say hello

I fell madly, stupidly in love with Natalie Merchant in 1987. That was the year that 10,000 Maniacs, of which she was lead vocalist, released their stunning album "In My Tribe". To say I was blown away is an understatement. Besides loving her haunting voice, I was simply blown away by her lyrics. Songs about literacy, child abuse, the fall of the beat generation, sibling rivalry, war and aging, juxtaposed with an iconic cover version of Peace Train. Definitely my album of the year and started me on a love of Natalie Merchant and her songs which continues to this day.

I've found a very special video- Natalie and the Maniacs in 1990, performing "Hello In There" with Michael Stipe in Glasgow, Scotland on the banks of the river Clyde in 1990. A lovely version of the Joan Baez hit and a segway for me. My nifty little Feedjit thingy is telling me that I am getting visitors from all over the US and Europe. Some of you I recognize as my blog family, fellow writers whom I count as very valued friends who read regularly and inspire me to keep going. To you, and you know who you are, I am grateful and appreciative. To the rest of you, whom I don't know yet, why not drop me a line at worldojeff@gmail.com and tell me what brought you here. I'd love to know. And I don't bite.

Or just listen to Natalie and Michael. Whatever.