before the glitter faded: the demos 1973-1974

• Label: Dear Boss
• Contents: The Coffee Plant Demos and The Cathouse Blues Demos

Before The Glitter Faded brings together two sets of early demo recordings by Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, documenting the duo during the period surrounding their only studio album as Buckingham Nicks. These intimate recordings reveal the songwriting partnership and distinctive vocal blend that would soon become an important part of Fleetwood Mac’s sound.

Side one contains the Coffee Plant demos, named after the coffee-roasting business owned by Lindsey Buckingham’s father, where the pair used a tape machine to develop and record their songs. The performances are sparse and direct, built around acoustic and electric guitars, close vocal harmonies and the natural interaction between Buckingham’s detailed arrangements and Nicks’ highly individual songwriting.

Among the highlights are early versions of “Without You,” “That’s Alright” and “Sorcerer,” all of which would resurface in different forms later in the musicians’ careers. “Nomad,” “Garbo,” “Cathouse Blues” and the unusual “Goldfish And The Ladybug” provide further insight into the large body of material the duo created during this formative period.

Side two presents the Cathouse Blues demos, including alternate recordings of “Without You,” “That’s Alright” and “Cathouse Blues.” It also features “Secret Love,” “Candlebright,” “Smile At You” and “Castaway,” songs that demonstrate Stevie Nicks’ developing lyrical style and the increasingly sophisticated arrangements created by Lindsey Buckingham.

Track Listing

Side A – The Coffee Plant Demos

1. Without You
2. Nomad
3. That’s Alright
4. Garbo
5. Sorcerer
6. Cathouse Blues
7. Goldfish And The Ladybug

Side B – The Cathouse Blues Demos

1. Secret Love
2. Without You
3. Candlebright
4. That’s Alright
5. Cathouse Blues
6. Smile At You
7. Castaway