Christie McVie's Brown Eyes

Christie McVie died today, and it brings to mind my favorite song from one of my favorite albums: the sultry and intoxicating “Brown Eyes” from Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk. Depending on my mood, it’s my favorite Fleetwood Mac song, along with “Silver Springs.” It’s another one of those deeper cuts from an album chock-full of deep cuts, a collection of songs similar to the Beatles’ white album in that the experimental whole is greater than the sum of its parts. But “Brown Eyes” stands on its own, with Mick Fleetwood’s simple but driving drum pattern (with some killer fills), John McVie’s smooth bass line and Christie’s repetitive electric piano (I believe a Wurlitzer) and beckoning vocals, a delivery that’s sexier than so many other vocalists have attempted. Original band member Peter Green plays the guitar outro. It’s a perfect track.

So long, Christie. I never got to see you play, but I’ll be listening to you for a long, long time.