WOW!| FIRST TIME HEARING Natalie Merchant - Carnival REACTION

[@batmanforpresident9655]

Natalie Merchant is shamefully overlooked as a singer. Her voice is fantastic. You should also check out next her solo songs: "Jealousy", "Wonder", "Kind And Generous","Break Your Heart". Also with 10,000 Maniacs: "Trouble Me", These Are The Days", "What's The Matter Here", ,"Like The Weather", "Candy Everybody Wants", "Hey, Jack Kerouac".

[@1monki]

The live version of "Candy Everybody Wants" with with Michael Stipe of REM is great.

[@Merzui-kg8ds]

All these. Natalie Merchant is a gift.

[@marioruiz9259]

"More Than This" is with the singer who replaced Natalie Merchant in 1997: Mary Ramsey.

[@batmanforpresident9655]

​@@marioruiz9259 You are correct.. thank you.

[@mkmstillstackin]

Great recommendations, especially the Maniacs ones!

[@sandrasmile]

Natalie Merchant is a TRUE artist. The whole album "Tigerlily" is a work of art.

[@Kate-nr3fx3fi9o]

Absolutely!

[@kennethchancellor7095]

Indeed. Seven years is also amazing on that album. Gives me chills, and I'm an old man lol.

[@Jon1975NY]

“What’s the Matter Here” is an amazing and deep song by Natalie Merchant fronting 10,000 Maniacs.

[@juliewhite7469]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Civil_War_Now]

Child abuse

[@clare1061]

On her story tellers show she went into detail about the song & the meaning.

[@Civil_War_Now]

@@clare1061 She is a beautiful person. She was close to Michael Stipe.

[@paulwerner3259]

Yes ! I second this 10,000 maniacs what’s the matter here ?

[@bsiems_willieaugustproject]

Huge shout out to the BRILLIANT Jennifer Turner, the guitarist and backing vocalist on this album. She was only in her early twenties when Natalie Merchant recruited her to be part of this band, and she absolutely shined in the role.

[@nealm6764]

I just posted on that before I saw your comment. So used to the 1995 live version from East Rutherford, where Jennifer Turner just goes off on the solo that I felt shortchanged by the studio version of the solo! Good stuff.

[@bsiems_willieaugustproject]

@@nealm6764 , 100%, that live solo is absolute fire. Plus you get to see the incredible economy of movement of her fingers across the fretboard. Master class.

[@uwmxer]

@@nealm6764, Jen Turner kills on that whole set!

[@brandonhunter2001]

I went to high school with her. She's good people

[@joecrafted]

Her feel and playing on this album were so amazing. This is one of my favorite albums, specifically for Turner’s playing and poise. I love Natalie and have seen her a few times in concert, but feel like none of the guitarists she’s had since have measured up to the live shows (like East Rutherford) I’ve seen from this tour.

[@Tmemer88]

Natalie Merchant is f*king amazing! you need to do more of her!!!

[@evanhughes1510]

This was from 1995, heavily played on radio. And that same year, there were 2 other big songs by her also heavily played on radio and they were: “Wonder” and “Jelaousy”. Then 3 years later, in ‘98 she had another hit radio single called “kind and generous”

[@Inequities]

Shockingly, Natalie Merchant never had a top 10 Billboard alternative rock single in her entire career. I always considered her a rock musician more than a pop musician, yet every song you name did chart in the top 10 in the billboard hot 100 pop chart. (Edit: sorry, Kind and Generous hit #15 on the Hot 100).

[@AlanJobe]

Natalie is awesome. I suggest her KIND AND GENEROUS. She stated that it is her most requested song she has ever written. It's just beautiful.

[@Inequities]

Amber gonna cry when she hears that one

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

THIS ONE! I was really mostly only into punk and metal stuff when I first heard it, and it rocked me to the core.. still does every single time I hear it.

[@Inequities]

@@CANDOKNOWHOW same here 🥰. I think hearing such a gifted singer and musician articulate “gratefulness”and “thankfulness” musically is something so beautiful and moving that it can be one of the most emotionally gratifying things to listen to.

[@censorshipsucks9493]

It's a simple song, yet so beautiful. Her voice, as incredible as it is, sounds even more haunting in that one.

[@benjammin7729]

The 90s were an amazing time for women in rock, especially alternative. Natalie Mechant, Tori Amos, Alanis Morissette, The Cranberries, Garbage, Fiona Apple, PJ Harvey, Veruca Salt, The Breeders, Liz Phair, Suzanne Vega, Joan Osborne, Bjork, No Doubt, Mazzy Star, Portishead, Sarah McLachlan, Annie Lennox... And it wasn’t like “hey listen to these female rockers.” They were just part of the scene and played every other song on alternative radio like there was no difference. Their music was just as relevant and kickass as the men.

[@feminist5641]

Been trying to turn Amber on to the whole Lilith Fair scene for months now!

[@benjammin7729]

@@feminist5641Nice! Definitely her speed.

[@jeffk.9075]

@@kathimoore6527 She's been relevant for more then just the 80s.

[@Wrangzilla]

@@kathimoore6527 That's not right. 10000 Maniacs was 80's. Natalie Merchant as a solo artist and how people know her was 100% 90's.

[@robmontoya8618]

Add Paula Cole, Meshell Ndegeocello, Tracy Chapman, Joan Armatrading, Shawn Colvin, Ani Difranco.

[@robduncan2816]

"wonder" is a 1000% must, its Natalie solo. like seriously, dont let another day go by without listening to "Wonder" . "because the night" with 10,000 Maniacs is fantastic, as well. on top of being wonderfully talented, shes a fantastic human being

[@robduncan2816]

bump

[@DewJee2019]

And the official video is essential for Amber.

[@robduncan2816]

@@DewJee2019 100%

[@robduncan2816]

bump

[@normabreazile5500]

YOU’VE MADE ME SMILE!!! 😃😃😃😃😃😃 Thank you for choosing Ms Natalie Merchant…I’ve always loved her voice and music! My favs are JEALOUSY…THESE ARE THE DAYS…..BUT, my absolute favorite is WONDER!! 😃

[@DannX68]

Have you seen the movie of the same name? It was based on a book inspired by the song 😃

[@normabreazile5500]

@@DannX68 Was it the one with Julia Robert’s ? 🤔 If so, I sure did. Such a good movie. Thank you for letting me know. Happy Holidays 😃🎄

[@DannX68]

@@normabreazile5500 Yes, that one 🙂

[@surlechapeau]

Jay & AMber, you'll love her "Wonder" and "Jealousy" !!!! also "These Are Days" and "Because The Night" when she was in 10,000 Maniacs! edit- the official video of "Wonder" is a must. Thanks for finally doing Natalie! Natalie wrote and produced "Carnival".

[@ingridgonzalez9048]

@surlechapeau, my favorites are "These Are Days" and "Candy Everybody Wants".

[@Hawkman007]

@@ingridgonzalez9048 The live version of These Are Days from their Unplugged session is a must!

[@johnhess9070]

the guitarist on wonder is incredible. can't remember her name. verdi cries is also a fav of mine

[@skerr808]

​@@johnhess9070Jennifer Turner did most of the guitar work for the Tigerlily album I think

[@surlechapeau]

@@johnhess9070 Jennifer Turner

[@hope4thin65]

Jay and Amber both really hit the jackpot when they married each other. What a truly beautiful couple inside and out.

[@23chiffy]

One of the most beautiful voices of all time

[@markzalubas5793]

We saw Natalie Merchant in June at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra backing her. She was totally in command of the stage, performance, and audience. To my mind, she's one of the senior ambassadors of music. Adored her when she was with 10,000 Maniacs and still do. Keep bringing her.

[@jeffk.9075]

We saw her in April at the Hershey Theatre. Everything you said describing her stage presence is absolutely true.

[@kerriesapala7425]

I am so happy you found Natalie Merchant.

[@neilkapelka2557]

Natalie has so many good songs, please do more reactions to her ❤

[@ehrsusan]

I had no idea you hadn't reacted to Natalie. She is so wonderful! If you think Carnival was good, just wait!

[@richarddennis4785]

I was a big fan. While Carnival was good, I prefer some of her other hits and even some less known songs. Hope they do more!

[@stang7342]

I've suggested her multiple times... Finally!!!

[@feliciachaste]

@@stang7342 me too! so glad they finally reached her.

[@davidnicholas6257]

"These Are Days". A beautiful song

[@kelsosemail]

Natalie! Effing! Merchant! YES! Haven't checked if tou've gotten there yet, but if you haven't, DO NOT SLEEP on the 10,000 Maniacs, her the band she fronted before going solo! WHAT A VOICE! And what a songwriter!

[@kelsosemail]

HA! Hadn't listened to the intro yet! Okay... so you'll be getting to the Maniacs! GOOD! Can't wait!

[@marklinfleshman]

Been madly in love with her music for 30 years…her latest album has been in heavy rotation on my Dailey playlists. Stunning poet.

[@AgunziLFC]

This whole album is fire! So good.

[@vanessakilgore9891]

First song I ever heard her sing it was a song called WEATHER very underrated song ,Natalie was so talented ❤ great reaction squad❤❤❤

[@joetoth2564]

Like the weather

[@joemc1960]

I was asleep on a Saturday night in 1988 when I heard a great song on my tv and it woke up. It was 10,000 Maniacs on SNL performing “What’s the Matter Here”. She was so beautiful and captivating, I must’ve watched that clip about 20x in a row.

[@ronnix23]

Amber, her song "Wonder" is right up your alley. You will love it, especially the message.

[@Beitlet]

I haven’t heard this in years! And I remember getting the album and listening to it over and over and over. Love, Natalie Merchant’s voice and the music was awesome.

[@lisemzarate4029]

Trouble me is personally my favorite, This song talks about our personal responsibility within the lives of others, and she's questioning whether the visual spectical around us is a worthy enough distraction from our true work as human beings, most of her songs are poetic but the themes are typically based on perspective, cause and effect, emotional health, self awareness and social responsibility, she is a truly talented writer.

[@lisafrancesdelamorena1315]

Oh, that is one of my favorites too! And I love headstrong from the 10,000 maniacs! That’s a good rockin tune.

[@crisarnette949]

Natilee merchant has a great voice and great song! ❤

[@KenRoerden]

Thank you for getting to Natalie. I hope there will be plenty more in the future. 10,000 Maniacs was formed in 1981 and there is 40 years of her music out there. The videos for These Are Days and Like The Weather are beautiful visually, as well as musically and lyrically. Don't Talk is a very poignant song. They did an MTV Unplugged concert in 1993 and did a great cover of Because The Night. When Natalie left The Maniacs we didn't know what was coming. The result was Tigerlily in 1995, the album Carnival is from. Every song on it is fantastic. Check out Seven Years and Beloved Wife. Kind And Generous from her second solo album is one of her most popular songs and always gets the audience on its feet. Natalie was a whirling dervish on stage in the 80s. Some live performances will show that. Her dancing is more fluid now and she has been touring for her new album Keep Your Courage. Sister Tilly is my favorite from that album. Besides giving us all of her wonderful music, Natalie is a wonderful human being.

[@donaldchase9250]

The song “Because the Night” from 10,000 Maniacs, “Unplugged” is an absolute must hear. It was written by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith, but the 10,000 Maniacs cover is the definitive version the song in the same way Hendrix’s cover of “All Along the Watchtower” has become the definitive version of that song. It’s a top 10 cover.

[@saum02]

100% agree !

[@BeckyLStoutWriter]

Yes! I was just listening to that song the other day! And maybe I was singing along. 😏

[@jasonb2674]

LOVE Natalie Merchant. She’s an amazing story teller!

[@bobburroughs6241]

The live version of this is mesmerising.

[@lisalovemc717]

One of my favorite 90s female singers. Love her.

[@jasonmgomez]

for real, she is my favorite female vocalist of ALL TIME. Found her when I was 15 and she was part of a band called 10K Maniacs. 50 now, nobody has come close to her.

[@tcpm]

I’ve been begging for Natalie! Thank you for trying her out.

[@othermotte]

I was lucky to see Natalie in London last month; she was incredible. A beautiful voice and a beautiful soul and... something often overlooked is that she in one the USA's best-ever songwriters,

[@joesmith8725]

10K Maniacs!! Natalie Merchant! '80s and '90s college/alt rock,

[@kimberlyviolaraysor1008]

Thank you for reacting to Natalie Merchant...I really enjoy her music 🤗. Everyone and y'all's family always stay blessed and healthy ✝️🙏🛐🕊️

[@DannX68]

Yes! Finally! Thank you!! I'm one of those who have suggested her a bajillion times! I hope you will continue with her stuff, as well as that of 10,000 Maniacs. Story time. I'm from Denmark. Back in 1998 I visited a friend of mine who lived in New York at the time. One day on the radio I heard a song I loved right away, but I didn't catch neither the title nor the artist. So I went hunting. Bought a handful of CDs with female artists I didn't know. Lo and behold, one of them was Natalie Merchant's second solo album, Ophelia. And the song was on there! I was super happy and it quickly became one of my all time fave albums. I promised myself, that if she ever was to tour in Europe, I would travel there. In 2018 she released her tour plans and she came to the UK! I bought tickets to her stint in Queen's Hall, Edinburgh, and in July I went to Scotland for the first time in my life. I didn't get the best seat, it was on the balcony. I could see the stage, but not too well. The sound was amazing, however. I was seated next to a Brazilian girl. During Natalie's song, Kind and Generous, she started dancing through the crowd on the floor. I said to the girl, that I'd wish she come to the balcony, nad BAM, in that moment the door behind us opened and she came in, singing and dancing. She shook my hand as she danced by! After the gig ended, the Brazilian girl told me she had had a look-around earlier, and was almost certain she had found where the artists would exit the building, and she asked me if I wanted to come. So around the building we went. We were only like 5 people or so. Then, after a 20 or so minutes wait, Natalie Merchant came out! She greeted us all, took time to talk to us, even asked about my funny bag I had bought in Barcelona, and volunteered to have pictures taken with us. She was so, so nice. So, even though I didn't get the beast seat at the concert, it ended being one of the best anyway.

[@ianberger1627]

Ophelia was my first contact with her. MTV unplugged “Gold Rush Brides”, “Verdi Cries” and “Gulf of Araby” show her incredible power and emotional range really well

[@DannX68]

@@ianberger1627 Jezebel, too ❤️

[@dorieann64]

She’s beautiful and mesmerizing.

[@kenneth1342]

This woman's voice makes my spine melt every time I hear her. 😍

[@barbaralindsey9587]

FINALLY You can’t go wrong with Natalie .

[@johnenglish1955]

My all-time favorite female vocalist who I have been in love with for over 30 years. ❤

[@lancesmith1312]

The golden voice from 10,000 Maniacs

[@stevehamilton8824]

Natalie was a part of the band 10,000 Maniacs early on but went solo and made some amazing music. People have listed songs below to check out. This is a good start.

[@user-yg6ft1iu1i]

Stevehamilton8824. I agree but I’d add makes some amazing music her lasers came out last spring is amazing as wee Tower of Babel is such a good song

[@feliciachaste]

the new album is one of her best!

[@jamesscully529]

Saw Natalie a few times with the 10,000 Maniacs before she went solo but never got the chance to see her later. She was the heart and soul of that group, and I know she is still out there thou not quite as busy as she used to be. She was in with Sarah McLauchlan and Paul Cole with Lilith Fair, festival that celebrated female muscians in the mid 1990s that put the issue of equality at the forefront.

[@Hawkman007]

For sure. 9,999 Maniacs never were quite as popular after she left. ;)

[@scottNNJ]

Paula Cole- there’s a name I hadn’t thought about in awhile. Jay and Amber should check out “Where have all the cowboys gone?”

[@richarddennis4785]

@@scottNNJ Absolutely! Yes!

[@richarddennis4785]

Speaking of Sarah McLauchlan.... RSR really needs to do more of her. And there is nothing more appropriate for female Friday, the creator of Lilith fair that promoted women artists!

[@billyf2833]

Jennifer Turner is an awesome guitar player. Great ideas, selection of notes, and tone. Also great backing vocals.

[@PhoenixRisen63]

I love her Tiger Lily album. This song and 'Wonder' are my favorite tracks. This one is just such a silky smooth groove....can get lost to it.

[@DaveM-FFB]

You guys jumped right into my playlist with Natalie Merchant. It's all about light jazz and the lyrics. Very mellow and reflective. I also love her in 10,000 Maniacs but that's more pop and upbeat.

[@chrisnadge7989]

I have been a music fan since I was VERY young. I have been a guitar player for over 35 years, and enjoy many artists of many styles. This is one of my favorite songs. The guitar on the recording is perfect. The playing and the recorded sound is absolutely perfect.

[@deathsurge666]

Definitely need to hit “These are the Days” and “Verdi Cries” by 10,000 Maniacs. The latter is one of the most heartbreaking songs you’ll ever hear.

[@wordygirlandco]

❤My favorite thing about Natalie is her songs stay with you for a while after you here her. This is just the tip of the ice berg of her talent. Enjoy your deep dive exploring Natalie Merchant and 10,000 Maniacs. You have a huge list of music you are working on Natalie is definatly worth it.

[@kimmycook2698]

I cannot recommend her more...I fell in love with her voice in the 90's. Jealousy, Ophelia, I May Know The Word...she is amazing

[@ultem2323]

My favorite Natalie Merchant songs; The Weather, Trouble Me, These are the Days, Whats the Matter Here

[@brenspin]

Natalie Merchant's album tracks "My Skin" and "Beloved Wife" are two stunningly beautiful songs.

[@FunsongsMusicByPeterRahill]

From one of my favorite, most-played CDs, back in the day. Such a well-produced album, certainly best listened to loud.

[@kathyjam2482]

I love her voice!

[@StasiA70]

I just love Natalie Merchant. So glad you reacted to this! ❤

[@jennielder]

Another vote for "Kind and Generous," and also 10,000 Maniacs "Verdi Cries."

[@SuperScorpio1030]

Natalie Merchant has been a favorite of mine for a long time. “Tiger Lily” was a great album and so was “In My Tribe” when she fronted the 10,000 Maniacs” I was crushing on her in the late 80’s-early 90’s😍

[@flodee8561]

She is so overlooked to be the talent she is! Great voice, style, and talent.

[@janicez2630]

I absolutely wore out her Live in Concert 1999 CD. She is amazing....she does an awesome version of Space Oddity on that album.

[@DannX68]

And The Gulf of Araby ❤

[@kevinehle6637]

No matter what year we are in, Natalie and her songs seem current. Her vibe ages well. ❤

[@VogonPoet67]

So glad to see you guys finally react to Natalie Merchant. Keep going with her. Her voice is absolutely unique.

[@jamesgonzales5285]

Thank you for showcasing the amazing talent of one of my all time favorite voices, Natalie Merchant. 👊🏼👍🏻

[@johnalden5821]

I've followed Natalie since she was the lead singer for 10,000 Maniacs back in the early 1980s. She is a poet, no doubt, and her distinctive voice is really a showcase for the intense, empathetic songs she has written, both for the Maniacs and in her solo career. She is still active, btw, and I think she is touring. She came out of the alternative rock, college music scene 40 years ago, but she has since explored her own sound -- often infused with Folk traditions. For me, she is the epitome of a singer-songwriter and the voice of my generation.

[@gsc76]

Tigerlily is one of the most underrated albums of the 90s. Artistic straight through. Good vibe.

[@brianduffens2803]

I remember being so sad when she left 10,000 Maniacs! Then, when she released her solo album "Tiger Lily", I realized it was a total masterpiece and became glad she left.

[@betterinthe80sdude]

Natalie Merchant is top 5 female singing voices of all time for me. Up there with Ann Wilson, Stevie Nicks, Whitney, and Dolores O'Riordan. Her voice is mesmerizingly beautiful.

[@elebenty5709]

You just reminded me of Miriam Stockley who did "Perfect Day" used on the Beatrix Potter series that came out in the 90s. She also did the cover of Rose Royce's "Wishing on a Star" that was used for the 10th Kingdom miniseries. (Which Amber & Jay would love.) She worked with Mike Oldfield later, but I'm more familiar with his songs featuring Maggie Reilly ("Moonlight Shadow", "To France"), who also has a great set of pipes.

[@MikeR773]

Yeah please do “Because the Night” by 10,000 Maniacs live (MTV Unplugged) featuring Natalie Merchant. It’s awesome. Jay will love the piano riff on that one.

[@JT-ok6re]

For me the 90s were iconic Natalie Merchant! A lot of the things that I did in my twenties.It seemed to really had a Natalie Merchant theme with it. Her music was all around during that time.

[@Hawkman007]

So glad you found this one and reacted to it - a very underrated tune from the 90s, IMO. Natalie Merchant has one of the most powerful soft voices I've ever heard.

[@gustonzimasheen]

I've been a fan of Natalie Merchant since her early days of 10,000 Maniacs. Some real gems from that band. Their Unplugged live performance album is amazing.

[@losdesmayosdeNestor]

Natalie Merchant is amazing, thanks for reacting

[@bashab3098]

Natalie Merchant could sing the phone book and the fans would turn up ❤

[@o_Heckle_o]

I remember this song being in an episode of „Xena: Warrior Princess“ which was so unusual for that show, but that’s how I learned about Natalie. Good times!

[@TheNotedHero]

Yay! She's such a great singer and always has interesting songs! Please react to her in 10,000 Maniacs! Two great songs: "These Are The Days" and "How You've Grown" which always hits me in the feels.

[@TonyPucci11]

10,000 Maniacs! We all fell in love with Natalie with “Like the Weather”, but I think “What’s the Matter Here?” will blow you two away, both in her performance and the songs message.

[@feliciachaste]

Natalie is an artist you really need to explore more. She performs often with different orchestras so her music often features horns and strings. Her arrangements are beautiful.

[@redchick5278]

Wonder by Natalie is a definite FF pick! She is amazing!

[@katherineharman9289]

Just got to see her in concert a few months ago. Still an amazing performer. Powerful, soulful, poetic voice.

[@DRE_vid]

The one unique voice in popular music. Strange, ethereal, haunting ... god I love this voice.

[@rwschumm]

I think Amber missed the guy with the 'elephant trunk' on his nose. :) Her voice is another instantly-identifiable one... Relaxed & Cool! Great Choice You Guys! :)

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Many thanks to Amber and Jay! 🎪 I adore Natalie Merchant's voice. Try to get through most of her solo and group work, if you can.

[@joecanady2345]

Great voice and i've always loved the guitar in this and some of her other songs as well.

[@shaynewest8757]

One of the greatest voices and songwriters in music. Noone else can make idealism sound so haunting.

[@cookingartguy2170]

I saw her in concert a few months ago with the Florida Philharmonic here in Fort Lauderdale. Absolutely mesmerizing concert and one of the best that I've ever seen. If you ever get a chance to see her, she is a magnificent musical artist.

[@anthonyblakely399]

Oh wow. Natalie Merchant is excellent songwriter. Singer. Musician. Almost like Carol King. Fantastic! Such a legend!😊

[@scottvanhille5688]

Such a good song. Talented artist. She deserved more.

[@ericmcnair4083]

Can't believe it's taken this long to see Natalie Merchant on the channel. I loved her with 10,000 Maniacs. "Like the Weather" is my favorite song by them.

[@jamiedianne6778]

Looooooooove Natalie Merchant! 🙌🙌🙌 She’s incredible! I love the songs “Like the Weather” , “Trouble Me”, and “Because the Night” she did with 10,000 Maniacs. Plus just any of her solo songs, they’re all good 🫶

[@jpcards]

So glad you started with Natalie Merchant. She is an excellent musician and singer, and this song's album, Tigerlily, was one of the best of the '90s IMHO. "Wonder" and "Jealousy" were also big from this album, and are musts. You'll love Wonder!

[@firedoc5]

Love Natalie. Whether it was with the Maniacs or solo, she's just amazing.

[@davidwalker683]

She has a killer version of because the night

[@jennifermcmillen9018]

Absolutely love Natalie's voice and how unique she sounds.

[@The80sCat]

"Trouble Me" and her cover of Cat Stevens "Peace Train" with 10,000 Maniacs are both worth a listen.

[@AB-pu6xl]

‘Wonder’ is a fantastic song by her

[@peace-and-quiet]

I only have two all-time favorite albums, so far and Natalie's "Ophilia" is one of them.

[@richarddennis4785]

I love that album. Some of my favorite songs (though less well known) by her!

[@strangebotwin-]

Yeah! Natalie is from my hometown! Jamestown, NY

[@rhwinner]

The great Jennifer Turner on lead guitar. Amazing song.

[@williamstokes5299]

Thank you! I love Natalie Merchant! I had a big crush on her in the 80s & 90s. A deep rabbit hole!