She sounds bored in this version

I gave it an eight...but I would like that to go for the guitar bit

 Sasha2001 wrote: 
On the other hand, in view of the tampon shopping, she may have just been having a bad week.  I understand a little tetchiness can sometimes occur at those times.

 I understand Natalie, "sasha2001"  was certainly a strain for her nerves!
...and Rob Bucks knew, from now on the 10´000 Manics never the same as before 

Proclivities wrote: 

She's watched a little to much Letterman maybe
MsJudi wrote: 

I love her, but dammit, I wish she'd learn that there's NO "m" in "hypnotize"!

 Sasha2001 wrote: 
So, I gather a romantic interlude was entirely out of the question.  Good story, thanks.

A great and relaxed voice

Never heard this live version.  Me likey.

The original version comes from a GREAT album, Tigerlily.  The guitar tone on this track is sublime.

This version is actually not bad, IMHO. 

Well, tonight I really enjoyed that.

 Sasha2001 wrote: 
I love asshole rock star stories.

 Dr_Taco wrote: 
Aha! That's it! One of main reasons that NM irritates me so much - and she does, really really a lot - is that she sounds so awfully bored. There's just no emotion or depth projected.
I might concede that she is a good songwriter if I bothered to listen, but I can't get past the instinct to turn off the sound. Maybe if I could hear a cover of one of her songs I could appreciate it. 

 papajoe_aiea wrote: 
I can see how her voice can turn some people off, but I like it.  I think she falls into the catagory of singers who's voice doesn't need to be perfect because it's just interesting or different enough to entrance me.  Think Dylan, Young, and even Tom Petty.  A poet who's words transcend the classic definitions of a singer.

 papajoe_aiea wrote: 
PSD ???? Papajoe Swooned Dismally ?

Am I a bad person because I just don't get NM?  Will always get a PSD...

I think even she is bored by this song.

Good story, Sasha.  I agree with EDO.

great song and nice to hear the live version, but man, the band really botched the ending! wow

 Sasha2001 wrote:  Thanks for the story.  That's why I read these.
  

I really like this women's voice, music, lyrics, and back-up band.
I'd like to see her in concert.. very talented!
Screw it, I'd get her any flavor of gum she wants, just as long as I can watch her do her thing  !

Extreemly good long stretch of music right now, thanks!

 Stingray wrote: 
I believe you missed daedalus's point, Stingray. He said the band really cooks; it's Natalie Merchant's singing he doesn't think is up to snuff. (I don't agree with him on that point, btw, but he's entitled to his opinion).

 Sasha2001 wrote: 
so what....?

I was moving to the music before she started singing—just digging the band—not a huge fan of NM but this song is an exception—I usually think she mumbles vs. singing.

 daedalus wrote: 

Nothing, literally NO THING is true in what you say!
Her band is AAA-league and eXXXellent (for example).

Ever heard of Graham Maby - you moron?

Shame her singing talents don't match her skills at writing and picking  a great backing band.
This band really cooks!  

 Stingray wrote: 
Should have the opportunity to meet her some day - you might change your tune. Sophomore year in college and the 10,000 Maniacs were playing at our school. I was tasked with following her around all day and being her personal secretary. She put me through my paces and had me running around all day - I think just to prove some point which I could never figure. Stuff like,

Natalie: I need chewing gum.

Me: What flavor?

Natalie: I don't care, any flavor.

(20 minutes later)

Me: Here's your gum Ms. Merchant.

Natalie: Oh, call me Natalie. What flavor is this?

Me: Spearmint

Natalie: I HATE spearmint! Go back and get me cinnamon - and I need a box of tampons (I am not making this up!)
Anyway, she was a bit of a c—t, and I don't use the term loosely.  Robert Buck was really cool however. He said at some point that day, "She's just being an a-hole because she signed a deal for a solo album and she's leaving the band after the next few gigs."

So many memories.

NATALIE IS WONDERFUL!
PURE SOUL...