It’s been far too long since I’ve revisited 10,000 Maniacs’ 1992 album Our Time in Eden.
Of course, I can say that about hundreds of albums in my music collection. Which is one of the reasons I like these Random iTunes Weekends so much — at their best, they reintroduce me to something I haven’t listened to in years, rekindle memories and allow for a new appreciation of something long forgotten.
Other times I end up with Raffi in Concert.
Our Time in Eden was the last 10,000 Maniacs album to feature Natalie Merchant, which for my money makes it their last record, period. I know that’s not fair to the remaining band members, but her voice is so key to their sound that it’s akin to R.E.M. carrying on without Michael Stipe.
As for the best 10,000 Maniacs album, it’s a toss-up between this record and the band’s debut, In My Tribe. The latter has the element of discovery on its side, but I don’t know if even its best songs top ‘Noah’s Dove’ or ‘These Are Days’ from Our Time in Eden.
Today’s SOTD is another buoyant concoction, and it was a minor hit for the band. The uplift of the music is in stark contrast to the lyrics, which indict society (and the entertainment industry most directly) for pandering to the audience’s bloodlust.
if blood and love tastes so sweet
then we give ’em what they want
hey, hey, give ’em what they want
so their eyes are growing hazy
‘cos they wanna turn it on
so their minds are soft and lazy
well, hey, give ’em what they want
if lust and hate is the candy
if blood and love tastes so sweet
then we give ’em what they want
so their eyes are growing hazy
‘cos they wanna turn it on
so their minds are soft and lazy
well… who do you want to blame?
hey, hey, give ’em what they want
if lust and hate is the candy
if blood and love tastes so sweet
then we give ’em what they want
so their eyes are growing hazy
‘cos they wanna turn it on
so their minds are soft and lazy
well… who do you want to blame?
Meet Me In Montauk 
I’ve heard this song again and again and never truly focused on the lyrics until just reading them now WITHOUT playing the song. They remind me of the message in Tomorrowland, the film out in theaters now… which wolf are you going to feed? The irony is great, when the song itself does both things simultaneously… quite intriguing. And I agree – without Merchant, it’s not 10,000 Maniacs. They should just change their name.
Love this song and love Merchant’s voice always! Thanks for the weekend throwback treat.