Customer Reviews

Blind Man's Zoo

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A captivating piece to bid adieu to the 80s, this record encompasses a transition for the Maniacs. Here, Natalie Merchant's folksie roots begin to emerge so much more than in "In my tribe" and of course, the rythm here is altogether different to the mainstream music of that time, thus this record was a small college hit.

"Trouble me", with Jevetta Steele in backing vocals, is a marvelous love song, moving and sexy, enticing the listener to join Miss Merchant in the fantasy world of her written lyrics.

Other reviewers have been harsh with this record, but rest assured it is solid and prodigious, and even after 10 years, just hearing the first seconds of "Eat for two", you know this recording can rock still, and beautifully so, at that.

Plus, the cover art... have you ever seen anything quite like it? No? That is because it is a piece of art in itself... unforgettable to the eyes, just as it is to the ears.

Often lambasted for its over-political nature and pretentiousness, Blind Man's Zoo is tied with Hope Chest as being the most underrated record in the Maniacs' catalogue. The band's form here is astounding, and this album has remarkable music with much more drive and force than its poppy predecessor, In My Tribe. Songs like "Headstrong" and "Hateful Hate" will blow one out of the water with their forceful nature, the former the most rocking since The Wishing Chair's version of "My Mother the War." The song "Trouble Me," although extremely out of place, is very beautiful by itself. And although the lyrics might be a bit over-bearing at times, "Please Forgive Us" is really one of the Maniacs' best songs, despite Natalie Merchant's vocal displeasure with the song. The recording and production of this album is hands down much better than In My Tribe, and every song sounds lush, wonderful, and powerful. Jerry Augustyniak's drumming has never sounded better in numbers such as "The Big Parade" and, again, "Headstrong." Also, Natalie Merchant's vocals are hovering in-between the youthful essence of the earlier music and the torpor of her later music, producing quite possibly the best (in a technical sense) vocals she has ever done. Many will dismiss this album as preachy or pretentious - maybe it is. But I do not see that upon listening to this album. I simply see the Maniacs in their best form as a band, churning out some amazing music. A solid five stars.

I discovered the 10,00 Maniacs by pure chance. I saw a video on VH1 in 1989 called "Trouble Me" and I was instantly hooked. I got the album immediately and have since worn out two cassettes and am now a proud owner of the CD. People will forever talk about 80s albums that were landmark achievements; "Thriller," "Born In The USA," "Purple Rain," "Like A Virgin," etc. But wow! "Blind Man's Zoo" is simply some of the best music ever recorded. One of my favorites is "Headstrong," one of the harder tunes on the album. I am amazed that they never became huge stars because I can say indeed that this is a perfect album. PERFECT!

This is definitely a record to grow on you. I imagine people who enjoy 10,000 Maniacs' other releases hear this and immediately cast it out. 'Blind Man's Zoo' is nowhere near the immediate accessibility of their more popular records, but this is their best work.

'Blind Man's Zoo' has a reputation for being overly political, depressing, and difficult, and I would agree with all three, for the most part. As you listen to these songs, you need to be reading along with the lyrics in the booklet, as I feel what she's saying definitely strengthens the songs. When I first heard this record, I didn't care for too many of the songs until I really examined them; reading and analyzing the lyrics furthered my appreciation for these songs.

"Eat for Two" sounds off - upbeat but starting in a minor key, but I wouldn't change it. This is probably the most instantly appealing song here, but it's just as dark as any of the others, a "nightmare born in a borrowed bed...."

The best part of the album, however, is the last two songs: "Hateful Hate" and "Jubilee", which to me are the most depressing (both musically and lyrically) on the record, and the latter is essentially the most disturbing song I've ever heard. "Hateful Hate" has Natalie condemning Manifest Destiny, slavery, and hunting, backed by her very powerful pipe organ playing. As "Hateful Hate" climaxes, "Jubilee" starts as a seemingly comfortable mellow ballad, telling the story of a religious zealot who becomes infuriated when he witnesses an interracial (school?) dance, the "Jubilee". "He's God's mad disciple," and he feels the need to destroy what he believes to be evil and wrong. "Through the tall blades of grass, he heads for the Jubilee with a bucket in his right hand, full of rags soaked in gasoline," and the song crescendos into a sonic frenzy of a frantic string orchestra and Natalie's painful wailing.

This is not a record for a casual music listener, but if you're someone who enjoys music that makes you think and feel, then I would highly recommed "Blind Man's Zoo".

Blind Man's Zoo is what got me listening to 10,000 Maniacs. I'll admit the first time I heard it I was not quite sure what I was getting myself into; however, the songs linger in the back of my mind. Here I am, YEARS later, looking it up on the internet... hoping to find it in CD form... the tape from so long ago has been worn thin.

10,000 Maniacs and Natalie Merchant have always been known for voicing social concerns through their music, so this shouldn't be a surprise. I think that people who aren't familiar with the maniacs or Natalie find this album especially preachy because it tackles social issues in a more direct light. As an Album, it's not as good in my opinion as In My Tribe, but it is good nonetheless. Blind Man's Zoo has some catchy tracks: Eat for Two, Trouble Me, and Lion's Share. It also has some quite heavy tracks like: Dust Bowl which discusses poverty; and Hateful Hate which talks about racism. If you are a 10,000 Maniacs or a Natalie Merchant fan, this album is a must-have.

"In My Tribe" & "Our Time In Eden" are far better works by the 10,000 Maniacs, but this album is far from being a flop. "Dust Bowl" is achingly beautiful. "Hateful Hate" is a profound historical commentary. Also worth noting are "Trouble Me", "Eat For Two", "You Happy Puppet", & "Poisen In The Well". All great songs in the unique Maniacs' style. Overall the album just doesn't sound... finished. More like a collection of demoes, with the exception of the closing "Jubilee". Still, I recommend this heartily to fan of the Maniacs, Ms. Merchant, or folk-rock in general.

Before Our Time in Eden there was Blind Man's Zoo: the album which hints at as well as foreshadows our time in Edens Mass appeal. In spite of this, BMZ does not get the admiration it quite honestly deserves? It must be middle child syndrome.

Other than the final track, [titled Jubilee] there's not a song that is less then excellent. Many fans may differ, but this album is lyrically the icing on the cake  I believe Natalie Merchants distinctive lyrical abilities are in full force. With reference to her songwriting powers I shall quote Bill Flanagan, [March 1985, Musician]: Merchant's garret-land lyrics are fairly challenging compared to average rock dumbness. Many of 10,000 Maniacs' "pretty" songs are about war, nuclear weapons, even toxic defoliants. (Merchant has a second cousin with no arms as a result of Agent Orange.) Her writing is full of references to childhood, and enough Roman Catholic iconography to decorate a convent. Add melody and the band's wistful playing, and you get images of lost innocence and questioning adolescents.

Significantly, certain listeners kvetch regarding the sternness in the political quality or tone  carping that its too just too much message. On the other hand, if you enjoy songwriting from a socially conscious perspective then this 1980s disc is for you: Vietnam, ecology, the need for greater compassion in everyday life, it's all here -- shaken together, pulled apart examined and woven back together in lyrical threads and thunderous, chiming, exhilarating, music. This album can preach. Nevertheless, the rhythm and the lyrics work together in such an emotive tandem that we listeners encounter honest, passionate and personal works of art that allow the alleged preaching to be rather edifying, and encouraging: BMZ captures the band, and Natalie at the Crossroads, before mass popularity and their morphing into 'adult alternative' not so aggressive style, if you're a fan - or, if you've only listened to Our Time in Eden, you should check Blind Man's Zoo. Keep your eyes open along with your hearts and your ears: you will find a treasure at this Zoo. All the songs are first-rate, the final track: to me, drags and the album could've been better with one extra up-tempo selection.

Trouble Me
Please Forgive Us
The Big Parade  lyrics quoted below
The Lion's Share  lyrics quoted below

In summary, the Maniacs were the greatest with Natalie weaving heavy lyrics at this juncture in her career; Natalies focus is always personal lyrically on this underestimated album. You should include Blind Man's Zoo in your CD collection, especially if youre a fan of the classic version of 10,000 Maniacs. The musical backdrop contrasted and complemented the serious lyrics in the most outstanding manner  it was almost surreal to see this band perform live! I had that pleasure more than once they are warm memories now of a hot summer. I love classic 10k Maniacs  if I could, Id use a DeLorean to travel back, and see this band one more time!!!

---- The Big Parade ----

Detroit to D.C. night train, Capitol, parts East. Lone young man takes a seat. And by the rhythm of the rails, reading all his mother's mail from a city boy in a jungle town postmarked Saigon. He'll go live his mother's dream, join the slowest parade he'll ever see. Her weight of sorrows carried long and carried far. "Take these, Tommy, to The Wall."
Metro line to the Mall site with a tour of Japanese. He's wandering and lost until a vet in worn fatigues takes him down to where they belong. Near a soldier, an ex-Marine with a tattooed dagger and eagle trembling, he bites his lip beside a widow breaking down. She takes her Purple Heart, makes a fist, strikes The Wall. All come to live a dream, to join the slowest parade they'll ever see. Their weight of sorrows carried long and carried far, taken to The Wall.
It's 40 paces to the year that he was slain. His hand's slipping down The Wall for it's slick with rain. How would life have ever been the same if this wall had carved in it one less name? But for Christ's sake, he's been dead over 20 years. He leaves the letters asking, "Who caused my mother's tears, was it Washington or the Viet Cong?" Slow deliberate steps are involved. He takes them away from the black granite wall toward the other monuments so white and clean.
O, Potomac, what you've seen. Abraham had his war too, but an honest war or so it's taught in school.


---- The Lion's Share ----

Can I be unhappy? Look at what I see: a beast in furs and crowned in luxury. He's a wealthy man in the poorest land, a self-appointed king, and there's no complaining while he's reigning. The lambs are bare of fleece and cold; the lion has stolen that, I'm told. There must be some creature mighty as you are. The lambs go hungry (not fair), the biggest portion is the lion's share. There must be some creature mighty as you are. Can I be unhappy? Listen and agree, no words can shame him or tame him. The lambs are bare of fleece and cold; the lion has stolen that, I'm told. There must be some creature mighty as you are. The lambs go hungry (not fair); the biggest portion is the lion's share. There must be some creature mighty as you are, as you are. Razor claws in velvet paws, you dunce in your guarded home, 'til a stronger beast will call on you and pounce upon your throne. Do we pay? Dearly, for the lion takes so greedily and he knows that what he's taken, it is ours.

That's how the wealth's divided among the lambs and king of the beasts, it is so one-sided. Until the lamb is king of the beasts we live so one-sided.

Even though "In My Tribe" and "Our Time In Eden" seem to be the popular favorites, I think this album is just as good, and it's actually my favorite of the three. Lyrically it does get a little heavy, but I don't mind thinking once in awhile, and musically it's very pleasing and catchy, as a fan would expect. The only "hits" I'm aware of were "Eat For Two" and "Trouble Me", but the rest is just as enjoyable. I like it enough to own on cd, cassette, and vinyl. They do have a new "Best Of" out also.

this is the best 10,000 Maniacs album! natalie's voice is great and their songs are so moving and amazing and there are no words to describe it!