Natalie Merchant (the A-Side)
Natalie Merchant talks to John Wilson about 'Tigerlily', her 1995 solo album made after leaving 10,000 Maniacs. From 2013.
Natalie Merchant discusses 'Tigerlily', her 1995 solo album made after leaving 10,000 Maniacs.
Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.
Recorded in front of a live audience at the 91Èȱ¬'s iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.
In the A-side, Natalie talks to John Wilson.
Completely self-funded (to ensure creative control),'Tigerlily' went on the sell over 5 million copies and continues to be Natalie Merchant's most successful album to date. Its bold and stripped down sound gave more emphasis to her powerful and often personal lyrics, including 'Beloved Wife' (inspired by her grandfather's grief in the wake of her grandmother's passing) and 'River' (written in response to the sudden and untimely death of her friend River Phoenix).
The album also included the top-40 singles 'Wonder' and 'Jealousy', as well as her first top-ten hit as a solo artist, 'Carnival'.
In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions.
Producer: Paul Kobrak
First broadcast on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 4 in November 2013.
Last on
More episodes
Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega talks to John Wilson and a live audience about her album Solitude Standing.
The B-Side
The audience asks Natalie Merchant about the making of her debut solo album Tigerlily.
Clips
-
Natalie Merchant sings Cowboy Romance for Mastertapes
Duration: 05:00
-
Natalie Merchant sings I May Know The Word
Duration: 03:16
-
Natalie Merchant sings Wonder for Mastertapes
Duration: 04:53
Broadcasts
- Mon 25 Nov 2013 23:0091Èȱ¬ Radio 4
- Tue 31 Jul 2018 15:3091Èȱ¬ Radio 4
- Mon 26 Jun 2023 21:0091Èȱ¬ Radio 4 Extra
Eight things we learned from Lily Allen’s Mastertapes
We hear about the breakdown of her marriage, substance abuse… and socks
10 things we learned from Randy Newman’s Mastertapes
The legendary songwriter's interview with John Wilson is fascinating and very funny.
Mastertapes special: Paul McCartney
Live performances
Watch and listen to exclusive live performances from the Mastertapes recordings.
Radio 4 on Music
Re-releasing music documentaries from the Radio 4 Archive.
Podcast
-
Mastertapes
John Wilson talks with musicians about a career-defining album.