Verdi Cries

By 10,000 Maniacs, from In My Tribe

One of my favorite bands in the '80s. Unusually literate, with Natalie Merchant having her first go at fame. I adored her, but my wife disliked her voice, and what she described as the sameness of her songs and limited vocal range.

Still, we managed to see them twice. The first was on the Kentucky campus, opening for REM on their Fables of the Reconstruction tour (1985). The Maniacs were new to me, but I liked their set better than REM's (not a big fan of Fables). Natalie was such a free spirit, spinning on stage in a gauzy skirt and mary janes. We saw them again 2 or 3 years later at Bogart's in Cincinnati. They had graduated to the main act, supporting their incredible In My Tribe. Opening for them was an unknown Tracy Chapman, with only a guitar, just prior to her debut's release.

"Verdi Cries" is the last song on In My Tribe, ending with a gorgeous string coda. The cello has made me cry on more than one occasion.

A Horse in the Country

Cowboy Junkies, from Black Eyed Man

Cowboy Junkies debuted in 1986 with The Trinity Sessions, recorded in an abandoned church. Critics loved it. Luckily, I didn't start with that one, as I wouldn't have gone back to the well. The disc has a dynamic range running from soft and slow to softer and slower. Despite the beauty of the performance and arrangements, I always have difficulty staying awake through the whole record.

Black Eyed Man, from 1992, still has the sleepy vocals of the gorgeous Margo Timmins, but the band isn't afraid to dig in. These are deep songs with complex narratives and emotions, and repeated listens are rewarding. "A Horse in the Country" became a favorite because I can play it on the guitar, and the song is within my vocal range.

These Canadians are still at it, getting strong reviews for the new Renmin Park.

But lately it just seems to me
That this life has lost its mystery

Landed

Ben Folds, from Songs for Silverman

Though he started with a reputation for silliness, Ben Folds has become an accomplished writer and performer. His first big hit was "Brick", a story of taking his girlfriend to the clinic on Christmas for an abortion. Yeah, heavy, but a strong emotional grounding, and an engaging subtlety.

Songs for Silverman is a beautifully produced record, and choosing a song to share was difficult. "Jesusland" almost won out, but "Landed" hits me harder. Between the melodic piano and the lush strings and the high tenor, this sounds like vintage Elton John. If Gus Dudgeon wasn't dead, I'd swear he had produced it. The longing and regret of the lyrics always grabs me where I live. The bridge always makes me well up.

If you wrote me off, I'd understand it,
'Cause I've been on some other planet,
So come pick me up, I've landed.