The Best CD's of the Last Ten Tears Part 2

I began the counting down the best CD's several weeks ago and promised to add to it every Friday. Well I didn't, and todays not Friday but since it's my site I can do what I want.

This week's (month's?) installment brings us a CD by one of the most Liberal singers in America (she links to the Nation on her site and was a supporter of Howard Dean):

Natalie Merchant-Tigerlily
I became a huge Natalie fan when she sang with 10,000 Maniacs, along with REM probably the iconic "college music" bands of the eighties. I still think Our Time in Eden is one of the best albums I've ever heard, alas it's older than ten years old so it's not eligible.

Tigerlily was Merchant's first solo album and she picked an excellent ensemble to back her including guitarist Jennifer Turner whose guitar style was a great compliment to Merchant's haunting voice.
The CD opens with San Andreas Fault with it's tale of high dreams shattered, into Wonder singing about the joy of being a woman. I must cut in here and say that it makes my wife very happy that I'm 'sensitive" enough to like Natalie, but I am a huge fan of good music. Beloved Wife is the bluesiest non-blues song I've ever heard, which may sound a little funny but one listen and you'll know what I mean.
The CD segues into River than onto Carnival, an outstanding display of Merchant's vocal talents and a song that Turner is perfect by being subtle. Jealousy is the next quality song with Merchant singing of a former flame and wondering what is better about his new love:

Is she bright
So well read
Are there novelsBy her bed?
Is she the sort
You’ve always said
Could satisfyYour head?

My second favorite song on the album, a close second to the first track is Where I Go in which Merchant sings of a place that we all need; a place where we can go to chill and think.
Subsequent Natalie Merchant releases have not matched the overall quality of Tigerlily with the possible exception of her live CD. Her latest The House Carpenters Daughter is a collection of old, forgattoen folk tunes that is worth a listen. Merchant made the bold move and did not re-up her contract with Elektra and opted to produce and market the album herself.

Update: More music thoughts here.