American singer Natalie Merchant became known as the front woman of the alternative folk rock company 10,000 Maniacs. With this group she reached the international top at the end of the eighties. In 1994 she left the group for a solo career and made a strong debut with the acclaimed Tigerlily. The successor Ophelia made less impression but with Motherland Natalie Merchant has again delivered a
… convincing album. Together with the production heavyweight T-Bone Burnett (Elvis Costello, Roy Orbison), she provided the songs with appropriate arrangements, based on traditional instruments, without walking trodden paths anywhere. Notable songs are the Indian opener The House Is On Fire and Henry Darger, dressed with beautiful strings. Merchant's strong vocals definitely lift the music to a higher level. (MS)more
