Tigerlily

Jealous?
by: jennifer aicher

The first solo album from Natalie Merchant, formerly of 10,000 Maniacs, is a nice blend of this beautiful singer's talents.  Starting out with the mellow "San Andreas Fault", one can see the true talent in her lyrics.  The softness of her mesmerizing voice can lead one into a trance.  The whole album is very relaxing, with the few more upbeat songs being "Carnival" and Jealousy".

A fine first solo album, Merchant explores and experiments with various instruments and techniques.  The fine percussion work of Adriá n ló pez Guevarra in "Where I Go" adds a soft festivity to the song.  Also, the cello in "Seven Years" helps add to the contrasting energy within the final track of the album, leaving the listener with a sense of awe as the album comes to an end.