classic album raising the bar as high as it can goJune 15, 2008 fortune cookie(clermont fl.) i remember seeing this when it first came out .the MTV unplugged series was definitely an armature show till natalie and the maniacs appeared and i never even heard of them the track- because the night became an instant hit you can still hear it on radios stations almost daily (my other favorite was -like the weather )all the tracks were great and the band and natalie were on point this show put the unplugged series on the map and set the standards high it was also visually pleasing to watch but they didnt put it on DVD my other favorite was the nirvana episode no DVD either
Lingers in your mind far after the music is goneApril 23, 2008 Amanda James Music recently discovered from younger years is better than finding a $20 in your pocket. You listened to any alternative rock in the 90's? Then you will remember the haunting vocals of Natalie Merchant with 10KM. I had previously bought the album to fulfill my Columbia house free CD roster. Given the chance to do it again, my other orders would have completed the 10KM collection. Even with MTV Unplugged defunct, the concept remains fantastic. Romantic. Idyllic. Stormy. Songs like "Jezebel" and "Stockton Gala Days" did not receive enough air time. There are a few songs that could do well with some electric affects. I will save that judgement for far more critical ears. Love. Loss. Where else can frontier women inspire such courage in music?
All in all, the songs will resonate with some part of your alternative experience. The movement has been stretched to include many forms. Could we bring it back from the mainstream? Here lies the answer. Indeed, take it to the violins. Now bring back the mandolin. Guitars fill the air. Frampton, your machine can come too. Roll it all up into the next music movement. Old musicians building houses? Make your way back with your dusty cases. There is a place in the scene for all. Heave aside American Idol. Eschew the labels. Ring in the old. Amputate the repetitive chorus. Mediate through to new ground. Perhaps 10KM can reunite for the new festival which is not really new. Albeit a bit long in word, one more rant for the road.
Remember when music used to bring light to dark places? The songs that especially bring this to mind with this album are the ones that you are most used to hearing. Something about the way that "What's the Matter Here?" sends chills down your spine. For there are those kids next door. Or the ones you went to school with. Resonating at the heart of every son on this album is that same message. Your ears may pick up on symbolism in "Noah's Dove" Or you can just sit back, relax and follow the piano. Understated, it completes the concert beautifully.
Quite Frankly one of the Best Albums I have ever heardJanuary 7, 2008 J. B. Smith(Raleigh, NC, United States) You know that question where you say what would be the 5 albums you would want with you on a desert Island? One of my answers is this album. It is exceptional. First, Merchant's voice is unworldly. Second, there are songs that are upbeat and some that are slow. Third the aucoustic nature of the album allows Merchant's vocals to really shine through. And lastly, this album has almost all of the best songs from the Natalie Merchant era of the 10,000 Maniacs.
If you are looking for a great album that will give you hours of listening pleasure, this one should be high on your list.
great songSeptember 17, 2007 The Count(Le Detroit) The Maniacs sound excellent here. Natalie Merchant's voice is great and the band captures the greatness of their songwriting while performing live. I enjoyed all of their cds and this was no exception. If you're looking for live versions of their songs then this is the place to look. Truly a great song list was performed during this performance.
Incredible concertJuly 4, 2007 John D. Ansell(Watsonville CA USA) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I just wish it was available on DVD, although the sound is great anyway. It's Merchant and The Maniacs at their best. The additional musicians are wonderful, The arrangements are wonderful, Merchant's voice is spectacular. You just have to forgive the restrained dancing and Laura Bush hairstyle. It seems Merchant was breaking out in her own way. After all the 80's were over and they didn't do "My Mother the War". . .
