This was released on CD and cassette back in 1993, but not on vinyl until 2024. (This wasn’t just a demand issue – labels actively wanted to push people to CDs as they made better margin).

Wonderful set of songs from Natalie Merchant, Steven Gustafson, Rob Buck, Jerome Augustyniak, and Dennis Drew – supplemented by banjo, cello, viola & violin, etc.

Bonus tracks on this 2xLP version include David Byrne joining on “Let the Mystery Be,” “Dallas,” and “Jolene” (yes, that Jolene). Other than the bonus tracks it’s all Merchant and cowriters.

My copy—via Barnes & Noble at the North Shore Mall—is the 2024 reissue on blue labels and cobalt-blue vinyl manufactured by Memphis Record Pressing / GZ Media.