Our Time in Eden by 10,000 Maniacs

Our Time in Eden, the fifth 10,000 Maniacs album, came out on Elektra in 1992, with Paul Fox producing, and it closes a chapter: it's the band's last studio album with Natalie Merchant singing. They had a working title, African Violet Society, before settling on the one they used.

The sound is warmer and fuller than ever. James Brown's band, the J.B.'s, supply the brass and woodwinds, and Mary Ramsey, who would later step into Merchant's place, adds violin and viola to "Stockton Gala Days" and "How You've Grown". Merchant sings with that familiar cool poise, backed by Rob Buck, Dennis Drew, Steven Gustafson and Jerome Augustyniak, and the jangle comes dressed for summer. "These Are Days" is a burst of pure sunshine, while "Candy Everybody Wants" struts with a sly, knowing grin. "Few and Far Between" was the third single.

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