Rarities (1998–2017)
Natalie Merchant · 2017
54 min · 15 tracks · rock music
A reflective collection of intimate covers and previously unreleased tracks that showcase Merchant's emotive storytelling and distinct vocal style.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Village Green Preservation Society Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Too Long at the Fair — This track features a haunting melody paired with poignant lyrics that evoke themes of loss and nostalgia, making it a standout representation of Merchant's emotional range.
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Order 1081 — The song showcases Merchant's ability to blend personal narrative with social commentary, reflecting her lyrical depth and musical maturity.
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Political Science — Merchant’s interpretation of this Randy Newman classic infuses it with urgency and wit, bringing a fresh perspective to the well-known satire.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- reflective listening experiences
- dynamic emotional journeys
- gradual builds and payoffs
- late-night contemplative moods
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A reflective collection adding depth but not a primary entry point for new listeners.
- Career context
- By 2017, Natalie Merchant was in a phase of revisiting her extensive catalog, having spent over two decades as a solo artist after leaving 10,000 Maniacs. 'Rarities (1998–2017)' serves as a retrospective, compiling lesser-known gems alongside notable covers, demonstrating her evolution and continued relevance in the rock genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lisa Loeb· Shawn Colvin· Jewel
Tracklist
- 1 The Village Green Preservation Society Start here 3:22
- 2 Too Long at the Fair 3:20
- 3 Order 1081 5:48
- 4 To Love Is to Bury 3:32
- 5 Saint Judas 3:46
- 6 Birds & Ships 2:12
- 7 The Lowlands of Holland 3:48
- 8 Sonnet 73 4:12
- 9 Learning the Game 3:27
- 10 My Little Sweet Baby 2:28
- 11 Political Science 2:48
- 12 Build a Levee 4:43
- 13 Sit Down, Sister 1:36
- 14 The Gulf of Araby 7:10
- 15 Portofino 1:53
What to play next
Butterfly
2017
Continues the reflective tone with a mix of new material and personal storytelling.
Natalie Merchant
2014
Sets the stage with a strong solo sound that leads into the intimate nature of Rarities.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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