MTV Unplugged is a 1993 live album by 10,000 Maniacs. The music was recorded for the MTV Unplugged series and it was also the last album by the band featuring Natalie Merchant as vocalist. In addition to the songs released on this album, four takes of "How You've Grown" were recorded, second takes of "Because the Night" and "Gold Rush Brides", a brief take of "Puff the Magic Dragon" and three other songs which featured singer David Byrne as a guest: "Let The Mystery Be" (two takes, one of which was released as a B-Side to "Few and Far Between" and on Campfire Songs: The Popular, Obscure and Unknown Recordings), "Jolene", and "Dallas". In 1994, it reached 13 on the Billboard 200.
Natalie Merchant got her start at age 17 as the lead singer of the folk-pop outfit 10,000 Maniacs. Her silken voice and outspoken social awareness wooed music fans and cemented her status as one of the day's most astute and captivating artists. Though 10,000 Maniacs achieved a level of critical success as a major-label act in the mid-80's, Merchant decided to go it alone in 1994. Since then her popularity has bloomed in the wake of Tigerlily, Ophelia, Motherland, Live in Concert: Natalie Merchant and The House Carpenter's Daughter. Featured here are the hits in an intimate, one-of-a-kind setting. Tracks: 1. These Are the Days - 2. Carnival - 3. What's the Matter Here? - 4. Kind and Generous - 5. Break Your Heart - 6. Wonder - 7. Verdi Cries - 8. These Are the Days (Bonus Track) - 9. Life is Sweet (Bonus Track)
Live in Concert is a 1999 live album and DVD by Natalie Merchant. The album and DVD were recorded at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York City. The setlist includes a rare cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity". The U.S. release is an HDCD hybrid.
