Album of the Day

The poignant title of 10,000 Maniacs' sixth studio album, OUR TIME IN EDEN, reflects the fact that the good years are finite, and that the group's frontwoman would soon be leaving for a solo career. Natalie Merchant couldn't have asked for a fonder farewell from her bandmates than this 1992 Elektra release, whose richly layered college rock ranks among the Maniacs' best with such fine singles as “These Are Days,” “Candy Everybody Wants” and “Few And Far Between.” Merchant's lyrics and vocals are heartfelt and confident, and the instrumental accompaniment (including some funky James Brown Band horns) also rises to the occasion. Today we celebrate 10,000 Maniacs keyboardist Dennis Drew's birthday with OUR TIME IN EDEN.