Natalie Merchant — Saint Judas
Album: MotherlandAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2171
Length: 5:39
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Saddle up the horses and wear your Sunday best
Sing your Sacred Harp, you be holier than the rest
Fill up the room with a grand and thunderous song
let it rattle out the windows
let is spill out on the lawn
Shout, shout your praises to the man
who kissed the lord
to the back stabbing brother
that betrayed all of this world
Your Judas
Yes, though you may walk in the valley of the dark
there's no greater evil that the darkness in your heart
with your stun guns, bloodhounds
needle and your razor wire
your nylon shackle whipping post
your high tech burning tire
your Judas
Whiplash crack across the back, across the arms
and although you bound his feet, he running fast
he running hard
through them crickets in the corn
and them horses in the field
Hear the "caw caw" of the crows
See the devil at the wheel y'all
Judas
Go on down to Alabama, Mississippi
Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky
Florida, Louisiana and Tennessee
Georgia, Carolina
Sing your Sacred Harp, you be holier than the rest
Fill up the room with a grand and thunderous song
let it rattle out the windows
let is spill out on the lawn
Shout, shout your praises to the man
who kissed the lord
to the back stabbing brother
that betrayed all of this world
Your Judas
Yes, though you may walk in the valley of the dark
there's no greater evil that the darkness in your heart
with your stun guns, bloodhounds
needle and your razor wire
your nylon shackle whipping post
your high tech burning tire
your Judas
Whiplash crack across the back, across the arms
and although you bound his feet, he running fast
he running hard
through them crickets in the corn
and them horses in the field
Hear the "caw caw" of the crows
See the devil at the wheel y'all
Judas
Go on down to Alabama, Mississippi
Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky
Florida, Louisiana and Tennessee
Georgia, Carolina
Comments (265)add comment
10/7/2024 The lyrics are messed up. Showing lyrics from Beck - Loser.
I've been a longtime fan of Nat, through my R.E.M. fandom. Didn't really dig this album at the time but I've grown to appreciate the songs that RP plays from it. Just learned that Mavis Staples sings on this one with her!
it’s just that her voice sounds like one of the chipmunks (Simon? Theodore? ) on steroids.
Dig the aggressive guitar solo.
Political lyrics that still fit our times....
Seems deserving of more information.
Found it:
song: Saint Judas
artist: Natalie Merchant
album: Motherland
released: 2001-11-13
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...(Natalie_Merchant_album)#Personnel
Thanks for the reminder,
Found it:
song: Saint Judas
artist: Natalie Merchant
album: Motherland
released: 2001-11-13
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...(Natalie_Merchant_album)#Personnel
Thanks for the reminder,
after reading the lyrics:
7=>8
7=>8
oldfart48 wrote:
WTF do you care. About others opinions!! YOU don’t deserve this station. Mind your own business
WTF do you care. About others opinions!! YOU don’t deserve this station. Mind your own business
h8rhater wrote:
Indeed.... the song does end with a list of the most racist states in America, all of which benefited the most from African chattel slavery, went to war with our country to keep it, and have continued to oppress their black citizens in every way that they can think of (latest flavor: voter suppression) to this very day.
2021 update: Oh, and now denying them food and water while they are forced to wait in line for 8-10 hours to exercise their constitutional right. Looking at you Georgia (and all your h8ful komeraden prepared to follow suit).
Do I detect some classic white-savior action? So boorish. Truth is no one cares and our black family and friends don't need to be infantilized...they got this.
Indeed.... the song does end with a list of the most racist states in America, all of which benefited the most from African chattel slavery, went to war with our country to keep it, and have continued to oppress their black citizens in every way that they can think of (latest flavor: voter suppression) to this very day.
2021 update: Oh, and now denying them food and water while they are forced to wait in line for 8-10 hours to exercise their constitutional right. Looking at you Georgia (and all your h8ful komeraden prepared to follow suit).
Do I detect some classic white-savior action? So boorish. Truth is no one cares and our black family and friends don't need to be infantilized...they got this.
She forgot Virginia
h8rhater wrote:
Indeed.... the song does end with a list of the most racist states in America, all of which benefited the most from African chattel slavery, went to war with our country to keep it, and have continued to oppress their black citizens in every way that they can think of (latest flavor: voter suppression) to this very day.
2021 update: Oh, and now denying them food and water while they are forced to wait in line for 8-10 hours to exercise their constitutional right. Looking at you Georgia (and all your h8ful komeraden prepared to follow suit).
Yawn. And you and I probably vote the same.
Indeed.... the song does end with a list of the most racist states in America, all of which benefited the most from African chattel slavery, went to war with our country to keep it, and have continued to oppress their black citizens in every way that they can think of (latest flavor: voter suppression) to this very day.
2021 update: Oh, and now denying them food and water while they are forced to wait in line for 8-10 hours to exercise their constitutional right. Looking at you Georgia (and all your h8ful komeraden prepared to follow suit).
Yawn. And you and I probably vote the same.
That "Carolina, Carolina." Shivers.
My first ever waifu.
robspeds wrote:
Maybe they grew up with bleating goats?
Who would rate this song a 10?
Maybe they grew up with bleating goats?
robspeds wrote:
Why are you asking?
Who would rate this song a 10?
Why are you asking?
Who would rate this song a 10?
Highlowsel wrote:
I dunno....I'll take a stab, as an American, at what she's talking about. It comes down to one simple word. Racism, and that which some white brothers and sisters have done to their brothers (and sisters) of a different skin. Just a guess of course. Anyone else?
Highlow
American Net'Zen
I think the OP was commenting on her enunciation, not the message/meaning. (but that's just my take...)
I dunno....I'll take a stab, as an American, at what she's talking about. It comes down to one simple word. Racism, and that which some white brothers and sisters have done to their brothers (and sisters) of a different skin. Just a guess of course. Anyone else?
Highlow
American Net'Zen
I think the OP was commenting on her enunciation, not the message/meaning. (but that's just my take...)
Hints of Tracy Chapman + AMAZING guitar!! Love her voice..
Hints of Tracy Chapman + AMAZING guitar!! Love her voice..
Get down Natalie! Kicking butt here!
Picks up where Neil Young's " I heard screamin' and bullwhips crackin'" left off.
Natalie, your patriotic points just went way up with me.
Natalie, your patriotic points just went way up with me.
Rated 7 for the instrumentation and the meaningful lyrics.
wonderunit wrote:
Patron of lost causes.
from wiki : In the Roman Catholic Church, he is the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes.[8]
I prefer to think of this as a desperate case and not a lost cause. I love Natalie's Merchant's voice and artistry, and love RP for playing this, especially now after Jan 6. Let's rally around decency!
Patron of lost causes.
from wiki : In the Roman Catholic Church, he is the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes.[8]
I prefer to think of this as a desperate case and not a lost cause. I love Natalie's Merchant's voice and artistry, and love RP for playing this, especially now after Jan 6. Let's rally around decency!
govna wrote:
'djyew have?'
who is this "Judy" lady they're singin about anyway?
'djyew have?'
Highlowsel wrote:
I dunno....I'll take a stab, as an American, at what she's talking about. It comes down to one simple word. Racism, and that which some white brothers and sisters have done to their brothers (and sisters) of a different skin. Just a guess of course. Anyone else?
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Indeed.... the song does end with a list of the most racist states in America, all of which benefited the most from African chattel slavery, went to war with our country to keep it, and have continued to oppress their black citizens in every way that they can think of (latest flavor: voter suppression) to this very day.
2021 update: Oh, and now denying them food and water while they are forced to wait in line for 8-10 hours to exercise their constitutional right. Looking at you Georgia (and all your h8ful komeraden prepared to follow suit).
I dunno....I'll take a stab, as an American, at what she's talking about. It comes down to one simple word. Racism, and that which some white brothers and sisters have done to their brothers (and sisters) of a different skin. Just a guess of course. Anyone else?
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Indeed.... the song does end with a list of the most racist states in America, all of which benefited the most from African chattel slavery, went to war with our country to keep it, and have continued to oppress their black citizens in every way that they can think of (latest flavor: voter suppression) to this very day.
2021 update: Oh, and now denying them food and water while they are forced to wait in line for 8-10 hours to exercise their constitutional right. Looking at you Georgia (and all your h8ful komeraden prepared to follow suit).
Kaw wrote:
Patron of lost causes.
Saint Judas wasn't Judas the betrayer of Jesus, but Judas Thaddaeus.
Patron of lost causes.
George_Tirebiter wrote:
Prejudice, at least.
Great tune. Too bad it's being sung by Natalie Merchant. 
Prejudice, at least.
Saint Judas wasn't Judas the betrayer of Jesus, but Judas Thaddaeus.
Segue wrote:
Sorry that's not "distinctive voice" that's Kermit The Frog yodeling. Blech. Awful damn noise.
dis·tinc·tive
/dəˈstiNG(k)tiv/
adjective
characteristic of one person or thing, and so serving to distinguish it from others.
I'm not a fan of Ms. Merchant, but she has got a distinctive voice.
Sorry that's not "distinctive voice" that's Kermit The Frog yodeling. Blech. Awful damn noise.
dis·tinc·tive
/dəˈstiNG(k)tiv/
adjective
characteristic of one person or thing, and so serving to distinguish it from others.
I'm not a fan of Ms. Merchant, but she has got a distinctive voice.
iggam wrote:
Interesting thought. It struck me while listening to this again that I don't like Natalie's voice when she sings in a lower key and slower place. She has a nice for some songs but I don't think she has much of an expressive range.
She always sounds like someone who's trying out a new voice other than her own.
Interesting thought. It struck me while listening to this again that I don't like Natalie's voice when she sings in a lower key and slower place. She has a nice for some songs but I don't think she has much of an expressive range.
can´t help to hate that voice.. really annoying vibrato
Alas, what fresh hell is this? we've got a fusion of two pretenders Alison Kraus and Tracy Chapman
She always sounds like someone who's trying out a new voice other than her own.
Great tune. Too bad it's being sung by Natalie Merchant.
motoboy145 wrote:
I guess Natalie wasn't "suckin it" back in 2001 when she recorded this gem either.
Best songfrom her in a long long time...been suckin it for a while. This is outstanding. Love it.
I guess Natalie wasn't "suckin it" back in 2001 when she recorded this gem either.
dnorden wrote:
I dunno....I'll take a stab, as an American, at what she's talking about. It comes down to one simple word. Racism, and that which some white brothers and sisters have done to their brothers (and sisters) of a different skin. Just a guess of course. Anyone else?
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Actually I like the music but even when reading the lyrics, still can't understand what she singing...
I dunno....I'll take a stab, as an American, at what she's talking about. It comes down to one simple word. Racism, and that which some white brothers and sisters have done to their brothers (and sisters) of a different skin. Just a guess of course. Anyone else?
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Merchant voice doesn't grind me like it does for some.
I really digg the rythm of the bass and drums. It's kind of looping along, along with Erik Della Penna tickling of the banjo.
I really digg the rythm of the bass and drums. It's kind of looping along, along with Erik Della Penna tickling of the banjo.
sirdroseph wrote:
Perhaps that word does not mean what you think it means. If a woman says I have a nice ass does this mean she hates men?
If you can't see that your need to comment on a female singers tits in a music discussion is out of line with the way nobody mentions that dudes can't sing a lick but have a nice package then I feel genuinely sorry for you.
Perhaps that word does not mean what you think it means. If a woman says I have a nice ass does this mean she hates men?
If you can't see that your need to comment on a female singers tits in a music discussion is out of line with the way nobody mentions that dudes can't sing a lick but have a nice package then I feel genuinely sorry for you.
Actually I like the music but even when reading the lyrics, still can't understand what she singing...
Sloggydog wrote:
Nice typing, the misogyny not so much.
Perhaps that word does not mean what you think it means. If a woman says I have a nice ass does this mean she hates men?
Nice typing, the misogyny not so much.
Perhaps that word does not mean what you think it means. If a woman says I have a nice ass does this mean she hates men?
Krakus wrote:
I haz lol.
Nice cans, voice not so much.
I haz lol.
Krakus wrote:
Nice typing, the misogyny not so much.
Nice cans, voice not so much.
Nice typing, the misogyny not so much.
My ears aren't enjoying the affected, warbly vocal, but the rest of it is great. Tight band.
This would pair well with Nina Simone.
Bill - I love this set!!!!! David Lindley, Shadowlands, Ollabelle and now Natalie Merchant. You have made my day!!
Never warmed to the voice solo, or with 10,000 Maniacs - actually can't stand it.
Call me nostalgic... but I liked her best w the 10,000 maniacs.
This entire album is wonderful :)
I love this and though I love most of natalie I think the instrumentation makes this exceptional. Now I want joan osborne and st teresa. How about an all saints set for the recently passed all saints day (nov 1st)
I am such a sucker for a banjo
I am such a sucker for a banjo
There are some songs that she does that I can't quite stomach... sounds like she has a big luge that she needs to cough up.
Nice cans, voice not so much.
Nine.
MORE NATALIE , PRETTY PLEASE........
who is this "Judy" lady they're singin about anyway?
All right, not gonna change previous "Sucko Barfo" but NICE JOB BILL slippin this into the mix almost seamlessly. Bravo.
Okay, followed by China Bird. I bow to the master. I renounce any claim to harp about NM ever ever again. Radio Magic.
<insert incredible playlist here>
Another legendary set keeps building, Jimi Cliff, Taj Mahal, The Audreys ......
Okay, followed by China Bird. I bow to the master. I renounce any claim to harp about NM ever ever again. Radio Magic.
<insert incredible playlist here>
Another legendary set keeps building, Jimi Cliff, Taj Mahal, The Audreys ......
JustJeff wrote:
I know that there are a lot of complaints about her voice. But has anyone read the lyrics to this song?
"Saint Judas"
Saddle up the horses and wear your Sunday best
Sing your Sacred Harp, you be holier than the rest
Fill up the room with a grand and a thunderous song
Let it rattle out the windows, let it spill out on the lawn
Shout, shout your praises to the man who kissed the Lord
To the back stabbing brother that betrayed all of this world
Your Judas!
this is why we love her, and why see does not get played on mainstream radio, she tells the truth. most can't handel that..........
"Saint Judas"
Saddle up the horses and wear your Sunday best
Sing your Sacred Harp, you be holier than the rest
Fill up the room with a grand and a thunderous song
Let it rattle out the windows, let it spill out on the lawn
Shout, shout your praises to the man who kissed the Lord
To the back stabbing brother that betrayed all of this world
Your Judas!
Yea, though you may walk in the valley in the dark
There's no greater evil than the darkness in your heart
Your stun guns, bloodhounds, needle and your razor wire
Your nylon shackle whipping post and your high tech burning tire
Your Judas!
Whiplash crack across the back, across the arms
Although you bound his feet, he running fast he running hard
Through them crickets in the corn and them horses in the field
Hear the "caw, caw" of the crows
See the devil at the wheel y'all, Judas!
Go on down to Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas,
Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana and Tennessee,
Georgia, Carolina, Carolina.
this is why we love her, and why see does not get played on mainstream radio, she tells the truth. most can't handel that..........
gillespp wrote:
Whoah. Thanks.
Personally, I love her voice. Sure are a lot of whiny RP listeners that come out of the woodwork we she comes on.
this is why she is loved and rairly played. we love her, mainstreem is afraid of her.
Whoah. Thanks.
Personally, I love her voice. Sure are a lot of whiny RP listeners that come out of the woodwork we she comes on.
this is why she is loved and rairly played. we love her, mainstreem is afraid of her.
horstman wrote:segue you do not deserve this station..........
You give 30% of your ratings a 1 and we're supposed to take you seriously? Back to your hole, troll.
You give 30% of your ratings a 1 and we're supposed to take you seriously? Back to your hole, troll.
horstman wrote:
You give 30% of your ratings a 1 and we're supposed to take you seriously? Back to your hole, troll.
change the channel......nat is hot............
You give 30% of your ratings a 1 and we're supposed to take you seriously? Back to your hole, troll.
change the channel......nat is hot............
ummmm, tasty........
I love everything about this song....
Banjo! Fuck yeah! To my ears, this is the best Natalie Merchant song ever.
Segue wrote:
You give 30% of your ratings a 1 and we're supposed to take you seriously? Back to your hole, troll.
This is just painful. Why do RP inflict Natalie Merchant on us? Is it like the flaw the Japanese tradition leaves in to let the evil spirits out of perfection? AAARRRRGGGHHHHHHHHH
It might be all right if she could sing instead of YODEL.
ICK.
Please consider this a SPAM for anything and everything RP plays by her.
It might be all right if she could sing instead of YODEL.
ICK.
Please consider this a SPAM for anything and everything RP plays by her.
You give 30% of your ratings a 1 and we're supposed to take you seriously? Back to your hole, troll.
I personally love her voice. But even better is the instrumentation she has on nearly all her songs which is superb.
Saw her a couple of years ago and her band were so tight.
Gone a bit quite of late though.
Saw her a couple of years ago and her band were so tight.
Gone a bit quite of late though.
JustJeff wrote:
Whoah. Thanks.
Personally, I love her voice. Sure are a lot of whiny RP listeners that come out of the woodwork we she comes on.
I know that there are a lot of complaints about her voice. But has anyone read the lyrics to this song?
"Saint Judas"
Saddle up the horses and wear your Sunday best
Sing your Sacred Harp, you be holier than the rest
Fill up the room with a grand and a thunderous song
Let it rattle out the windows, let it spill out on the lawn
Shout, shout your praises to the man who kissed the Lord
To the back stabbing brother that betrayed all of this world
Your Judas!
"Saint Judas"
Saddle up the horses and wear your Sunday best
Sing your Sacred Harp, you be holier than the rest
Fill up the room with a grand and a thunderous song
Let it rattle out the windows, let it spill out on the lawn
Shout, shout your praises to the man who kissed the Lord
To the back stabbing brother that betrayed all of this world
Your Judas!
Yea, though you may walk in the valley in the dark
There's no greater evil than the darkness in your heart
Your stun guns, bloodhounds, needle and your razor wire
Your nylon shackle whipping post and your high tech burning tire
Your Judas!
Whiplash crack across the back, across the arms
Although you bound his feet, he running fast he running hard
Through them crickets in the corn and them horses in the field
Hear the "caw, caw" of the crows
See the devil at the wheel y'all, Judas!
Go on down to Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas,
Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana and Tennessee,
Georgia, Carolina, Carolina.
Whoah. Thanks.
Personally, I love her voice. Sure are a lot of whiny RP listeners that come out of the woodwork we she comes on.
Great Segue from Ollabelle...
ROFL! Another Nathalie non-fan here
calypsus_1 wrote:
Natalie Merchant à Bruxelles by trou2000
https://www.flickr.com/photos/34242081@N00/
Ancienne Belgique, le 10 mai 2010.
© All rights reserved.
.
calypsus_1 wrote:
Natalie Merchant à Bruxelles by trou2000
https://www.flickr.com/photos/34242081@N00/
Ancienne Belgique, le 10 mai 2010.
© All rights reserved.
.
I know that there are a lot of complaints about her voice. But has anyone read the lyrics to this song?
"Saint Judas"
Saddle up the horses and wear your Sunday best
Sing your Sacred Harp, you be holier than the rest
Fill up the room with a grand and a thunderous song
Let it rattle out the windows, let it spill out on the lawn
Shout, shout your praises to the man who kissed the Lord
To the back stabbing brother that betrayed all of this world
Your Judas!
"Saint Judas"
Saddle up the horses and wear your Sunday best
Sing your Sacred Harp, you be holier than the rest
Fill up the room with a grand and a thunderous song
Let it rattle out the windows, let it spill out on the lawn
Shout, shout your praises to the man who kissed the Lord
To the back stabbing brother that betrayed all of this world
Your Judas!
Yea, though you may walk in the valley in the dark
There's no greater evil than the darkness in your heart
Your stun guns, bloodhounds, needle and your razor wire
Your nylon shackle whipping post and your high tech burning tire
Your Judas!
Whiplash crack across the back, across the arms
Although you bound his feet, he running fast he running hard
Through them crickets in the corn and them horses in the field
Hear the "caw, caw" of the crows
See the devil at the wheel y'all, Judas!
Go on down to Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas,
Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana and Tennessee,
Georgia, Carolina, Carolina.
Muted and three minute mental timer set. 
Sloggydog wrote:
Sorry that's not "distinctive voice" that's Kermit The Frog yodeling. Blech. Awful damn noise.
All ye of distinctive voice stand proud, stand tall. if it were up to the clone lovers we would have no Billy Bragg, Morrissey, Natalie Merchant, Talking Heads, Lou Reed, P J Harvey, Nick Cave, and the list just keeps on rolling on. How much sadder the world would be then.
Sorry that's not "distinctive voice" that's Kermit The Frog yodeling. Blech. Awful damn noise.
This is just painful. Why do RP inflict Natalie Merchant on us? Is it like the flaw the Japanese tradition leaves in to let the evil spirits out of perfection? AAARRRRGGGHHHHHHHHH
It might be all right if she could sing instead of YODEL.
ICK.
Please consider this a SPAM for anything and everything RP plays by her.
It might be all right if she could sing instead of YODEL.
ICK.
Please consider this a SPAM for anything and everything RP plays by her.
salzburg4321 wrote:
Hate? No I don´t think it´s the right time for hate and such thing, not from Sweden.
I have always hated her sound and vibe. I hope I am not supposed to like her?
Hate? No I don´t think it´s the right time for hate and such thing, not from Sweden.
Damn, this tooth is KILLING me!
Natalie Merchant à Bruxelles by trou2000
https://www.flickr.com/photos/34242081@N00/
Ancienne Belgique, le 10 mai 2010.
© All rights reserved.
.
Natalie Merchant à Bruxelles by trou2000
https://www.flickr.com/photos/34242081@N00/
Ancienne Belgique, le 10 mai 2010.
© All rights reserved.
.
I have always hated her sound and vibe. I hope I am not supposed to like her?
All ye of distinctive voice stand proud, stand tall. if it were up to the clone lovers we would have no Billy Bragg, Morrissey, Natalie Merchant, Talking Heads, Lou Reed, P J Harvey, Nick Cave, and the list just keeps on rolling on. How much sadder the world would be then.
kyleminor wrote:
Didn't I see you in the very early eliminations of last comic standing?
Natalie... you're supposed to DISCARD the cotton from the tops of the vitamin bottles, not store it in the back of your throat!
Didn't I see you in the very early eliminations of last comic standing?
Shesdifferent wrote:
Its unfortunate that I wake up, turn on RP and this is the first song I hear.
Well just think, your day can only get better!!! sirdroseph wrote:
For me, it's a timbre and enunciation thing. For the life of me, I can never understand a single thing she's singing. Vote < 4.
I see your point and you are correct, I cannot stand Natalies voice, but I love Waits and Reed so yes it is indeed a subjective thing.
For me, it's a timbre and enunciation thing. For the life of me, I can never understand a single thing she's singing. Vote < 4.
Its unfortunate that I wake up, turn on RP and this is the first song I hear.
Businessgypsy wrote:
I see your point and you are correct, I cannot stand Natalies voice, but I love Waits and Reed so yes it is indeed a subjective thing.
Wonder what the "bad voice" posters think about Tom Waits or Lou Reed? You like what you like, but for my .02, when making art perfect is not always the desired choice. Not for daily intake but I'll give it a 6.
I see your point and you are correct, I cannot stand Natalies voice, but I love Waits and Reed so yes it is indeed a subjective thing.
Wow, this song and the previous song (Ollabelle - Get Back Temptation) are playing together. Oops RP. A segue of a minute or more. They sound pretty weird together, too. Not intentional, I am sure!
I remember once diving into an icy creek and the shock caused my throat to close up so I could barely even scream. That's what her voice sounds like on this song, but strangely, it works! This is reminiscent of "Face of Appalachia" by Valerie Carter. That slow banjo... mesmerizing... 
Natalie... you're supposed to DISCARD the cotton from the tops of the vitamin bottles, not store it in the back of your throat!
Natalie Merchant à Bruxelles by trou2000
https://www.flickr.com/photos/34242081@N00/
Ancienne Belgique, le 10 mai 2010.
© All rights reserved.
.
Rotterdam wrote:
As a man I can tell you that her "carefully displayed headlights" are not enough to attract me, and her voice is off-putting especially on this cut. . .
I love your phrase, btw, and I quoted it as an homage. . .
If I were a man, I would probably like her carefully displayed headlights. As it is, I can only listen to her voice, which I hate. 
As a man I can tell you that her "carefully displayed headlights" are not enough to attract me, and her voice is off-putting especially on this cut. . .
I love your phrase, btw, and I quoted it as an homage. . .
I like this overall but her voice does not really fit it. To new ageish.
If I were a man, I would probably like her carefully displayed headlights. As it is, I can only listen to her voice, which I hate.
One of the worst things my ears have ever been subjected to.
Simply horrible.
Simply horrible.
Vocals + Guitar/banjo = most excellent (8); muddy bass and flat drums = marginal at best (0). Well she got the important parts right. 8+0 = 8.
I absolutely love her voice. I wish she would record more often.
CamLwalk wrote:
Is that because you can't understand what the hell either one of them is singing?
Neat! This reminds me of Neil Young's "For The Turnstiles".
Is that because you can't understand what the hell either one of them is singing?
Wonder what the "bad voice" posters think about Tom Waits or Lou Reed? You like what you like, but for my .02, when making art perfect is not always the desired choice. Not for daily intake but I'll give it a 6.
bam23 wrote:
I am not so sure if this is criticism of a vocal style or simply the adept use of a thesaurus.
How and why does she sing in such a strangled manner? Her voice seems to be produced, or at least waylaid somewhere between the throat and the nasal cavity, whence it gets extruded in a tortured expulsion of anguished sonic impulses. Whether this is singing as commonly understood, I am not so sure.
I am not so sure if this is criticism of a vocal style or simply the adept use of a thesaurus.
Neat! This reminds me of Neil Young's "For The Turnstiles".
I 
LOVE the parts when she isn't singing! 
chill.
LOVE the parts when she isn't singing! chill. BowTieDad wrote:
hell yes!
double ditto
hell yes!
double ditto
rasta_tiger wrote:
hell yes!
What's with all these posters complaining about her voice? It's unique and interesting. Plus, it really fits with her style of music.
I like it.
I like it.
hell yes!
What's with all these posters complaining about her voice? It's unique and interesting. Plus, it really fits with her style of music.
I like it.
I like it.
I think her voice (on this anyway) sounds a lot like the guy in Wide Spread Panic! I know, crazy, right? But that's what I thought when she first started singing!
Her voice kind of reminds me of Toni Childs'.
At first I thought it was Beth Orton . . . not that it would be a bad thing if it was.
Very nice voice. Very similar to Beth Gibbons.
stevematic wrote:
Not being raised up with the maniacs I hear her voice like it is now. And what I hear is an excellent soulful singer. Mavis Staples sings background here. That's the class we're talking about here.
Apart from that - the heavy guitar work is great.
i really liked her when she was with the maniacs. now she's just annoying.
Not being raised up with the maniacs I hear her voice like it is now. And what I hear is an excellent soulful singer. Mavis Staples sings background here. That's the class we're talking about here.
Apart from that - the heavy guitar work is great.
Such a baaaaaaaddd goat voice.
i really liked her when she was with the maniacs. now she's just annoying.
bam23 wrote:
I know! What happened to her voice? I used to like her but she sounds awful now. Ack! Make it stop!
How and why does she sing in such a strangled manner? Her voice seems to be produced, or at least waylaid somewhere between the throat and the nasal cavity, whence it gets extruded in a tortured expulsion of anguished sonic impulses. Whether this is singing as commonly understood, I am not so sure.
I know! What happened to her voice? I used to like her but she sounds awful now. Ack! Make it stop!
How and why does she sing in such a strangled manner? Her voice seems to be produced, or at least waylaid somewhere between the throat and the nasal cavity, whence it gets extruded in a tortured expulsion of anguished sonic impulses. Whether this is singing as commonly understood, I am not so sure.
denmom wrote:
Actually, I think she sounds like the love child of Pee-wee Herman and a goat. BAAAAAA....
I think you've nailed it! no me gusta. That's all I'll say. Oh, and Baaaah!!!!
Actually, I think she sounds like the love child of Pee-wee Herman and a goat. BAAAAAA....
I think you've nailed it! no me gusta. That's all I'll say. Oh, and Baaaah!!!!
....Carolina.......
Carl wrote:
Interesting scoring criteria... I cant imagine what song could ever get a 10. As much as I like my favorites, I don't think I would want to listen to them 100% of the time, it would kinda ruin the "eclectic" part.
It works! Really easy if you zoom the emoticon field full screen (easy on a Mac). The skulls recede and the hotties jump out. Cool! (BTW, I like the cover photo, and the song's okay — I'm giving it a 3 based on my new scoring scheme: how often I'd like to hear this or others like it — 30% in this case.
Interesting scoring criteria... I cant imagine what song could ever get a 10. As much as I like my favorites, I don't think I would want to listen to them 100% of the time, it would kinda ruin the "eclectic" part.
Otomi wrote:
If you get close to your monitor and look slightly cross-eyed so that one of the columns of emoticons from the right eye's visual field overlaps with one of the columns from the left field, the emoticon assemblage will become the only "real" looking part of your binocular field; everything else recedes to a blurry second plane. Moving your head from side to side enhances the illusion of spatial depth.
It works! Really easy if you zoom the emoticon field full screen (easy on a Mac). The skulls recede and the hotties jump out. Cool! (BTW, I like the cover photo, and the song's okay — I'm giving it a 3 based on my new scoring scheme: how often I'd like to hear this or others like it — 30% in this case.
If you get close to your monitor and look slightly cross-eyed so that one of the columns of emoticons from the right eye's visual field overlaps with one of the columns from the left field, the emoticon assemblage will become the only "real" looking part of your binocular field; everything else recedes to a blurry second plane. Moving your head from side to side enhances the illusion of spatial depth.
Thistle wrote:
Her voice can be quite irksome sometimes, but that is a nice photo of her. (I know - that's a shallow comment)
My GOD this women's voice annoys me beyond words.
That said, she looks pretty good.
That said, she looks pretty good.
Her voice can be quite irksome sometimes, but that is a nice photo of her. (I know - that's a shallow comment)
Papernapkin wrote:
Actually, I think she sounds like the love child of Pee-wee Herman and a goat. BAAAAAA....
She sounds a wee bit like Pee-wee Herman. Except I like Pee-wee.
Actually, I think she sounds like the love child of Pee-wee Herman and a goat. BAAAAAA....
She sounds a wee bit like Pee-wee Herman. Except I like Pee-wee.
Well, contrary to the majority of posters, I like it. 
jumpblues wrote:
LOL, yeah the beginning of the song, I swore it was Beth.
I would have guessed Beth Orton.
LOL, yeah the beginning of the song, I swore it was Beth.
The only partly tolerable song by Natalie Merchant. Can't stand this self-righteous twit!
phineas wrote:
Great comment, L'il Orphan Annie would approve.................
Sure didn't pick this for NM!
Almost reminded me of Joan Armitrading, love the banjo!
Love Merchant's voice and styling. Love the big fat guitars in this. Love the dynamics of the song. Great cut off a solid album.
Great comment, L'il Orphan Annie would approve.................
Sure didn't pick this for NM!
Almost reminded me of Joan Armitrading, love the banjo!
She kinda sounds like a female version of Scott Stapp on this one. YEARRRHHH.
But, I really do like this track.
But, I really do like this track.
Love Merchant's voice and styling. Love the big fat guitars in this. Love the dynamics of the song. Great cut off a solid album.