Magic Jewball

The video I posted the other day reminded me how great a band 10,000 Maniacs was and more importantly, how I’m always looking for a band I’ve never done an iPod Song of the Week on. The song in the video, Peace Train, isn’t my favorite Maniacs song, and as a matter of fact, isn’t even my favorite Cat Stevens song.

I mean, all their songs are great based on the folkiness and the melodies and Natalie Merchant’s fantabulous voice (they didn’t seem to survive too well after she left, let’s be frank). But like many songs from long ago that are your favorites, this one will stick with me forever because of a break-up. You know how you have a mental mix-tape of those tracks that nursed you through that horrible, horrible time? This one would be way up there. It’s really about an alcoholic but works just as well as a plea to someone trying to break up with you. I really can’t hear it in any other context, even though it’s the soundtrack to the break up of a relationship that started twenty years ago today. Really. Because I’m good with dates that way. The calendar kind, not the other kind. Obviously.

Anyway! It’s still a great song, full of minor-chord angst, the trademark wiry guitar sound, and of course, the luscious vocals.

Napster:
(Sorry, only 30 seconds)
10,000 Maniacs – Don’t Talk

Streaming audio available on the iPod Song of the Week page.