10,000 MANIACS - Like the Weather - FIRST TIME COUPLE REACTION (The Dan Club Selection)

[@JKonstage]

Great reaction, guys! I knew you were unfamiliar, but many of the commentators have been hoping for 10,000 Maniacs for a while now. As well as Natalie’s subsequent solo career. Many great songs to choose from. This is a very upbeat song, even if it’s about not wanting to get out of bed on a lousy morning.

[@davidwoolbright3675]

Natalie Merchant is a treasure! The song may sound upbeat but it’s about depression and the inability to make yourself get up and moving because of it. You must must must listen to What’s The Matter Here. It is incredible!!

[@MissAstorDancer]

100%!

[@douglasg.9271]

Their “MTV Unplugged” episode was epic. One of the best live acoustic sets I’ve ever heard.

[@MissAstorDancer]

I was going to post the same thing! Epic performance!

[@JKonstage]

That’s a terrific album!

[@SMccrate01]

The Unplugged cover of Patti Smith's Because The Night is truly wonderful!

[@ToddFern]

Every song on that album/special was outstanding.

[@robgal9695]

Gold Rush Brides So awesome

[@williamstokes5299]

10,000 Maniacs and Natalie Merchant is a HUGE rabbit hole to go down. So much great stuff! I love Natalie.

[@darrellmcalister320]

I graduated high school in 1987. This album was huge. Hard to believe people today dont even know it exists.

[@jonathangilbert2456]

I haven't heard this in forever. Natalie Merchant is amazing. I always loved the way this song gives the instruments so much room to breathe...lots of space.

[@monacaravetta]

I have tickets to see her this Summer!!! Her voice still sounds terrific.

[@Merzui-kg8ds]

And it's a miracle she still has that voice, having almost lost it to a surgery.

[@hollysmith9979]

Natalie is such an amazing artist and we're going back to that alternative/indie time....love this and your reactions❤

[@linkjones4535]

Nick and Lex are willing to go down musical avenues that other reaction channels don't. I'm not surprised that they are one of the few to react to this song. 10,000 maniacs weren't mainstream in the 80's. I saw them in 1989 and they sounded so good live. Some songs were better than the album versions. Natalie studied dance so she danced differently for every song. She was known for doing a spin called 'The Maniac Spin' by some. When I saw them live she did her maniac spin during the song 'Don't Talk' a song worth hearing. Thanks for being different than other reaction channels in a much appreciated way.

[@jellyrollnorton]

This from their ‘In My Tribe’ album, which is one of those albums that doesn’t have a bad track on it. Their biggest hit is likely "These Are Days," which came out a few years before the singer, Natalie Merchant released her first solo album (also an album without a bad track on it).

[@lisaharrod8386]

Great reaction! Would you play, "What's the Matter Here?" by 10,000 Maniacs? First thing I heard by this band, and I was blown away. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@darkaether2798]

This is probably the most upbeat song about someone wanting to stay in bed. Verdi Cries on the same album is probably the most melancholy song about a holiday 😅 (but both are excellent!). Natalie’s solo stuff like the Ophelia album is also superb. Especially “My Skin” which you may have already heard somewhere 😉

[@michaelrohan443]

Astute comment about them being “alternative” at the time in 1987. They were and largely had an audience on college radio, which was where alt rock lived primarily before it became a broader format. They would be on stations playing groups like R.E.M. (who were early supporters), The Replacements, XTC, etc. The lead singer Natalie Merchant joined the band at 17 and was only 23 here. The band survives but with a different singer as Merchant went solo in 1993.

[@davidwoolbright3675]

XTC!! My favorite!!

[@martinleach3196]

This song is from their album called "In my tribe". It's a great, great album. Probably their best imo. Also check out the duet with Michael stipe from rem, on the song Photograph. Lovely stuff

[@deborahpaley21]

10,000 Maniacs! Rabbit hole!

[@papnicholson8407]

“Hey Jack Kerouac” is best! Of course being a fan of On The Road. A beatniks travel guide.

[@pauldaniels2019]

I always loved this song, and the album it comes from. Thanks for playing it and I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@scottanderson8420]

A great portal to open up for NicknLex Good Call JK. 👍👍 I was in graduate school when this came up to been lots of hours in my studio.There is so much other good material by 10,000 maniacs and Natalie Merchant. We all have our favorites this was a great one. Thanks for keeping it expansive and great reaction from NicknLex ❤️❤️

[@JKonstage]

Thank you!

[@evanhughes1510]

Two other big ones off that album are What’s the Matter Here (about child abuse), and Don’t Talk. The entire album is well regarded by critics. They had quite a few other radio hits as well, such as: Trouble Me, Eat For Two, These Are Days, Candy Everybody Wants, and their cover of Because the Night.

[@m.gideonhoyle409]

I loved this album; bought it when it came out. IMO, it still holds up today.

[@MissAstorDancer]

Same here, on LP! (And I bought VERY FEW albums in the 80s and 90s.)

[@rayhutchinson640]

Glad you enjoyed this, as there's so much good music from this singer and band. Cheers!

[@andrewsharah6206]

I recorded (VHS) this film clip in 1988 and loved it. So many memories.

[@CharlesDunkley]

One of my favorite albums from back then. Verdi Cries is my favorite from it. I highly recommend Natalie Merchant's performance on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert from 2016. It's a fantastic live performance of some of her solo works.

[@monacaravetta]

Thank you I was going to recommend it too.

[@evanhughes1510]

It wouldn’t make sense for them to see the Tiny Desk live performance of her solo work until they’ve actually heard the studio recordings of her solo work, from Tigerlily and Ophelia, particularly

[@MonsterSound.Bradley]

Natalie Merchant has a distinctive voice and lyric writing style. I saw an interview long ago and thought that she seemed really grounded and fun. Thanks J.K., NicknLex - Cheers 😊

[@JKonstage]

You’re welcome!

[@verrilli]

This group and also solo work by Natalie Merchant are among my favorites of late 80's and early 90's. Many catchy songs with meaningful lyrics.

[@maine420grow]

When they played this upon its release on 106.3 WHTG in NJ where I grew up, it was called alternative. MTV also had a show for alternative music called 120 Minutes. I can't say for sure but this may have been on that show.

[@jenwendy7]

they huge i played "In My Tribe" on a loop when this came out (i still have the vinyl) haven't heard this song in years so good to hear again

[@bradd8937]

I saw 10,000 Maniacs in Seattle in the early 90s. The Wallflowers (Jakob Dylan’s band) opened up the show on their first tour. Natalie came out during their set and sang on the song 6th Ave. Heartache which wasn’t even on their debut album. Good show.

[@kenthomas1845]

I’ve always loved this song. Thanks for this reaction!

[@edwardblonski4817]

10,000 Maniacs have been my favorite band since they played little clubs in Buffalo in the 80s!

[@gasaholic47]

10,000 Maniacs were practically the house band at the student Union on the University of Buffalo’s Main St. campus in 1981-82. They appeared a lot as they were originally based in Jamestown, NY, 2 hours or so south of Buffalo.

[@mmhey4688]

Natalie has and had the voice of an angel. The entire band, 10,000 Maniacs were an excellent back-up

[@patrickwilder6492]

The “Maniacs” are from our hometown in Jamestown, NY (as was Lucille Ball). This song depicts the weather, which is absolutely accurate at most times of the year ( when it’s not snowing ). Natalie left the band for a solo career, but the rest of the band continues to this day. R.I.P. Rob Buck

[@GunsmithSid]

This song was huge and the band well known and respected. Kind of a lighthearted crossover into my ‘serious listening’ days, but I loved it.

[@MisterWondrous]

Yay! One of my all-time favorite songs and albums. "Verdi Cries" And "What's the Matter Here?" are essential. Their "Peace Train" is also brilliant. Love Natalie. She could marry me if she wanted. :) Know y'all loved this, but lemme go see...

[@scottanderson8420]

That’s funny 😄 Natalie Merchant could’ve married me as well, I was willing and available at the time!😂😂😂 I would also like to hear them do hey jack Kerouac. Lots of good choices for them to hear.

[@rtwbikerider]

Great album. Nick and Lex could go deep into this one. Verdi Cries is a favorite of mine.

[@darkaether2798]

They stopped performing “peace train” after Cat Stevens called for the death of Salman Rushdie on television.

[@MisterWondrous]

@@darkaether2798 Why? He's not so bad looking. I know other people I'd rather be off television.

[@MisterWondrous]

@@rtwbikerider Verdi would like Verdi Cries. It has a life of its own.

[@SF_Bud]

Big fan here. Have all their albums (with Natalie, plus LAtR) and saw them live in 1993 on their Our Time in Eden tour and they were incredible. Natalie is an amazing singer and performer. Try "These Are Days" or "Jack Kerouac" next. After those, try "Stockton Gala Days" from their MTV Unplugged performance: their music translated very well to that format. Peace from SF

[@SMccrate01]

This is early Indie for sure. It was a taste of the post-punk 90's to come. Sixpence None The Richer, Cowboy Junkies, maybe even Everything But The Girl were contemporary but pointing to a more Pop/Folk future. Check out Edie Brickell and The New Bohemians as well. Their album Shooting Rubberbands at The Stars is amazing--and a truly beautiful piece of production on the original vinyl as well.

[@Dolfan5413]

They are my all time favorite band. So glad you get to hear them.

[@rmac8008]

Excellent choice Just got Natalie’s new release this week It’s great

[@georginawest3927]

Oh Natalie, haven't listened to you lately! Love 10,000 Maniacs and Natalie as a solo artist. Love it!!

[@doncarlton4858]

A great nugget you uncovered! Other New Wave groups like "10,000 Maniacs" are "The Motels", "Berlin" and "Martha and the Muffins"!

[@floorticket]

Woah, haven't heard this in forever. I saw 10,000 at "Laguna Seca Daze" 1993. Natalie dancing, swinging her hair around. Good times.

[@Danandrea919]

The album, Our Time In Eden by 10,000 Maniacs is absolutely phenomenal!! Every song is amazing! I highly recommend it!!

[@damonwiggins4035]

This whole album is fantastic! What’s the Matter Here? Classic

[@curtiskurokawa8200]

Discovered this album when it came out. I was intrigued by the album art and a cut was playing over the store PA at the time. Glad that I bought it then and still love it today. Lex will like the first cut What's The Matter Here, great lyrics and music.

[@davidwilkins5932]

The WHOLE album that it comes from is excellent, a classic.

[@msmrsro]

I had this album on cassette in college, back in the day. Great memories.

[@timdore1131]

Saw them open for REM in november 1985. Then they had a residency for a few weeks at the Varsity bar on campus (University of Alabama) shortly after that. She was a very unique performer and the band around her was really good too.

[@mtsuga]

Had this album on cassette when it came out. Whole thing is great.

[@johnheueisenIII]

This album was part of the backdrop of my prep school experience along with REM, and the Smiths. We referred to this genre as prep music.

[@barrykeleher2659]

Yes! Yes! Yes! Only Natalie Merchant can make a song about depression sound upbeat and groovy. In My Tribe is one of the best albums to come out of 1987. I was on a weekend road trip to NYC late that summer and my friend popped a cassette tape into his radio/cassette deck and I heard three loud drum beats, followed by a guitar rhythm like I’ve never heard before. The song was the first track called What’s The Matter Here. After about 30 seconds, I looked at Hal and said, “Who the f-- is this?! They’re AWESOME!” There isn’t a throwaway on the entire album, and it ends with one of the most beautifully melancholy songs I’ve ever heard… Verdi Cries

[@davidwoolbright3675]

I’m glad you get the song meaning!! And In My Tribe is a tremendous album!! What’s The Matter Here a huge standout but Verdi Cries is beautiful.

[@Jules-um4yy]

Great song - love Natalie Merchant and this band. Natalie has such a different voice and sweet, quirky way of performing, very much a free spirit🍂 Also check out "Wonder" - I think Lex would really like that one too. Thanks so much guys and JK for posting and reacting to this one!🧡

[@JKonstage]

You’re welcome!

[@evanhughes1510]

Yes Wonder, but please don’t do the music video, because it does not sound quite same as the studio/album version. Album version sounds so much better!

[@gotaytaygo1]

10,000 Maniacs and Natalie Merchant are some of the most underrated and incredible musicians, esp of “their time.” Also, massive shout out to Lex rockin’ the Yeti Cycles’ t shirt!

[@williammckay9229]

Saw 10,000 Maniacs at the Wiltern Theater in LA in 1988.

[@sarahzentexas]

Amazing song, saw them live in 92 or 93 in Austin in the old Palmer Auditorium. We were in the balcony, and the applause and foot stomping shook the floor. It was unforgettable, obviously…Natalie Merchant was a goddess.

[@Merzui-kg8ds]

is a goddess

[@richardfurness7556]

The late 80s saw some incredibly creative music. The Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, My Bloody Valentine, Microdisney, Throwing Muses, Shelleyann Orphan...

[@robertclark7157]

Have had the ( In My Tribe ) album since 1988.still one of my favourite.

[@paulnixon9861]

"Verdi Cries", the last track on the "In My Tribe", is a beautiful finale well worth listening to.

[@kevinjones4559]

Worth catching their MTV Unplugged gig. Should be on KZbin.

[@guyinsf]

Love 10000 Maniacs especially the album this song came from!

[@Vader1138]

One of the Athens GA alternative bands that came up along with REM. Good memories with this music. Love them.

[@neil3467]

More of a western NY based band. Spent a short time in Georgia but didn’t find success there.

[@midnightfury9001]

Wow, I bought this album on vinyl when it came out. The entire record is really quite good. Funny, I still have the plastic on the cover.

[@jackgilchrist]

I didn't like a whole lot of 80s and 90s pop at the time (I appreciate some of it more now than I did then), but I've always dug 10,000 Maniacs and Natalie Merchant's solo stuff. Something about her voice that I love. "Carnival" and "Wonder" are two of her popular solo songs from the Tigerlily album, and both are great. Maniacs also does a great cover of Patti Smith's "Because the Night" which I personally like better than Patti's (and I really like Patti's version). And there's much more where those came from.

[@fabiomanic6977]

I saw them live quite a few times, about ten, I think, and also got to meet them. if you like that kind of music, check the innocence mission early albums - songs liks "and hiding away" and "black sheep wall"

[@danielcasey4854]

Way Upstate NY music from the 80's! (They came out of Jamestown, NY) I was lucky enough to be in high school when this came out. She is a great talent. The entire band was great!

[@davidnelson6874]

In My Tribe was one of my favorite albums back in the late Eighties.

[@michaelbriefs9764]

10,000-Maniacs were really big when I was in College, at University of Maryland. It was them, and The Cure, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Smiths, REM, The Replacements and so many others! You guys should check out The Replacements! They are an incredible Alternative 80's/90's band! Very guitar-driven, Garage-Rock, and Punk-infused band, influenced by The Beatles, and Iggy Pop/MC-5, The Rolling Stones, Badfinger, Slade and others. They are great!

[@jayhpaq]

I see you have discovered Natalie…she and the Maniacs made some great music and after that she went solo. There are some great clips of her appearances on Letterman, he had a massive crush on her and had her on the show many times. Actually, so called “indie” music was prevalent throughout the 80’s, having f started with the punk movement in the late 70’s. Back then it was called New Wave, Post Punk, and later Alternative or College Rock. In the 90’s the term “indie” became more prominent but they mean essentially any underground non mainstream music. Imho this type of music from the 80’s onwards is where you will find the best quality and creativity as these acts had less pressure to be commercial and produce hits.

[@unichusettsofmassadversity9705]

I was in college in 1987. This band was very popular then, as was The Sundays, The Sugarcubes (ft.- Bjork,) Psychodelic Furs, XTC, UB40, Bob Marley, The Specials and many, many more! They may be good bands to check out, given all your blockages.

[@interstellardave]

Tragically underrated, forgotten, band! IMO they had 3 amazing albums all in a row that make them one of the best groups in their time. “In My Tribe”, “Blind Mans Zoo”, and “Our Time In Eden”. This song is great, but not their best, so you’ve got even better things in store if you check them out more.

[@edwardbloch6832]

Natalie had a great voice. But she found a really fantastic guitarist in Jennifer Turner, who probably very few fans now remember from Furslide in the 90s.

[@RGRG3232]

Another late 80s, early 90s group you've got to check is The Indigo Girls. Their song "Blood and Fire" gets to me every time. You can feel the emotions in this one. Well worth listening to.

[@richardurena8202]

the rabbit hole is deep with this group, and the burrows can branch off to extreems. enjoy

[@stuarthastie6374]

The spirit of Skiffle. I hve been fn feom first listen .Home cooked music. Best "Unplugged Session". Lind Lewis died tyesterday RIP

[@3DJapan]

This song was actually pretty popular in the 90s.

[@albertsmith9315]

When Natalie left this band, they just couldn't go on. 9,999 Maniacs just didn't have the same ring.

[@stevegajdzisz2130]

You guys remind me about how old l am. Not a bad thing. I was a fan of 10,000 Maniacs since they released their first album in 1983. They were heavily influenced by a British folk band, Fairport Convention who were popular in the late 60's. Checkout "Who knows Where The Time Goes" by Sandy Denny. She was the lead vocalist for Fairport Convention.

[@acehays]

Love Natalie, & the maniacs. awesome voice and she wrote some awesome songs regarding I guess exploitation of others, & social injustice, tough tear jerking stuff, can't hear "Whats the matter here" or "Trouble Me" Or "eat for Two" without tearing up to this day. That said I grew up in Buffalo but moved to Boulder in '80 and heard this on the radio cruising around Boulder and it stopped me in my tracks, it just so reminded me of home, and sure enough she grew up just outside of Buffalo, That was the hook but she is a true artist. Get into her.

[@itsmedrooms6071]

Love me some Natalie. There was a period during the late 80s into the 90s when she was so popular when the alternative rock movement became mainstream really. Her voice was so distinctive and her lyrics seem to be a product of a smart, creative and socially conscious mind…major respect.

[@seerofallthatisobvious1316]

If you're new to 10,000 Maniacs, please listen to "These Are Days" from the "Our Time in Eden" album. probably their biggest hit.

[@edwardlosty549]

The whole album is family stories, musically great but the storytelling lifts it up to another level.

[@jeffstokes7894]

'Y e p ! !' this band caught my ears, And eyes right out the gate when I first saw the video on Mtv (Music Television) ...became a fan & collected all the CD's on into Natalie's great solo offerings. They were definitely 'Indie' for the time period. [ I think they could of inspired (a li'l bit ] future bands such as 'The Sundays' ; which are great in their own right by the way. Nice Goin' 📺

[@charlie0871]

"Hey Jack Kerouac" is another GREAT song from the same album. Something a bit newer would be "These are the days", which is one of my favorites and one of their most popular songs. Natalie was an awkward rock star but her solo album, "Tigerlilly", came out in 1996 or so and was one of the most anticipated albums that year. I worked at Best Buy in the music dept at the time and we sold THA SHIT outta that one. Speaking of that generation (mid 90's), check out "The Gufs". They were very popular when their 1996 album was released. Based in the Milwaukee WI area, I even went to high school with Brian Pettit (their "Percussionist) who wore a kilt to our Prom, LOL! Great band for a minute. Check out "Smile" or "Crash (into me)".

[@monacaravetta]

In an interview Natalie said this song was about her battle with depression.

[@evanhughes1510]

No, she has never said it was about her. Just writing about the subject in general. She grew up in western NY which had a rainy grey climate similar to London, and she remembers the feeling of being brought down by whether. I don’t believe she has ever said she battled depression or anything like that.

[@monacaravetta]

@@evanhughes1510 I saw an interview many years ago on mtv and that’s what I heard her say.

[@gustavogutierrez9086]

I have been thoroughly enjoying your reactions across the board and specifically your 60’s and 70’s reaction since that was the music I came of age to, but I also am a big fan of indie rock and 10,000 Maniacs. Specially in the 80’s, you would want to check out The Pixies, Mazzy Star, REM, and The Replacements. Thank you

[@NicknLex]

Your very welcome

[@gustavogutierrez9086]

Given your love of 70's Prog Rock, please consider reacting to the band Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) from Italy. Their song La Carroza di Hans from the album Storia di Un Minuto is great, the whole album is a gem

[@JKonstage]

Nick did an REM reaction a few months ago. Check it ou!

[@SCVIndy]

Excellent song

[@Sprenklefish]

This song is very calming, but you should find the official video for it! She literally flying and falling through the air and stuck in a massive wind storm. Never a big fan, but I loved this song forever.

[@gphill3954]

Love this band..once saw them headline the Royal Albert Hall in London in their prime. “The Wishing Chair” album has some earlier songs..recommend “Scorpio Rising” a much heavier tune where Natalie’s vocals are tested beautifully. Personally Natalie’s last album with the band “Our time in Eden” is a regular listen in my playlists. I also agree with previous posters about her solo stuff..particularly “Tigerlilly”. Her homage to the late River Phoenix is haunting and touching.

[@ajcbng8289]

She's folk all down the road. ❤

[@curtismcneil8695]

A really good band from the 80’s and 90’s that featured Natalie Merchant. They were more Alternative, came ụp playing around the time of REM and the B52’s Can’t believe you never herd of 10,000 Maniacs ? In My Tribe is a fantastic album. Check out The Wishing Chair Album , Hope Chest which featured some of the bands earlier recordings and Trouble Me. Our Time in Eden. 10,000 Maniacs unplugged which is a collection of there greatest hits. I have seen them live when Natalie Merchant was the Lead singer and they put on a really good show. Natalie left group after 93 tour to per-sue a solo career. Mary Ramsey pretty much took over the lead singer role since with the exception of a few years.

[@EC-dz3fb]

𝐉𝐊! 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 pick! ♡

[@JKonstage]

Thank you!

[@thomaswalkowiak815]

She coordinated with Billy Bragg on an album singing Woody Guthrie music that is stunning

[@loadedorygun]

Natalie Merchant and REM’s Michael Stipe became very (platonically) close when 10kM had this album; they opened for them on the Green tour and she and Michael rode together in a separate bus with the windows open (or closed, I can’t recall which). He features on the song Campfire Song, in one verse. I actually like their earlier stuff as more interesting and unusual pop, but this album is very, very good. I really like Hey Jack Kerouac.

[@kennethlopez9295]

The entire "In My Tribe" album is fantastic!!

[@ReesesPieces634]

Back in the 80's sometime the Maniacs were gonna play at Tower Records (yeah the 80s). Everyone was there ready and the manager came out and said Natalie was not feeling up to it. Big bummer

[@dadof4813]

Amazing band. I saw them live many times I n the early 90’s. They are masters of putting hard hitting lyrics to upbeat music. Natalie Merchant has one of the all time great voices.

[@lendigregorio]

BTW, what happened to the Close to the Edge album in the background?

[@NicknLex]

We rotate the albums :)

[@kylewoolsey6635]

In My Tribe contains an impeccable batch of songs, and with good reason stands as a classic of indie music. This was an obvious , but somewhat of a sleeper hit, propelled by word of mouth from fans,not promotion by their label, resurrecting an album from nearly a year of languishing on the shelf. If you want to hear a more raucous side of the band, do the pre-fame track My Mother the War. The guitarist does some screaming guitar licks that would be out of place on the Police's hit Synchronicity II. However, the last album to feature Natalie contains my favorite song of theirs called Noah's Dove. The beautiful piano lead is worth the price of admission alone. It wasn't a single, just a great album track.

[@tombrearton3435]

Check out Natalie's cover of *Nowhere Man* from the *Come Together* tribute to John Lennon. She also recorded a very nice cover of Buddy Holly's *Learning The Game*

[@dalee72]

You were thinking of Nena when you were thinking of her song 99 Luft Balloons.