10,000 Maniacs - MTV Unplugged
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Free Music Notes for MTV Unplugged
Free Music Review: A hauntingly exquisite live album
Hit: 5 Stars
This album stands as one of the most impressive MTV Unplugged albums ever recorded. The unique style and sound of the 10,000 Maniacs was captured beautifully in this concert, preserving an unforgettable legacy by the group which was essentially breaking up at the time this was released. Anyone who listened to the radio back then has to know and remember Because the Night. While it is still hard for me to believe this song so wonderfully suited to Natalie Merchant's voice was written by Bruce Springsteen, it served as a most impressive means of introducing Natalie Merchant sans Maniacs to the larger listening audience. Like many fans, I am not that familiar with the 10,000 Maniacs albums predating In My Tribe, but all of the 14 songs on this album (including four from In My Tribe) are just hauntingly exquisite. Each song tells a story, often a serious one touching on important social issues, infusing this modernized folk music with a very human folk music consciousness that speaks to both the head and heart in a number of very effective ways. If the unique sound of 10,000 Maniacs doesn't move you at first, give it a second listen, and I'm sure the power of the music will begin to reveal itself to you. It is unfortunate that Natalie Merchant left the group, but the magic that was 10,000 Maniacs has been wonderfully preserved in this truly incredible live recording.Free Music Review: Takes full advantage of the "Unplugged" concept
Hit: 5 Stars
Natalie Merchant and the rest of the band take full advantage of the "Unplugged" concept to provide excellent reworkings of some of their best material. I am not as familiar with their work as I could be; the only other Maniacs disk I have owned is "In My Tribe." However, "MTV Unplugged" has made such an impression on me--and has graced my CD player so many times--that it will always represent for me the quintessential Maniac sound--rich, full, warm arrangements including a full pallet of string and wind instruments. Well done.Free Music Review: Quintessential CD, you have to own it
Hit: 5 Stars
This is just a great CD. All of my favorite Maniacs songs are on this CD. I own a number of Maniacs CDs, and this is by far my favorite.A lot of times artists will play around a lot when they play live with the rhythms and sound, and it totally changes the way the songs sound. This CD is a rare exception of this back trend in recorded live music. The music sounds even better than the studio recordings.
Free Music Review: Natalie's Last Stand
Hit: 3 Stars
Little known fact: 10,000 Maniacs appeared on Unplugged in both of it's versions: the more well-known version that everyone and their mother seems to be on, and the original version, which was more focused on modern folk bands.In any case: this CD was the last recording before Natalie Merchant left the band. It serves, in a strange way, as a Greatest Hits album. So why do I listen to it and just not get as worked up as I do for Like The Weather or Blind Man Zoo? Maybe a part of it is that I've never been enamored with the Unplugged series. I just didn't seem to get the idea that the band was into it. I give the idea that you could do better, in this case, to go for one of the earlier albums, and proceed from there.
Free Music Review: Not your typical unplugged...
Hit: 5 Stars
Usually, these unplugged events are less than wonderful, but this is an exception. 10000 Maniacs' background in folk music is a real asset, especially here. Instead of just playing the songs the exact same way as on the CD only unplugged (the norm), they have made subtle changes to the sound that really make a difference. "Eat for Two" has a slower tempo and a string/wind ensemble. There is a wonderful banjo part on "What's the Matter Here." Jerry Augustyniak softens the drums slightly and lays back accordingly. His drum part on "These Are Days" is different from the CD, but equally good. Rob Buck is just as comfortable on the acoustic guitar as on the electric. This kind of musical taste, ability, and sensitivity sets10000 Maniacs apart from the crowd. A compliment of extra musicans, including a certain viola player/singer named Mary Ramsey, round out the roster. Natalie Merchant shows why she is a star, and gives a great performance, but she does flub a note here and there. Because the Night may have been a big hit, but it is the most un-Maniacs like song here. Overall, this is one of the best unpluggeds ever, right up there with REM and Neil Young. Highly recommended.