"Kiln House" by Fleetwood Mac, released on 18 September 1970, marks a significant transition for the band. It’s their fourth studio album and the first after the departure of founding member Peter Green, who left the band due to mental health issues and a desire to explore a more spiritual path. The album also represents the final contributions of guitarist Jeremy Spencer, who left the band shortly after its release to join a religious group.
The album features Christine McVie, who was not yet a full member of Fleetwood Mac but contributed to the recording sessions with backing vocals and keyboards. Her involvement extended to the album's cover art, reflecting her artistic talents.
Kiln House showcases a shift in the band’s sound, moving away from the blues-based style of earlier albums towards a more rock-oriented approach. Despite the lineup changes, the album received a generally positive reception and showcased the evolving dynamics within Fleetwood Mac.
Released on 18 September 1970, this album is an important piece in Fleetwood Mac's history as it represents a period of change and transition, setting the stage for the band's future evolution.
The title of Kiln House is derived from a converted oast house located in Truncheaunts Lane, near Alton in Hampshire. This house was leased by Fleetwood Mac, who lived there communally with their families for a six-month period in 1970. It was also the site where Mick Fleetwood married Jenny Boyd on 20 June 1970.
During the recording of Kiln House, Jeremy Spencer played a more active role compared to his minimal involvement on the previous album, Then Play On. His influence is evident throughout the album, as he brought a retro 1950s style and rockabilly elements to the music. Spencer’s work on the album reflects his fascination with rockabilly and Sun Records. For instance, "Buddy's Song" is a cover of a track initially recorded by Bobby Vee in 1963, which itself was a partial cover of "Peggy Sue Got Married" with new lyrics referencing Buddy Holly songs. The songwriting credit for this song is humorously attributed to Buddy Holly's mother, who received the credit posthumously after Buddy Holly's funeral from the original songwriter, Waylon Jennings. Additionally, Fleetwood Mac's version of "Hi Ho Silver" draws from Johnny Burnette's Rock and Roll Trio recording of "Honey Hush." Johnny Burnette's nephew, Billy Burnette, later joined Fleetwood Mac in 1987.
An early version of Danny Kirwan’s instrumental "Earl Gray," originally titled "Farewell," was eventually released on the compilation The Vaudeville Years.
The reception of Kiln House in the UK was somewhat hostile, though it fared better in North America. The album peaked at No. 69 on the Billboard 200 chart on 7 November 1970 and reached No. 67 in Canada's RPM Magazine on 19 December 1970. At that time, Kiln House was Fleetwood Mac's best-selling album in the US.
Just before embarking on their American tour, the band extended an invitation to Christine McVie to officially join Fleetwood Mac. After five days of rehearsals, the band left for America on 26 July. McVie later noted that the band faced some apprehension from audiences, particularly among those who missed Peter Green’s presence. She remarked that while some fans missed Green’s guitar playing, others adapted to the new sound, indicating that the band's dynamic had shifted from having a single leader to a more collaborative approach.
