LAY OFF NATALIE MERCHANT

I recently realized I can only understand the lyrics when I am reading along with the song

The first time I saw them back in the 80s I thought it might be another language, or at least heavily accented English. Her lyrics, especially early on, are dense and "literary," and then she often condenses or divides syllables in odd ways to make them fit the music. I totally get the early Stipe and Liz Fraser connections.

There was a brief moment (before I became a fan) where I got them confused with the Sugarcubes… I knew one of the bands had an Icelandic singer, and I assumed it was Merchant (due to her enunciation).

Getting that goddawful "wonder" song stuck- and i mean STUCK - in my head because of this revive has been the worst music-related experience i can remember, would you kindly refrain from killing my soul.

"Jealousy" is worse: the least peeved jealousy anthem ever written.

Ooh.
Jealousy.

In favor of NM:
* her commentary in the Women Who Rock doc was enjoyable and it's fun to see her again. She clearly DNGAF
* she has a documented weird sense of humor because in the Lilith Fair oral history she admits to spraying Liz Phair with a squirtgun in the face even though she had just done her makeup

I never want to hear her singing voice again tbh but as a person I support her quietly goofy and puckish demeanor.

I will add that In My Tribe was one of the 10 tapes that I had when I had a 10-cassette container and I don't think I could listen to it today. Being reminded of the period of my life when 10K Maniacs was a full 1/10 of my listening (beyond radio) honestly scares me, do not wish to revisit middle school. Even thinking about "Peace Train" makes my stomach turn.

I revisited Blind Man's Zoo y'day; my sense/recollection was that it would be kind of a drag (due to the heavy-handed lyrics), but the songs are good!! (especially in the first half). Great melodies & performances, as usual. "Hateful Hate" is a definite skip – but other than that, it's not an LP to sleep on... I think its bad rep is somewhat unjustified.

Not only does Nat lay all her cards on the table in "Headstrong" (re: the pointlessness of trying to change her mind about anything), the "rock anthem" guitar sound on that song is pretty remarkable / unique for the band.

It's been sitting on my shelf pretty much neglected since 1987. I'll give it another try, but my interest in them post-Wishing Chair wanes considerably.

"Hateful Hate" is a stupid song, though.

Well I said it's a skip!

(Dan P. – if you limited tolerance for even In My Tribe, I doubt a revisit of these albums will really move the needle for you...)

Well I said it's a skip!

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that early maniacs vibe is like a stoned altered images. good stuff

make it stop make it stop make it stop 😭

God's own creation

Stoned Altered Images OTM