Album Review: Live in Concert: New York City by Natalie Merchant

Seemingly every modern musician has an "intimate" live album. Their acoustic renditions rarely provide new elements of appreciation or achievement. For Natalie Merchant, her music never shines brighter than when she performs in concert. The most memorable remnant of Merchant's days with 10,000 Maniacs is their Unplugged performance, particularly the touching cover of "Because the Night." Merchant continues to please and excite her fans in her first solo live release, Live in Concert, featuring the very finest performances from her sold out concerts at the Neil Simon Theater in New York City. Although Merchant's studio creations are enjoyable, the atmosphere created by a small audience is perfect for her stellar vocals. You cannot help but listen to every sonorous, sexy note. Her rendition of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" is unforgettable. Merchant seduces us with her sultry vocals on "Carnival," romances our tender hearts on "Wonder" and lulls us into a somber trance on "Ophelia." Few musicians can make a small live atmosphere as truly intimate as Natalie Merchant does, and Live in Concert genuinely captures this glowing feel. A