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This past Saturday we took a little road trip to Ely, IA, to play an afternoon set at House Divided Brewery. As soon as we walked in and heard Fleetwood Mac spinning on the turntable, we looked at each other like, “Yep, we’re going to like it here.” The October sun was doing its best late-summer impression, and the whole place felt relaxed in that way only a warm fall day can.

House Divided, Bikes on the Trail, and a Brewery with a Story

House Divided Brewery sits right in the middle of Ely, but it’s more than just a spot to grab a beer. Cal and Lisa, the owners, built the whole place around their split sports loyalties, and somehow that friendly rivalry ends up making the room feel even more welcoming. You can tell people come here to linger, not just to drink and leave.

Being so close to the Cedar River Trail, it’s a natural stop for cyclists. All afternoon we watched people roll up on bikes, helmets in hand, still a little flushed from the ride. It added this fun, come-and-go rhythm to the day—locals, trail riders, regulars, all mixing together over pints.

What We Played and How It Felt from the Stage

We eased into the set with “Summer Breeze,” which felt pretty on the nose with the sun out and the doors open, but sometimes obvious is exactly right. From there, the afternoon settled into that comfortable groove where you can see people relaxing into the music—kids wandering around, friends catching up at picnic tables, a couple of dogs doing their best to say hi to everyone.

It wasn’t a huge crowd, but the folks who were there were really with us. A few songs in, we launched into “Sweet Caroline,” and that’s when the singalong broke out. You never quite know if people are going to commit to the “so good, so good, so good” part, but they absolutely did. Those are the moments that remind us why we haul gear around on our weekends.

• Opening with “Summer Breeze” to match the warm, breezy afternoon.
• Families, friends, and a few very social dogs scattered around the patio.
• A full-throated “Sweet Caroline” singalong that caught us pleasantly off guard.
• Closing with “Landslide” as a little nod to the Fleetwood Mac vinyl that greeted us when we walked in.

Bees, Cabernet, and the Long Drive Home

The drive to Ely was longer than our usual run, but it went by quickly. Greg and I spent most of it trading stories, passing the aux cord back and forth, and talking through the set list. Honestly, those car conversations are half the fun of doing this together.

Onstage, we had a few uninvited guests: bees that were very interested in our cabernet. We’d be mid-song, trying to keep a straight face while gently shooing them away from the glasses. The crowd definitely noticed, and there were a few laughs as we did our best to play music and negotiate with nature at the same time.

After we packed up, we headed over to Big Grove Brewpub for some much-needed food. There’s something satisfying about ending a day like that with good plates in front of you and that post-show tiredness setting in—quiet, content, and a little sun-soaked.

Come Hang with Us Next Time

If you couldn’t make it out to Ely, we’ve got more shows on the calendar and would love to see you at one. Whether you’re into live music, exploring new breweries, or just looking for an excuse to get out of the house for a bit, keep an eye on our upcoming dates.

Book us for your next event. We’ll bring the songs, the stories from the road, and just enough chaos (hopefully fewer bees) to keep it real.

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.

Every time we perform at The V’ue in Clinton, IA, we’re reminded of what makes live music so special. There’s something truly magical about this venue—from the cozy, inviting stage setup to the soothing scent of incense drifting through the room. This evening was no exception, with an intimate audience of about 20 enthusiastic friends and music lovers, delicious charcuterie boards, and a perfect acoustic vibe.

The Highlights from Our Set

Audience requests made this night unforgettable! Here are a few standouts:

• “Summer in the City” by Lovin’ Spoonful – An upbeat crowd-pleaser!
• “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis – Always fun, always fiery!
• “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman” by Dr. Hook – A delightful surprise! We laughed when we realized we didn’t quite remember the bridge but improvised seamlessly back into the chorus.
• “Norwegian Wood” by The Beatles – Emulating that iconic sitar melody on the keys never gets old.

A Special Duet with Brooke Byam

A highlight of the night was undoubtedly when Brooke Byam, owner of The V’ue, joined us on stage. We had a request for something by Fleetwood Mac, and Brooke suggested “Rhiannon“—what an inspired choice! Her vocals soared beautifully and soulfully, and we loved adding some additional harmonies.  We think it created some good chills in the audience.  The reaction was very enthusiastic. Thanks for sharing your incredible talent, Brooke!

Selected Favorites from Our Setlist

• “I Feel Fine” – The Beatles (Brooke captured an awesome video of this!)
• “Ventura Highway” – America
• “Small Town” – John Mellencamp
• “Riders on the Storm” – The Doors
• “Can’t Buy Me Love” – The Beatles
• “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim” – Jim Croce

Though encores aren’t typically part of our routine, we didn’t want to turn down this fantastic crowd who wanted more. We wrapped up the evening with a lively singalong to “Brown Eyed Girl“—the perfect finale for a wonderful night!

The Unique Atmosphere & Our After-Show Tradition

The V’ue’s speakeasy-style charm and welcoming vibe make it one of our favorite venues. Brooke always ensures we’re right at home. Before the show, keeping tradition alive, we headed down the street to Holly’s Dogs (a charming eatery housed in a repurposed old bank) and enjoyed a couple of tasty Pork Carnitas Dogs—a perfect addition to the night!

Thanks to everyone who joined us at The V’ue and made this evening so memorable. We’re already excited for our next performance!

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