A Re-imagined Classic
20 years ago, after leaving alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs, Natalie Merchant released her debut solo album, Tigerlily (1995), a fierce and eclectic album that set Merchant apart, selling over 5 million copies. Although much has changed in the past two decades, music transcends time, and this album is no different. Natalie Merchant’s new album Paradise Is There: The New Tigerlily Recordings, revisits the summit of her achievement with a re-recording of Tigerlily paired with a simultaneous release of Merchant’s memoir-styled documentary film. Merchant is also supporting the anniversary of Tigerlily with a brief international tour starting March 2016. The new album is set to release November 6, 2015.
As people grow and change, so does their music. The film paired with the album explores how Tigerlily shaped the artist, as well as her fans. On Paradise Is There, Merchant re-approaches her classic debut album from a refined perspective. Merchant, now 52, still maintains her beautiful and profound voice that has only improved with maturity. The revamped versions of her old classic hits emulate an intimate and warm coffee shop atmosphere. “Carnival,” lead single from the original debut, is reinterpreted on the new album unplugged and stripped to the essentials, voiced by an acoustic guitar, stand-up bass and mellow percussion. A saxophone is added to “Jealousy,” offering a jazzy take on an already sapid groove. “Wonder,” is reduced to a slower, fingerpicked ballad, accompanied by a piano and a snare drum. The recordings on Paradise Is There are a product of the evolution that occurred from years of playing the songs live, and the result is enjoyable.
Natalie Merchant explains, “Tigerlily is the most significant album I’ve made because it defined me as an independent songwriter after 12 years in 10,000 Maniacs.” Paradise Is There reminds us why her debut was so well received. The new installment is a welcome re-examination of an already incredible album.
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