10,000 Maniacs is an American alternative rock band that formed in 1981 in Jamestown, New York. The band is known for their lyrical focus on socially conscious topics and their eclectic musical style, which blends elements of folk, rock, and punk. They gained widespread recognition in the late 1980s and early 1990s with albums like "In My Tribe" (1987), "Blind Man's Zoo" (1989), and "Our Time in Eden" (1992), and especially for their hit single "These Are Days." They also received critical acclaim for their 1993 "MTV Unplugged" performance, which featured a stripped-down, acoustic sound that showcased the strength of their songwriting and helped to popularize the unplugged concert format.

After original lead vocalist Natalie Merchant departed for a solo career in 1993, the band continued with new lead singers, releasing albums such as "Love Among The Ruins" (1997) with Mary Ramsey, which featured the successful single "More Than This." The band's later works, including "The Earth Pressed Flat" (1999), "Music From The Motion Picture" (2013), and "Twice Told Tales" (2015), saw the Maniacs explore new sounds while remaining true to their folk rock roots. Various compilations and live albums such as "Campfire Songs: The Popular, Obscure and Unknown Recordings of 10,000 Maniacs" and "Live at the Belly Up" exhibit the depth and breadth of their music, which continues to captivate audiences with its powerful narratives and lush melodies.

Genres

Ectofolk

Lilith

New Wave

New Wave Pop

Pop Rock

Singer-songwriter

Related Artists

The Cranberries

R.E.M.

Sarah McLachlan

Suzanne Vega

Tori Amos

Counting Crows

Tracy Chapman

Mazzy Star

Ani DiFranco

The Sundays

Natalie Merchant

Shawn Colvin

Latest Release

Stockton Gala Days (Live on MTV Unplugged)

10,000 Maniacs

Single - Released August 14, 2024