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.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Careful with that music! You're setting off my weepy triggers!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
I loved 10,000 Maniacs but yourI guess her voice does have a certain nasal quality. I had never thought about her range, but now that you mention it I suppose there is a pretty narrow tonal contrast. I think it worked for her though. She has a distinctive voice with lots of feeling and character that worked well with the band's material. I don't think there was too much sameness in their work. They just had a signature sound
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about the cello, and this track in general. Its cool that you got to see them live. I was a little disappointed to see Natalie Merchant decide to go solo.
I have a bunch of her solo stuff as well as a ton of 10,000 Maniacs. Great group. I think I like the group better than her solos, but she does have a lovely voice. Haven't listened to much of either lately. Guess I'll have do dig some of the albums out and take a listen again. All on the hard drive. Easy to do, lol.
ReplyDeleteCalie xxx
She has substance, no doubt. This piece works so well with the string trio, and yes, the Cello strikes deeply.
ReplyDeleteWhatever else is going on in life and in general Leslie, please continue to share your musical inspirations here.
Pitch perfect.
Thanks - Petra