10,000 Maniacs
In My Tribe

Born in Jamestown in 1981, the 10,000 Maniacs have written important chapters in the realm of the so-called "college rock" of the eighties American scene.

Their music is a successful alchemy of folk, pop, and rock. Their early works manifest the urgency of new wave and post-punk fury, which with maturity would translate into sunny pop-folk melodies. Above all, Natalie Merchant's voice stands out, along with her extraordinary songwriting, as evidenced by her solo albums.

"In My Tribe," the fourth album by the Maniacs, was released in 1987. It opens with the soft guitar tapestry of "What's The Matter Here?" on which Natalie Merchant tells us a metropolitan tale. "Hey Jack Kerouac" are thoughts directed to the mother of the author of "On The Road." "Like The Weather" is a mid-tempo where Robert Buck's guitar and Merchant’s voice chase each other along the verse and then meet in the chorus melody. "Cherry Tree" and "The Painted Desert" solidify the folk-pop terrain that the album traverses. "Don't Talk" is one of the gems that shine brightest on the album: a gem that would become a masterpiece in its version featured on "MTV Unplugged" in 1993. It continues with "Peace Train", a cover of Cat Stevens, testifying to their pacifist commitment. "Gun Shy" is another mid-tempo, this time with a "REM-like" flavor. "My Sister Rose" begins and ends with a Caribbean scent but contains elements typical of American folk. "A Campfire Song" is enhanced by the backing vocals of Michael Stipe, who was Merchant's partner at the time. In "City of Angels", it is Robert Buck's guitar and mandolin that accompany Natalie’s soft vocal harmonies. "Verdi Cries" concludes the album. And what a farewell... It closes with an absolute masterpiece: violin and cello weave delicate textures with Natalie Merchant’s voice and piano reaching great heights. You are moved after feeling the vibrations traverse your skin and touch your heart directly.

Critics consider this the best album by the 10,000 Maniacs. I, certainly influenced by personal passion, do not believe that "The Wishing Chair," "Blind Man's Zoo," or "Our Time In Eden" are inferior. Their entire production is characterized by honesty, passion, and commitment.

But beyond my opinions, I believe I have filled a gap on DeBaser (which previously held no trace of Natalie Merchant and the 10,000 Maniacs) with this, my first review.