I’ve wanted it since it came out, but it’s a double album and therefore pricey- and money’s been tight.
I guess I’m a middle-level fan as far as passion goes. For none of her albums would I say I like every track (including 10,000 Maniacs, though In My Tribe and Our Time in Eden come close), but for all of her albums I would say that I like most of the tracks. The tracks that I do like, I like with enough passion so as to more than cover for the filler.
Have LOVED her in concert (once for Our Time in Eden, twice forMotherland).
Describing myself as a fan of middle-level passion, I expect some might point out to me that there is a single disc version of the new album. Unless the doube album is significantly underwhelming, I would prefer the double album (even if I end up evaluating a lot of it as filler) because I would rather listen to it as the artist intended rather than the chopped up “people might not want to spend double album money” version.
I’ve liked her since The Wishing Chair days (I discovered her/10,000 Maniacs via the song “Scorpio Rising”) so I feel I should say something, but I have nothing to say because I haven’t bought the album, and probably won’t because of the expense. She’s touring and is coming to the Chicago Theater, but it’s out of my league so I’ll miss it too. I’m sure the album and tour will be good. She’s pretty great, always. [/useless post but I didn’t want there to be 0 replies for such a major artist]
I bought it when it released earlier this year, as Natalie is my favorite singer, and I’m a bit OCD when it comes to my favorite artists/authors – I have to have their complete oeuvre. It’s definitely a departure from her earlier work – more like The House Carpenter’s Daughter than any of her 10,000 Maniacs work.
Interesting, I didn’t get The House Carpenter’s Daughter, just 'cause I wasn’t interested in an album of covers.
Saw the poster the other day advertising her upcoming show, which reminded me of how I wanted the album. Was thinking of re-appropriating funds just a bit to pick it up. Thought if I found an enthusiastic Doper review it might push me over the edge.
Still money’s very tight, so re-appropriating funds is still something I’m timid about right now.
Back in college 20 years ago, I loved Natalie Merchant and 10,000 Maniacs, so much so that I was thrilled when they were scheduled to perform at a free concert in '92 or '93 at the submarine base here in Connecticut. I was the assigned engineering duty officer (EDO) that day on my submarine, but I managed to get someone to cover for me so I could walk over to the concert.
I was less thrilled when the group interrupted their set to unfurl a huge antiwar banner, and Merchant started spouting off a crazy antiwar diatribe. :rolleyes:
I have no problem with someone expressing their views, but why agree to perform on a military base to an audience composed of thousands of sailors, only to insult your hosts?
I thought it was a cheap shot and not at all classy.