Album Review - Natalie Merchant - Retrospective 1995-2005
John Metzger
Following Campfire Songs, last year's career-spanning compilation from
Natalie Merchant's former group 10,000 Maniacs, comes Retrospective
1995–2005, a collection that gives similar attention to her solo work.
While a deluxe edition that adds a second CD of rarities and concert
cuts is also available, the basic set not only paints a sufficiently
accurate portrait of her endeavors, but it also feels remarkably
cohesive. In chronologically presenting a blend of hits and well-chosen
highlights drawn from her quartet of studio efforts (Tigerlily, Ophelia,
Motherland, and The House Carpenter's Daughter), it immediately becomes
apparent that Merchant never lost her knack for crafting seductive
melodies (Carnival) or making poignant political statements
(Motherland). However, it's also easy to see how the frivolity of songs
like Jealousy and Kind & Generous, pleasant as they are, served mostly
to stifle her growth and to circumvent some of the lyrical potency of
her albums.
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