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This past Saturday, we found ourselves at the cozy House Divided Brewery in Ely, IA, for an afternoon that perfectly blended music and community. From the moment we arrived and heard Fleetwood Mac spinning on the turntable, we knew we were in the right place—our kind of vibe! The warm October sun shone brightly, offering us perhaps one last taste of summer.

Setting the Scene: House Divided Brewery & Ely’s Charm

House Divided Brewery, nestled in the heart of Ely, is more than just a place to grab a pint. It’s a community hub with its own unique story—named after the divided sports loyalties of its owners, Cal and Lisa. Their friendly rivalry seems to bring people together, not apart, as evidenced by the welcoming atmosphere. The venue is ideally situated near the Cedar River Trail, making it a popular stop for cyclists and locals alike. We spotted many patrons arriving on bikes, adding a touch of adventure to the day.

Live Acoustic Duo Performance Highlights

• We kicked off our set with “Summer Breeze,” perfectly capturing the sunny, breezy afternoon.
• The crowd, though not large, was enthusiastic, with families, friends, and even a few adorable dogs in attendance.
• “Sweet Caroline” sparked a spontaneous singalong, one of those magic moments that make live performances so special.
• We wrapped up with “Landslide,” a nod to the Fleetwood Mac vinyl that greeted us upon arrival.

Memorable Moments and Lighthearted Asides

The drive to Ely was longer than our usual routes, but it flew by as Greg and I swapped stories and shared music—it’s often these journeys that enrich the gig experience. Onstage, we had a few unexpected visitors in the form of bees, who seemed particularly interested in our cabernet. More than once, we found ourselves gently coaxing them away, much to the amusement of the crowd.

After the show, we headed over to Big Grove Brewpub for some well-deserved food, capping off a perfect day with great eats and even greater company.

Join Us for Future Adventures

If you missed out on this harmonious afternoon, don’t worry. We have more performances lined up and would love for you to join us next time. Whether you’re a fan of live music in Ely or just love discovering new places, there’s always a new adventure waiting with Bell & Field.

Book us for your next event. We promise an experience filled with music, stories, and a touch of humor!

The Buckingham Nicks album, originally released in 1973, has held a mythical status among Fleetwood Mac fans for decades. With Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham bringing their combined talents into the spotlight, this album provided the foundation for the iconic sound of Fleetwood Mac. Now, with the highly anticipated reissue finally here, fans new and old have reason to celebrate.

What Makes This Reissue Special?

This reissue isn’t merely a re-release; it offers improved audio mastering, additional bonus tracks, previously unseen photographs, and insightful liner notes that provide historical context. The improved sound quality brings clarity and vibrancy to these beloved songs, giving listeners the ultimate Buckingham Nicks experience.

[We] knew what we had as a duo, two songwriters that sang really well together. And it was a very natural thing, from the beginning. – Stevie Nicks

Track-by-Track Deep Dive

1. Crying in the Night

This opening track (featured in the video above), written by Stevie Nicks, draws inspiration from actress Lesley Ann Warren—“about an actress… I wrote this song about her”. It captures the seductive but ultimately volatile nature of a femme fatale. Nicks employs rich metaphor and emotional urgency, using the imagery of nighttime tears to explore themes of desire and abandonment. It’s a raw emotional exposition that later defined Fleetwood Mac’s sound

2. Stephanie

A sensitive instrumental by Lindsey Buckingham, “Stephanie” was penned during a bout of mononucleosis while he recuperated, lying flat and reflecting. Named after Stevie (born Stephanie Lynn), it functions as a quiet love letter, its delicate guitar forming a melodic portrait of personal affection and artistic intimacy.

3. Without a Leg to Stand On

Showcasing Buckingham’s knack for lyrical introspection, this track blends bluesy motifs with confessional storytelling. Written in their early LA days, it echoes themes of vulnerability and resilience. Buckingham’s guitar interplay with Nicks’s harmonies signals their future collaborative synergy.

4. Crystal

An early version of the Fleetwood Mac classic, “Crystal” offers a glimpse into the song’s chemical origins—both literally and figuratively. Described as “a lost classic” that predates their mainstream polish, it crystallizes themes of longing and introspection. Nicks revisited this song multiple times, reflecting its enduring emotional weight.

5. Long Distance Winner

In this mid-album gem, Nicks channels feelings of distance and emotional disconnection. The song’s narrative of failed efforts and dashed hopes foreshadows her signature storytelling style—melding personal narrative with universal longing. It’s a quiet highlight reflecting her lyrical depth in early songwriting.

6. Don’t Let Me Down Again

Buckingham turns up the pace here, delivering an energetic performance rooted in rock and blues. The lyrics reveal emotional dependence—a plea not to be abandoned, layered over driven guitar riffs. This tension and urgency hint at the dynamics that would later define Fleetwood Mac’s more aggressive tracks.

7. Django

A tribute to jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, “Django” stresses Buckingham’s instrumental virtuosity, channeling Reinhardt’s gypsy-jazz roots into a fingerpicked acoustic soundscape. It’s a concise but masterful showcase of his technical skill and early admiration for eclectic musical influences.

8. Races Are Run

One of Nicks’s more introspective compositions, this track laments the end of ambition and the slow drift of love. The phrasing “races are run” evokes themes of closure and acceptance. Its delicate arrangement foreshadows the emotional balladry she would perfect with Fleetwood Mac.

9. Lola (My Love)

One of Nicks’s more introspective compositions, this track laments the end of ambition and the slow drift of love. The phrasing “races are run” evokes themes of closure and acceptance. Its delicate arrangement foreshadows the emotional balladry she would perfect with Fleetwood Mac.

10. Frozen Love

Co-written and co-led, this cinematic finale is arguably the album’s high-water mark. The song surged into Mick Fleetwood’s attention during an LA studio visit, ultimately inspiring Mick to recruit the duo for Fleetwood Mac. Marked by dramatic harmonies, sweeping instrumentals, and emotional depth, “Frozen Love” epitomizes their combined artistic vision—and now also symbolizes a rare artistic reunification in this reissue era.

Bonus Material Worth Exploring

The reissue also includes rare demo versions and live recordings that give fans an unprecedented glimpse into the creative process behind this iconic album. This bonus material reveals how the duo evolved their sound, laying the foundation for their future success.

Why the Buckingham Nicks Reissue Matters Today

Nearly five decades after its initial release, this album remains a powerful testament to the musical and emotional bond between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. With this reissue, both dedicated fans and new listeners can rediscover the origins of one of rock’s most influential partnerships.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or newly discovering this hidden gem, the Buckingham Nicks reissue provides a fresh chance to experience the magic of this legendary duo.