Then Play On | Vibepedia
Then Play On, released in September 1969, marks a significant moment for Fleetwood Mac, signaling a departure from their blues-rock roots towards a more…
Contents
Overview
The genesis of Then Play On lies in a period of significant transition for Fleetwood Mac. Following the critical and commercial success of their early blues-focused albums like Mrs. O'Cain's Blues Band (1968) and Mr. Wonderful (1968), the band, particularly Peter Green, felt a creative pull towards more diverse musical territories. The addition of Danny Kirwan in 1968, whose guitar work brought a new dimension, was crucial. This album, released in September 1969, by Blue Thumb Records in the US and Major-Minor Records in the UK, was Green's swan song, marking the end of an era. Kirwan's contributions, especially on tracks like "Closing My Eyes" and "Without You," showcased a nascent psychedelic rock sensibility that would become increasingly prominent. The album's title itself, lifted from the opening line of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night – "If music be the food of love, play on" – signaled an artistic ambition beyond straightforward blues.
⚙️ How It Works
Mechanically, Then Play On represents Fleetwood Mac's deliberate expansion of their sonic palette. While the core of Jeremy Spencer's slide guitar blues remained present on select tracks like "One Thing Leads to Another," the album is dominated by the more melodic and intricate guitar interplay between Peter Green and Danny Kirwan. Kirwan’s distinctive, often harmonized guitar lines, influenced by Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles, pushed the band into harder rock and art rock territories, evident in tracks like "Rattlesnake Shake." Mick Fleetwood's drumming provided a solid, driving rhythm section, while John McVie's basslines offered a grounding counterpoint to the more experimental arrangements. The production, helmed by Mike Vernon, captured this evolving sound, balancing the raw energy of their live performances with studio experimentation, including subtle use of effects and layered instrumentation.
📊 Key Facts & Numbers
Commercially, Then Play On was a significant success for Fleetwood Mac, reaching No. 6 on the UK Albums Chart and marking their third consecutive Top 10 album in the United Kingdom. It sold an estimated 100,000 units in its initial release year in the UK alone. The album's lead single, "Albatross" (released earlier in 1969), had already achieved considerable success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and selling over 500,000 copies. Despite Jeremy Spencer's minimal contribution, the album's overall reception was strong, with critics noting its stylistic breadth. In the United States, the album charted at No. 193 on the Billboard 200, indicating a growing international audience.
👥 Key People & Organizations
The album is intrinsically linked to the core members of Fleetwood Mac during this formative period. Peter Green, the band's co-founder and principal songwriter, delivered some of his most iconic compositions, including "Rattlesnake Shake" and "Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)," though the latter was ultimately released as a single and not included on the original UK album. Danny Kirwan emerged as a vital creative force, contributing several key tracks and distinctive guitar solos. Mick Fleetwood and John McVie provided the steady rhythmic foundation, while Jeremy Spencer's role diminished significantly, leading to his eventual departure. Producer Mike Vernon played a crucial role in shaping the album's sound, having previously worked with artists like John Mayall and David Bowie.
🌍 Cultural Impact & Influence
The cultural impact of Then Play On was substantial, marking Fleetwood Mac's transition from a niche blues act to a band capable of broader artistic expression. Its embrace of psychedelic rock and folk elements resonated with the counterculture movement of the late 1960s. Tracks like "Rattlesnake Shake" became staples of live performances and influenced subsequent generations of rock musicians. The album's success helped pave the way for the band's eventual move to California and their subsequent evolution into a global pop phenomenon with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. The album's title, derived from William Shakespeare, also contributed to its sophisticated image, setting it apart from many contemporary blues-rock releases.
⚡ Current State & Latest Developments
In the present day, Then Play On is recognized as a crucial artifact in the Fleetwood Mac discography, representing a critical juncture before the band's dramatic stylistic shifts. While the band's later work with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham achieved greater mainstream commercial success, Then Play On is highly regarded by critics and long-time fans for its raw energy and pioneering sound. Reissues of the album have continued to introduce its music to new audiences, often including bonus tracks and alternative takes that further illuminate the band's creative process during this period. The influence of Peter Green's guitar work on this album remains a subject of admiration and study among guitarists.
🤔 Controversies & Debates
One of the primary debates surrounding Then Play On concerns the inclusion of Jeremy Spencer. While officially credited, his minimal contribution – described by Mick Fleetwood as "a couple of piano things" – has led some to question his presence on the album. Furthermore, the original UK tracklist famously omitted the hit single "Albatross" and "The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)," which were included on the US release and later compilations, leading to confusion and debate among collectors and fans regarding the definitive version of the album. The album's stylistic departure also sparked discussions about whether the band was abandoning its blues roots, a concern amplified by Peter Green's subsequent departure.
🔮 Future Outlook & Predictions
The future outlook for Then Play On is one of continued appreciation as a historical document of Fleetwood Mac's artistic evolution. As interest in Peter Green's legacy has grown, particularly following his passing in 2020, the album serves as a key reference point for his innovative guitar playing and songwriting. Future archival releases might offer further insights into the recording sessions, potentially including previously unreleased material that could shed more light on the band's creative process during this transformative period. The album's enduring appeal suggests it will remain a significant entry in the canon of late 1960s rock music, influencing guitarists and songwriters exploring the intersection of blues, rock, and psychedelia.
💡 Practical Applications
While Then Play On is primarily appreciated as a musical work, its practical applications extend into the study of music history and the evolution of rock genres. For aspiring guitarists, the intricate interplay between Peter Green and Danny Kirwan on tracks like "Rattlesnake Shake" and "Without You" offers a masterclass in blues-rock and early psychedelic rock lead guitar techniques. Musicologists and historians use the album to trace the development of Fleetwood Mac's sound, understanding its role as a bridge between their early blues output and their later, more pop-oriented successes. Furthermore, the album's commercial performance provides data for market analysis of the late 1960s music industry, illustrating trends in album sales and chart performance for rock bands.
Key Facts
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