Three decades after helping steer Fleetwood Mac to platinum glory, Lindsey Buckingham’s enthusiasm remains his greatest strength — and weakness. For all the warm California melodies, his unchecked perfectionism produces an antiseptic sound, with the overdub junkie supplying most of the instruments and all the vocals (though old mates Mick Fleetwood and John McVie make cameos). Gift of Screws boasts a lot of attractive touches, from the lovely acoustic guitar of “Bel Air Rain” to the crashing chorus of “Love Runs Deeper,” but less polish would add some soul to the mix.
