Don't forget to do some more Christine McVie. Her voice is stunning as well.
Song came out during the Disco era and I exclaimed, thank God rock and roll is still alive!!!!!
The bass line is a killer-love it.
Thank you, Syed! My sister-in-law was named Rhiannon after this song.
Stevie's voice is magic because she doesn't sing to your ears like a normal vocalist, she sings into your spine. There's this mesmerizing type of hum that the best female singers can do. There has to be a word for it in musicology, or else it isn't a real field.
Should have trusted and done the live version.
Now you need to see the live version from Midnight Special. Stevie introduces Rhiannon as an old Welsh witch. Great solos from Lindsey and Christine. And no weak fade out. Stevie goes off. Great version
Check out the live version from the Midnight Special Show.
Rhiannon is a character from a story in Welsh folklore/mythology titled "The Mabinogion". She can be interpreted as a witch, or as a faerie, or as a goddess, but regardless of interpretation she does the sorts of things that supernatural creatures do in folklore and myth. Apparently Stevie had read a novel inspired by the Mabinogion in which one of the characters was a Welsh witch named Rhiannon. Hence the inspiration for all of the supernatural imagery in the song.
Love the live version ... think I'll go listen to it now. 💙💙
"Rhiannon" is a song about an old Welsh witch - according to her introduction to their live version of this song which is my favorite live version performance (alongside Queen's "Someone to Love" from their 1981 Montreal concert).
She often introduced this as a song about a Welsh witch, I think
Nice see this track reacted to. The combination of that riff running in the background, Stevie's voice, the lyrics - it's all quite magical. It's as smooth as the sunshine in South California and just wraps around the listener. And I agree with your interpretation - the "woman taken by the wind" is a nod to the growing power of women.
I was 7 years old when I heard this song at my aunts house and that voice and Stevie’s magical persona has been mesmerizing me ever since 👢🎩 🌝 🎙
She's a Welsh witch. The literal meaning of the name is from Welsh mythology and is "goddess".
Glad you're feeling better. And really glad you are doing my request!
Hay my man make sure u do MIDNIGHT SPECIAL version. It's the best it really shows the bands rawness & SN'S greatness on stage. It's a must.
It’s about time you do some Heart, not only are they an incredible band, but I will die on the hill that their singer Ann Wilson is one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Should definitely give Soul Of The Sea a listen, beautiful and great track that I have yet to hear a reaction to. Although really you can’t go wrong with anything off that album, Dreamboat Annie, which is one of the strongest debut albums ever (and came out the same year as this)
That would be super. Heart is great.
Heart is a terrific band! For one of Ann's best vocal performances, and a heavy rocking sound, I would suggest "Mistral Wind" from Dog & Butterfly (1978). Haunting, powerful and Ann really tears it up!
I fell in love with this song a very long time ago. Stevie certainly can write beautiful songs!
This IS one that you would appreciate the live version.
Hope you will check it out!
Loved your analysis.
Live version is definitely worth a lesson. The performance of the whole band - but especially Nicks - is electric & almost animalistic.
She introduces the live version of this by saying it's about an old Welsh witch.
Buckingham (guitar) and McVie (bass) are just killing it in this track. I mean, Stevie's voice of course, but listen carefully just to what she's singing over!
Also -- in one of the live versions, Stevie Nicks introduces the song as one "about a Welsh witch."
The 70's were great for music, we were spoiled with many great groups. Fleetwood Mac, my favorite.
Syed, glad you're back and feeling better especially. You were missed over the holidays.
Stevie always said this song was about a fictional name and story that reminds her of a Welsh witch. That is who she pictures Rhiannon as.
If you watch the Midnight Special version you won't be disappointed at the end. No fade out, just passion!
Did the live version of the song get blocked? I'm happy you did the song as it's iconic, but the live version has so much power in it and has an amazing performance.
nope just wanted to do the studio one first, the live version will be up at some point too :)
@@SyedRewinds aah, gotcha mate. Not a problem 😊 👍
There are a couple live versions. But, that high intensity one you're referring to is on The Midnight Special, shortly after Stevie Nicks and her boyfriend Lindsey Buckingham joined the group, and this was her spectacular unveiling to the public. "Rhiannon" is one example of a song where the live version is so far better than the studio, such that I never, ever listen to the studio version and consider it a waste of my time not to always listen to a specific live version. The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody" and The Edgar Winters Group's "Frankenstein" are two other examples.
th-cam.com/video/zuTzAha1t80/w-d-xo.html Amazing cut
@@SyedRewinds Make sure you do the 1976 Midnight Special version. Best high quality filming and sound. You wont be dissapointed. After that would be the Rosebud documentary version. Enjoy.
The entire world both male and female fell in love with Stevie!
Rhiannon was written before Stevie and Lindsey joined FWM in 1975. They had performed it on tour as Buckingham/Nicks while working on their second solo album after the first was dropped by Polydor.
Her voice went around 1985. Her solo album ‘Rock a little’ was the last brilliant phase of her voice. Dramatically fell off in the years and albums/tours after that startin with the ‘tango in the night’ album where journalists very correctly pointed this out in almost all reviews and she never recovered. Still had a decent voice, but the unique edge was gone and she became average. 72-85 though was quite special.
I’m glad you are feeling better! LOTS of folks are down with one form of crud or another right now Glad you’re on the mend! 😁👍
Syed, Fleetwood Mac's best albums are their first three, "Fleetwood Mac", "Rumors" and "Tusk", and I highly recommend that you hear all three albums in their entirety.
Their follow up to the hugely popular "Rumors", the double album "Tusk" is more adventurous and somewhat quirky. It's Lindsey Buckingham's strongest work with Fleetwood Mac, but Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie both contribute some of the album's best songs.
Songs like "Tusk", "I Know I'm Not Wrong", "Sisters of the Moon" and "Think About Me" stand with the band's best. All of the strengths of the band are here as you'd expect: the lively rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie on drums and bass, Lindsey Buckingham's playful guitar work and the incredible harmonies of Christine, Stevie and Lindsey. To me, the way the backing singing enhanced the songs each of them wrote was where much of their magic was found. Like all great bands, Fleetwood Mac was better the sum of their parts.
I think you're leaning towards a deep dive into Fleetwood Mac. I suggest you experience these 3 albums in their original order. You're going to be very impressed if you do.
The song Angel and Beautiful Child from Tusk are also amazing. Watching Stevie and Lindsey perform through the decades is almost a cinematic journey...made for the big screen...but real.
Get The Mabinogion, a small collection of stories of Welsh Mythology. Some wild stuff. Rhiannon is a prominent character. Too bad so many Christians consider any non-Christian literature and mythology to be Satan worship or witchcraft.
It is indeed. Love mythology and lore, since I studied cultural anthropology, and it was/is an important part of all cultures.
'Sleeping Satellite" by Tasmin Archer....she won Best New Artist in 1993 for this song...she's a Brit..her voice is gorgeous
STILL my favorite Mac song. So warm and moody.
The title track from Tusk was dope in my opinion.🖖🏼
That's the reason why you do a fade out. It leaves you wanting more. I personally miss them. The best ones you look forward to as the song ends...
"Fleetwood Mac" (1975) was Fleetwood Mac's 10th studio album and second eponymous album.
If you want to hear the begins of her singing search Buckingham Nicks this was before they were with Fleetwood Mac
Gold Dust Woman and The Chain are my favorites from this album.
Stevie's Silver Springs was supposed to be on the album, but was too long. They brought it out for The Dance reunion tour in 1997. The live version of Silver Springs (some 20 years post breakup with Lindsey) will answer all your ponderings over the angst, depth of pain, and frustration that built this masterpiece.
BTW, live version of The Chain from 1982 (Mirage Tour) is INSANE. This song live, also a must experience.
Pretty much a perfect song. As with most Fleetwood Mack tracks from this time, Mick Fleetwood, and John McVie lay the solid groundwork on drums and bass, while Lindsey Buckingham lays the perfect accents on guitar, and Stevie Nicks provides her, both understated and vulnerable, as well as powerful vocals. The song is about the Welsh Goddess of love but can be applied to any lady trying to take your heart. This album and the next are gold.
Bobby Eddins A minor correction to your comment: Welsh, not 'Welch'. Nothing major, unless you're Welsh
@@jaycorby Fixed
She's a witch... I love how the guitar and the electric piano just weave around each other. I'll just add to the rest - do the live version from Midnight Special. You'll be stunned. And check out Songbird and You Make Loving Fun from Rumours. They're Christine McVie's songs, and they're really terrific.
If you want to hear an extraordinary female vocal try "Troy" by Sinead O'Connor
Rhiannon is a major figure in the Mabinogi, the medieval Welsh story collection. She appears mainly in the First Branch of the Mabinogi, and again in the Third Branch. She is a strong-minded Otherworld woman, who chooses Pwyll, prince of Dyfed (west Wales), as her consort, in preference to another man to whom she has already been betrothed. She is intelligent, politically strategic, beautiful, and famed for her wealth and generosity. With Pwyll she has a son, the hero Pryderi, who later inherits the lordship of Dyfed. She endures tragedy when her newborn child is abducted, and she is accused of infanticide. As a widow she marries Manawydan of the British royal family, and has further adventures involving enchantments.
Like some other figures of British/Welsh literary tradition, Rhiannon may be a reflection of an earlier Celtic deity. Her name appears to derive from the reconstructed Brittonic form *Rīgantonā, a derivative of *rīgan- "queen". In the First Branch of the Mabinogi, Rhiannon is strongly associated with horses, and so is her son Pryderi. She is often considered to be related to the Gaulish horse goddess Epona. She and her son are often depicted as mare and foal. Like Epona, she sometimes sits on her horse in a calm, stoic way.This connection with Epona is generally accepted among scholars of the Mabinogi and Celtic studies.
she said to live audiences "this is about a Welsh witch"
Gypsy, another Nicks track by the band, is worth a listen. At the time the video for the song came out it was widely regarded as among the top artistic video achievements.
Have you reacted to “Monday Morning” by FWM? That song is bangin’ and the entire LP was an exceptional recording that still stands out today, IMO. I was glad to see you do “Rhianon” because it is a sexy important part of their catalog and evolution
STEVIE IS THE WHITE WITCH, FOREVER ENCHANTING OUR SOUL. SHE WAS MY FIRST CELEBRETY CRUSH. AND IS STILL MY MOST FAVORITE FEMAL SINGER.
Rhiannon was a Welch horse goddess or witch. From centuries-old folk lore.
Mirage, Tusk and Tango in the Night are also amazing albums. Also you should check out the original Fleetwood Mac with Peter Green. They are more than just this era
Rhiannon is one of the 4 songs that Stevie and Lindsey had already written and started recording for their second Buckingham Nicks album that they brought to Fleetwood Mac for their first album with them. Others - Landslide, Monday Morning & I'm So Afraid. Yet they could not get another record based on the strength of any of these songs (or others later released within FM and solo) which is why they joined FM. From their first B&N album I recommend Frozen Love, Long Distance Winner, Crying In The Night, Don't Let Me Down Again & Crystal (re-recorded by FM for their first album).
Tusk is a masterpiece but it is divisive - less so now than when it was released. The three singer/songwriters really branch out to different sounds though Lindsey Buckingham as main arranger and producer maintains a thread through with a sparser lo fi production. It and especially Buckingham's work has influenced many Indie bands. It's a sprawling album akin to the Beatles White Album. Also the album that truly set FM apart from other big 70s bands like The Eagles, Boston, Foreigner etc
From the Magabinion the Welsh book of Myth & Magic, Rhiannon was a Wych & the Godess of Fertility.
Rhiannon is a character from Welsh mythology. If memory serves, she's in the Mabinogion... Book of Welsh legends.
In summary, she's a sexy witch/Goddess-type entity.
Stevie is referring to that legend, as she says in some live versions.
I agree with you about the fade out, but I wonder if it features more on songs with a solid groove like this one, because if you're playing live, it gives you options to just ride the groove and jam it... and freestyle the ending from there.
The story I heard was Willam’s story that he wrote about and also that she was a Welsh girl that carved wooden birds that come to life
definitely try to hear a live version. they stretch it out and she gets into sort of a trance a belts out some of it.
Really need to get some Beatles happening. Yer Blues, Elenor Rigby, I am the Walrus, Strawberry Fields, Tomorrow Never Knows, I'm Only Sleeping, Glass Onion, Back in the USSR, Revolution (both versions), In My Life. The list is almost endless really.
Great song, try the Midnight Special live version. Stevie at her absolute best.
Can't press like till hear the live version.😣
Just getting started and maybe you said this but I didn't catch it but it's important for people to understand this was on the album that immediately preceded the iconic rumors album.
Rhiannon is the name of a Welsh goddess.
I heard this a million times on the radio in the 70s and 80s (I never bought a Fleetwood Mac album: didn’t need to, their music was inescapable), but I never liked the song until I saw a 1970’s concert performance on TH-cam. It was then that I understood the allure of young Stevie Nicks. You need to see it for yourself. The song is about a young witch.
You should also check out the original Fleetwood Mac, AKA Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac. A totally different sound.
One of my favorite songs and if I would’ve had a daughter she would’ve been named after the song
if your into female vocalist check out a little known group out of Hawaii called Kings of Spade their female singer is unbelievable
That's why we give or request you listen to the "Live" version because the instrument solos and vocals are 100% Better!!! And no fade outs. The groups end the song with a climax. I suggest you react to the Live version!!!!
Not a live guy but this is one of those few where you really gotta check it out.
Stevie is so good and so sexy. Her vocals are off the charts and the band is in the pocket the whole time.
You’ll absolutely love it.
Still glad you did studio first tho.
If you were to describe her as bewitching, you would be spot on.
I actually like this self titled Fleetwood Mac album better than Rumours, although the addition of Silver Springs to updated versions of Rumours improves it substantially. There are so many great songs on this 1975 album. Landslide, Over My Head, Crystal, I'm so Afraid, and on and on. Just a fabulous album.
Couldn't agree with you more on the fade outs so prevalent on albums back in the day, but having been a fan and having seen a number of these artists live, I came up with my own theory on it. I don't recall having heard or read it anywhere, I have nothing to back it up, and maybe I'm just way off base here. My thoughts were always that, since the artists really made their money on the live shows and tours, and the albums were basically promo material to that end, the band purposely left you wanting more. You didn't get a lot of fade outs live. In fact a lot of material would go into extended live "jams" where they would just play and explore. Something maybe even the artists did on their own without the record company even really knowing. What record exec back in the day would even know the difference?
Dreams and Rhiannon are on two different albums. This one is on the first Fleetwood Mac album with Buckingham and Nicks, Dreams is on Rumours.
Fleetwood Mac never gets old!
Check out some Sade for another great voice and instrumental :)
In my view, Dreams is about warning a male player he will regret his actions someday. Rhiannon is about mythologizing a female player. Very different perspectives, both from a woman's view. Both are great songs, no doubt.
She's an old Welsh Witch.
Stevie's voice is not a pure voice. She uses that rasp masterfully though. Get's every bit of emotion out of it all. The mystery and magic inherent in this imagery really set Stevie's image apart in the music world.
I can't wait for you to experience Chris Stapleton, if you haven’t already. ...your mind will be BLOWN.
Yeah, the "Rock" fadeout... I've never liked it either, but I figure there's not necessarily more there to hear; I've always had the impression they just didn't want to or couldn't write an ending. With Fleetwood Mac, I'm guessing they could have, so it does disappoint. But it does make it easy for DJs to segue into the next song.
Rhiannon was a witch in Welsh lore from what I’ve heard. The live version from Midnight Special SO much better. You might prefer to always listen to the studio version first, but then, at least from what I recall, you often don’t come back for the live. That’s why your patron asked for the live. Stevie just goes nuts. Longer too. Higher energy
Check out- 'Crazy" by Seal
Stevie left to concentrate on her solo career after Tusk, I believe. I did not care for Tusk. I think they let all the coke they were doing mess with their judgement. IMO.
So I had this album and Rumours and then went to solo Stevie mainly
Christie McVie is also brilliant
Tusk is definitely an acquired taste and is more of a American Folk sound - well it is to my ears (lol) - there are a few good tracks Storms, Beautiful Child possibly, are worth a listen - how do you top Rumours..right?...impossible. Not a major fan of the band but total respect for all they achieved. Rhiannon is a classic. Love Lindsey Buckingham and his solo work.
So many of Stevie's Mac tracks get faded out in the best lyrics. Sara, Gypsy... I blame Lindsey Buckingham being a bit jealous of her song writing talents
Live version is so much better
Stevie is 74 and has been rocking since 17 she is so much better then adel
Please react to the live version with piano feature and guitar solo. En of course great singing of Stevie. 1976 Midnight Special version: th-cam.com/video/zuTzAha1t80/w-d-xo.html
Do you have Venmo?
Nice try on the lyrics interpretation... however it is about a mythical or supernatural being. Rhiannon is/was a Welsh Goddess (of fertility). In Stevies own words:
th-cam.com/video/WZWPPw_hbU8/w-d-xo.html (STEVIE NICKS TALKS ABOUT WRITING RHIANNON)
And you must watch the version they did in "The Dance" concert - it is compelling :
th-cam.com/video/jzOsQAMtpm0/w-d-xo.html (Fleetwood Mac - Rhiannon - The Dance -1997)
Tusk was very poor. It was a double studio album with only barely enough decent tracks for a single album. Their best album after Rumours came a decade later - Tango In The Night. Rhiannon is ok.
I agree with you about Tusk. But this song came from the album before Rumors, Fleetwood Mac. It is very underrated. In my opinion it’s almost as good as Rumors. It sold over seven million albums just in the US and went to number one on Billboard. ❤️❤️❤️
@@Beatles4Sale. Yes I am aware of that. It is a solid album but doesn't have anything like the creativity in lyrics or music found in Rumours, But a great first outing for this line-up of the band.
You need to watch the live Version this is about a Witch from the welsh book of Myth & Magic the Magabinion you missed the whole meaning of the story it's Welsh Legend of an obsession of the unattainable Woman the Goddess of Fertility & man's Dreams unfulfilled ??
If you like her voice listen to haley reinhart. Singing creep
Nah
Top 5? Try Top 1.
Seriously, though, the people telling you to do a live version are absolutely correct: most live versions start off worse than the studio, but build to an incredible crescendo that simply doesn't exist on the album track. Nicks goes into a sort of trance, almost channeling the spirit of Rhiannon. You're basically missing half the song - and the better half at that. You're going to get a lot of recommendations for the 1976 Midnight Special, which is a good version but IMHO this one is better: th-cam.com/video/jQAK6sVovUk/w-d-xo.html. Hell, watch them both (and then go and watch the 1997 version from The Dance th-cam.com/video/jzOsQAMtpm0/w-d-xo.html for good measure).