Live in Concert

1	Wonder 5:37
2	San Andreas Fault 5:00
3	Beloved Wife 5:34
4	Space Oddity 4:33
5	Carnival 7:03
6	Dust Bowl 5:11
7	After the Gold Rush 4:13
8	Gun Shy 5:18
9	The Gulf of Araby 7:10
10	Ophelia 5:24
11	Seven Years 5:21

Barnes & Noble

Naysayers criticized Natalie Merchant's sophomore solo album, 1998's OPHELIA, for feeling forced -- from the costumed poses she struck in the album sleeve to the overly conceptual lyrics. On this live album, which documents a five-night stint at New York City's Neil Simon Theater, Merchant comes off as a graceful performer, completely at ease in her own element. With a voice warm and intimate, whether singing a teary ballad ("Beloved Wife") or visiting more sultry rock material ("Carnival"), Merchant performs several highlights from her 1995 album TIGERLILY, the title track from OPHELIA, and two songs ("Dust Bowl," "Gun Shy") from her earlier days fronting that lauded folk-rock band 10,000 Maniacs. Even on the cover songs -- her surprisingly effective versions of David Bowie's "Space Oddity," Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush," and underappreciated Welsh singer Katell Keineg's "The Gulf of Araby" -- Merchant sounds more accomplished and confident than ever before. --Wendy Mitchell

All Music Guide

Natalie Merchant is without a doubt one of the most unique voices in rock & roll. Her delivery is unmistakable, and from her years as lead singer for 10,000 Maniacs to her illustrious solo career, Merchant has never once failed to deliver passionate, powerful pop and rock songs that keep listeners humming the melody lines long after the music ends. On Live in Concert, Merchant delivers alternate live versions of some of her best-loved songs, including the excellent "Wonder," along with "Ophelia," "Beloved Wife," and "Carnival." The album was recorded live in New York City on June 13, 1999. Merchant is once again backed by her impressive band, which shines on all of her self-penned compositions including "San Andreas Fault" and "Seven Years." Of the 11 cuts, the two cover tunes are perhaps the most appealing. Sure, all of the music is great, but it is always a pleasure to hear a talented vocalist take a turn at interpreting the music of another artist. With her cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity," Merchant holds her audience captive, delivering the tale of Major Tom's plight in a way that would undoubtedly please the author beyond belief. Merchant also delivers a fine reading of Neil Young's classic "After the Gold Rush," another impressive delivery and a perfect song choice for her vocal adaptation. On this, her third solo album, Natalie Merchant continues to grow and mature as one of pop's most impressive vocalists, and Live in Concert serves as a nice interim piece of work. Michael B. Smith

Spin Magazine

Merchant brings more purity of essence to her excerpting of five nights in Manhattan, hitting every note and missing the Maniac’s catalog. Joshua Clover