If you like jangly pop-indie-folk-this album is perfect for you. Natalie Merchant has a voice that grabs your attention and lyrics that tell stories, evoke characters and are open to interpretation. The production is top quality and hasn't dated-alongside traditional drum/bass/keys/guitar (all played with confidence and cohesion), we have the graceful application of strings and joyful horns to boot.
Subjects covered include being blessed by a happy day, relationship breakups, lost childhood, the fate of women who set off to the Frontier during the Gold Rush, tolerance and the hanging of an innocent victim. Something for everyone.
Repeated plays just bring out more subtleties as words and melodies soak in and there isn't a track that you always have to skip.
Thoroughly recommended.