Buckingham Nicks: The Lost Album That Became a Vinyl Collector’s Gem
Published Time: 08-09-2025, 15:30
Long before Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” became a defining breakup album of the 1970s, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham were an unknown duo trying to break into the music scene. Their 1973 album, Buckingham Nicks, initially a commercial failure, has since become a prized collector’s item and is set to receive its first official reissue on CD and streaming platforms. This reissue highlights the early sound and artistic beginnings of two of rock’s most enduring talents.
Early Days: A Young Couple’s Debut Album
In 1973, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham released Buckingham Nicks under Polydor Records, featuring a striking nude cover shot reminiscent of a modern-day Adam and Eve. Despite the duo’s evident chemistry and distinctive harmonies, the album failed to chart and was largely ignored by the mainstream. Polydor dropped the pair shortly after its release, leading Nicks back to waitressing and Buckingham to tour briefly with Don Everly.
Music historian Brian Mansfield, based in Nashville, explains, “Buckingham Nicks is one of those records everyone has heard about but few have actually heard, especially before the internet era.” The album’s rarity and iconic cover art helped it achieve a cult status among vinyl collectors over the decades.
The Sound That Foreshadowed Fleetwood Mac
Buckingham Nicks showcased the duo’s signature vocal harmonies and Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar style — elements that would later become integral to Fleetwood Mac’s success. Tracks like “Crying in the Night” have been described as reminiscent of “Joni Mitchell fronting the Eagles,” while “Frozen Love” closes the album with layered strings and synthesizers combined with a driving rock guitar.
Despite its artistic merit, the album was not well received at the time. A review in The Pittsburgh Press described the vocals as “pleasant, albeit a whiny blend,” and noted the album’s relatively modest songwriting. Yet it was these early experiments that caught the attention of Mick Fleetwood, who, after hearing Buckingham Nicks at Sound City studios, invited Buckingham — and by extension Nicks — to join Fleetwood Mac following the departure of guitarist Bob Welch.
From Obscurity to Vinyl Rarity
Today, Buckingham Nicks is considered a prized find for collectors. Record store managers like Bob Fuchs from Electric Fetus in Minneapolis say that original vinyl copies, depending on condition, can fetch between $40 and $90 and tend to sell out quickly. “You put it up on a Saturday morning and it’s gone by noon,” Fuchs remarks.
Geoff Good, a longtime record store employee, owns an original copy and anticipates that the upcoming reissue will stimulate renewed interest in the album. He praises the songwriting and musicianship, particularly Buckingham’s guitar work, as strong highlights.
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The Personal and Musical Journey
Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham’s relationship began in high school in Northern California, where their shared musical talents quickly bonded them. According to Stephen Davis’ biography Gold Dust Woman, the couple’s voices meshed during a rendition of “California Dreamin’,” captivating everyone present.
Their musical partnership blossomed as they formed the band Fritz and toured with legendary acts such as Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix before branching off as a duo. Nicks once embroidered moons and stars on Buckingham’s jeans, a testament to their youthful romance prior to fame.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
After joining Fleetwood Mac, Nicks and Buckingham became central figures in one of the most successful rock bands of all time. The band’s 1975 self-titled album featured songs like “Landslide” and “Rhiannon,” while 1977’s Rumours remains one of the best-selling albums globally.
The reissue of Buckingham Nicks offers fans and new listeners a glimpse into the early creative forces behind these iconic artists. It also serves as a reminder of the couple’s musical and personal beginnings, which were marked by passion, collaboration, and eventual heartbreak.
Reissue Details and Fan Reception
Rhino Records, a division of Warner Music Group, announced the upcoming reissue scheduled for September 19. This release will mark the album’s debut on CD and streaming platforms, making it more accessible than ever.
Fans on social media have expressed excitement, with both Buckingham and Nicks sharing posts that hint at a newfound harmony between them. After years of public ups and downs, this reissue symbolizes a celebration of their shared legacy rather than their past conflicts.
Conclusion
Buckingham Nicks may have been a commercial failure in 1973, but its lasting influence and rarity have earned it a special place in music history. Its reissue invites a fresh appreciation of the early work of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham — two artists whose talents helped shape the sound of modern rock music.
Source: AP News – ‘Buckingham Nicks’ bombed in 1973. Then it became used vinyl treasure
