In any case: this CD was the last recording before Natalie Merchant left the band. It serves, in a strange way, as a Greatest Hits album. So why do I listen to it and just not get as worked up as I do for Like The Weather or Blind Man Zoo? Maybe a part of it is that I've never been enamored with the Unplugged series. I just didn't seem to get the idea that the band was into it. I give the idea that you could do better, in this case, to go for one of the earlier albums, and proceed from there.


Great!   October 13, 2006
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

The 10,000 Maniacs have been around since 1981, and it has been a great ride. This album came out in 1993, and features Natalie Merchant's excellent vocals. The band survived Natalie's move to a solo career, and she has done well on her own, but I must say that this album is when they all reached their absolute peak! With the excellent instrumentation and Natalie's beautiful voice, this is a great album to listen to.

I love this album, and its mix of bouncy and soulful tunes, especially These Are Days, Jezebel and Because The Night. This is a great album, one that is sure to please anyone who loves great music, especially unplugged music. I love this album, and give it my highest recommendations!


Not your typical unplugged...   July 14, 2000
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Usually, these unplugged events are less than wonderful, but this is an exception. 10000 Maniacs' background in folk music is a real asset, especially here. Instead of just playing the songs the exact same way as on the CD only unplugged (the norm), they have made subtle changes to the sound that really make a difference. "Eat for Two" has a slower tempo and a string/wind ensemble. There is a wonderful banjo part on "What's the Matter Here." Jerry Augustyniak softens the drums slightly and lays back accordingly. His drum part on "These Are Days" is different from the CD, but equally good. Rob Buck is just as comfortable on the acoustic guitar as on the electric. This kind of musical taste, ability, and sensitivity sets10000 Maniacs apart from the crowd. A compliment of extra musicans, including a certain viola player/singer named Mary Ramsey, round out the roster. Natalie Merchant shows why she is a star, and gives a great performance, but she does flub a note here and there. Because the Night may have been a big hit, but it is the most un-Maniacs like song here. Overall, this is one of the best unpluggeds ever, right up there with REM and Neil Young. Highly recommended.


Takes full advantage of the "Unplugged" concept   February 9, 2003
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Natalie Merchant and the rest of the band take full advantage of the "Unplugged" concept to provide excellent reworkings of some of their best material. I am not as familiar with their work as I could be; the only other Maniacs disk I have owned is "In My Tribe." However, "MTV Unplugged" has made such an impression on me--and has graced my CD player so many times--that it will always represent for me the quintessential Maniac sound--rich, full, warm arrangements including a full pallet of string and wind instruments. Well done.


Was there ever a better live album?   May 23, 2003
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

So I exaggerate a bit. But this album is certainly one of the great live pop albums, ranking right up there with "Live at Leeds" or "Frampton Comes Alive". It shows Merchant and the band at their musical and compositional peaks, with songs and performances that neither has been able to duplicate since. I can't think of a better farewell present to their fans.