Leave Your Sleep

Over the past three years since my wife and I bought Leave Your Sleep, it has been the most listened to CD in our collection (which is vast after many years of collecting.) We have a collection that ranges from classical and baroque to punk and metal, and this album has stood out among so many. Natalie's voice has never sounded so lovely and full throated. Her delivery is consistently deft and the arrangements beautiful. An underrated masterpiece, without a doubt.

I have listened to this with amazement. With the diversity of styles, sounds, and rhythms how could you not enjoy this album? For those that fail to hear the ingenuity of this album, just do me one favor, listen to it with earbuds. The different tones, rhythms and styles just burst in your head. Really I mean it, when I try this on regular speakers, I lose so much of the subtle tones that it loses it's magic, but with good earbuds I'm blown away.

She, along with Alanis and Sinead is my favorite female artist. But I just can't get into this one. It is to me, a childrens record. Looking forward to what she does next. Hey Natalie! Do another Motherland or Ophelia! Love you girl!

For a long time music lover of 10,000 maniacs and Natalie Merchant .....about time and Perfect!

Especially liked the Jack Prelusky song!

Yawn. I listened to this album once. I too would give anything for another Ophelia.

From her days with 10,000 Maniacs, to date, her voice carries that signature that can only be described with her songs. This work, reaffirms that character that she has built throughout the year, it is different, much simpler in tones and sounds, but carries a substantially deeper meanings and messages. If you haven't heard her before, start from her Retrospective albums, only then you can appreciate the brilliant talents and efforts that she and her team has put into this rich record. Hat tip to the mixer and recording engineers. This is one of the best quality recording I have came across in years.

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I became a 10,000 Maniacs fan late in the game (at the release of "Our Time in Eden"). Of course this was the last 10,000 Maniacs studio album with Natalie Merchant as the lead singer. Natalie's solo albums really didn't excite me, until I discovered "Motherland", which is a great album. But then I discovered "Leave Your Sleep" and it is a materpiece. Natalie nails it on every level. Listening to this album is like going on a journey as Natalie takes you to different cultures, times, and emotions. I don't think Natalie has ever sounded better, as a solo artist or with the 10,000 Maniacs. The music writing is interesting with a diversity of styles. Although there is this variety of styles, it all fits together to create an awesome listening experience. I've always thought that Natalie was talented; but from conception to finished product, "Leave Your Sleep" puts Natalie Merchant in the category of genius. After owning the CD for over a year, I still consider it to be one of the best albums that I have ever listened to.

I have seen Natalie perform I think 8 times now, and each time is more incredible. Her current band is excellent. I love hearing Natalie enlighten her audience on the story behind all the poems/songs, and her inspiration for including each of them in her opus. Natalie can also be quite jocular in her storytelling. I am thrilled to be seeing her again this summer in Chautauqua, NY! Natalie's intellect and creativity absolutely shine on this album. Children and adults alike enjoy these tunes. My young cousin with austism begs us to play both discs of the album every single day when she comes over from next door. I can't seem to get the songs un-stuck from my head, either! From "Bleezer's Ice Cream Shop" to "If No One Ever Marries Me," her sound is so elegant and catchy. I would recommend this album to almost anyone!