10,000 Maniacs Album: “Extended Versions”

I was thinking this might be from an old show since all of the songs were written by Natalie Merchant. Sad to say, it is from a 2006 show so is missing Natalie and also Robert Buck. Still, good songs, but not done justice by the present singer for the Maniacs.

This is a live recording from 2006 so the lead singer is Oskar Saville and Mary Ramsey had returned to the band by this time as a backup singer/harmony singer and viola player. This was her original role when Natalie Merchant was in the band. The following year 2007, Saville left the band and Ramsey regained the lead vocalist position. For those interested, Saville has recorded an album of solo material called "A Girl Named Oskar".

The songs are all Merchant era songs here and the vocals are pleasant but they are not Natalie Merchant. It's like hearing the Doors with a different singer or if Mick Jagger had a sore throat one night and someone else got up on stage and sung his songs with the Stones backing him up solidly- not the same.

If you're a fan of 10,000 Maniacs, it's well worth it. If you're just getting to know the band, try "Campfire Songs."