10000 Maniacs is a quite extraordinary music entity. Originally fronted by the highly gifted, innovative Natalie Merchant, the outfit was blend of modern + traditional instruments, creating a neutral, original sound with a folky twist. Although the cultural style was perhaps a bit kitsch Americana, the expressive style was very strong, vibrant, emotional and evocative, making 10000 Maniacs a highly nurturing and distinctive outfit that one could instantly recognize, rising high above any so-called 'college rock' style they were tagged with. Although Mary Ramsey was a satisfying replacement for Merchant when the act reformed in 1996 after a 3-year split, she surely couldn't match the climatic innovation, depth, charm and personality that Merchant brought to the act's original wave. That said, Merchant's solo career was a great step forward, allowing her to further develop her idiosyncratic, tender, refined, intimate and wholesome style of songwriting and performing that ranks her alongside the likes of Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush.
NoisePollutionUK
September 11, 2017