[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
10,000 Maniacs — Don't Talk
Album: In My Tribe
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1988









Released: 1987
Length: 4:54
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Don't talk, I will listen.
Don't talk, you keep your distance
for I'd rather hear some truth tonight than entertain your lies,
so take you poison silently.
Let me be. Let me close my eyes.

Don't talk, I'll believe it.
Don't talk, listen to me instead,
I know that if you think of it, both long enough and hard
the drink you drown your troubles in is the trouble you're in now.

Talk talk talk about it, if you talk as if you care
but when your talk is over tilt that bottle in the air,
tossing back more than your share.

Don't talk, I can guess it.
Don't talk, well now your restless
and you need somewhere to put the blame for how you feel inside.
You'll look for a close and easy mark and you'll see me as fair game.

Talk talk talk about it, talk as if you care
but when your talk is over tilt that bottle in the air
tossing back more than your share.
You talk talk talk about it, you talk as if you care.
I'm marking every word and can tell this time for sure,
your talk is the finest I have heard.

So don't talk, let me go on dreaming.
How your eyes they glow so fiercely I can tell your inspired
by the name you chose for me. Now what was it? O, never mind it.
We will talk talk talk about this when your head is clear.
I'll discuss this in the morning, but until then you may talk but I won't hear.
Comments (152)add comment
 kbs wrote:
I have struggled to find any liking for Natalie's intonation and warble, but when I heard this sight unseen, I thought 'that sounds like how Natalie ought to sing' - then discovered it was she! 


I find I tend to like artists when they are discovering themselves, and less when they have discovered the market (or vice versa).
 
That is how I feel about the first 5 Led Zep albums and everything that came after.  The first 5 was figuring out what they were and what came after was just Led Zep being Led Zep.
Best band to ever come out of my college!
This, along with Luka by Suzanne Vega and And Then You Kissed Me by the Cardigans are breathtaking songs about domestic violence.  The dissonance between the pointed lyrics, the deep-heart delivery, the beautiful melodies, set against a very dark side of human nature is devastatingly powerful in each of them.
Wham, bam, thank you 10,000 Maniacs!
 kbs wrote:
I find I tend to like artists when they are discovering themselves, and less when they have discovered the market (or vice versa).
 
discovering themselves?  She was evisceratng an alcoholic  babbler.
I kind of wish Natalie Merchant would return to this refreshing pop sound again.  A lot of her later stuff is good but a bit too slow and pensive.
funny, with the Grobschnitt poster in their Wikipage
God I remember buying this album at Squecial Music in Lexington in 1988....had a massive crush on Natalie as well.
Wonderful sound, but when you read the lyrics you wouldn't want to be the chap who is immortalized in the song!
You know right away who's singing. The way she sings ... with "feeling", her tones and inflections, the story she tells beyond the words.
 kingart wrote:

An upbeat, almost happy musically sonic hypnotic track about a boozy beater.  


Was just thinking the same thing.  I've heard this song a hundred times, but never really listened to the lyrics.  Just read through them as it was playing.  Didn't realize it was about being in a relationship with an alcoholic.
Hits close to home. It's an odd salve...maybe that's why I love it so much.
Excellent!
Gonna go with this song being about Natalie and Michael Stipe's ill-fated love affair. 
 cavemanleong wrote:

This was my first Maniacs album. Bought way back in the late 80s. Fell in love with Natalie's voice and have loved it ever since.


I have struggled to find any liking for Natalie's intonation and warble, but when I heard this sight unseen, I thought 'that sounds like how Natalie ought to sing' - then discovered it was she! 
I find I tend to like artists when they are discovering themselves, and less when they have discovered the market (or vice versa).
 Wisconsinrob wrote:


Toatlly agreed.  This takes me back to college.  this was on heavy rotation along with Joshua Tree, Life's Rich Pagent, So, and Diesel and Dust, etc etc.  the late 80's, such a simplier time at a younger age.



I don't know if the 80's were simpler but I was. I listened to everything and it was a rewarding experience. So even if the context wasn't as simple as I'm inclined to remember, the joy was.
 pxd wrote:
 
This brings back memories of a 2 bedroom flat in Spring Hill Brisvegas in 1989-1991. Me and a good mate shared it with good parties, music and movies. I seemed to have more time back then. I loved this album and always loved Natalie's voice.
 
Your statement above resonates with me - this is what hits me when I think back of past days, nights, parties, good times - having more time (than now). Thanks for putting it so clearly.  pxd


Toatlly agreed.  This takes me back to college.  this was on heavy rotation along with Joshua Tree, Life's Rich Pagent, So, and Diesel and Dust, etc etc.  the late 80's, such a simplier time at a younger age.
👍
 janac13 wrote:
This brings back memories of a 2 bedroom flat in Spring Hill Brisvegas in 1989-1991. Me and a good mate shared it with good parties, music and movies. I seemed to have more time back then. I loved this album and always loved Natalie's voice.
 
Your statement above resonates with me - this is what hits me when I think back of past days, nights, parties, good times - having more time (than now). Thanks for putting it so clearly.  pxd
 Edweirdo wrote:
Not their best.
 
So ... is it second best?  Third best?  Next to worst?
The lyrics get me every time.
Not their best.
This is why I love 10,000 Maniacs.  Ethereal deadpan vocals, breezy jangly pop guitars, and absolute gut-wrenching lyrics.  
 cely wrote:
What an album this was.  I'd forgotten about this song, and it makes me remember what a great time it was when artists released albums rather than just songs.  You could hear their sound, their feel, their idea.  This record blew me away for its originality and also for the intelligent, heartfelt lyrics and the tightness of the band.
 
I mean, they still do. Also, I'm enjoying this era where I don't have to pay for an entire album for the one or two songs I really care about. If I'm taken with an artist, then I'll see what kind of B-sides they put out. But if not, I haven't bought all of Relish when all I want is One of Us and St. Teresa.
What an album this was.  I'd forgotten about this song, and it makes me remember what a great time it was when artists released albums rather than just songs.  You could hear their sound, their feel, their idea.  This record blew me away for its originality and also for the intelligent, heartfelt lyrics and the tightness of the band.
This brings back memories of a 2 bedroom flat in Spring Hill Brisvegas in 1989-1991. Me and a good mate shared it with good parties, music and movies. I seemed to have more time back then. I loved this album and always loved Natalie's voice.
Good lyrics, good music and a divine voice... like a 10,000 Sirens chanting... talk don't talk about it.
Greatgreat segue: Slowdive's "Shine -> this.
An upbeat, almost happy musically sonic hypnotic track about a boozy beater.  
One of the great voices of the '80s and '90s.
 ziggytrix wrote:

It's so jangly!
 
That's what I've always liked about this song.
This was my first Maniacs album. Bought way back in the late 80s. Fell in love with Natalie's voice and have loved it ever since.
If they decide to do a Natalie Merchant bio pic in the next few years, they should tab Tatiana Maslany to star in it. I have no idea if her life is interesting enough to warrant one. 
This song gets better with time.  Liked it then, love it now.
I LOVE LOVE THIS SONG!!!! talk talk talk about it!
 1wolfy wrote:
Nice guitar

 
It's so jangly!
What a voice!
Can't. Stop. Dancing.
Sounds like Blondie to me. And that's a huge compliment
Nice guitar
AWESOME SONG!!! 
One of the songs that ruined my drinking.
Awesome, and I love all the 80s 'New Order'-type sound behind her great voice that I agree was used very effectively in this song...
1987? 
Almost 28 years gone already?  
Dang. Queasy flashback in the time machine. 
 
 slr242 wrote:
This was the band near their apex, as far as I'm concerned. Great stuff. Loved her voice at that point. In my opinion, they should have stayed together, were it possible. Natalie's solo career has been underwhelming.

 
My fave Natalie-vocals song. Loved the drumming and zooming bass and reverb and guitar...She sings with more force and passion here and that helps. The music is really tuned to support her voice. This must have been one of the designated singles for the album... 
 jmsmy wrote:
Great - but listen to all the 80's reverb 

 
Yes, lots of reverb but there is also an abundance of "chorus" effect on those guitars , which was popular in the '80s.  Good song - much more energy and range in her voice than in many of her later efforts.
Back when her songs were good listening.
Great - but listen to all the 80's reverb 
 bentonian wrote:
Out of all the things one could say about Natalie Merchant, people don't like her voice? That astounds me. I find it a truly amazing voice, one of the most distinctive and compelling I've ever heard.

And the song is good, too! A lover's lament for a brilliant man gone to drink, his thoughts drowned in a bottle.

Or maybe that's just me... 

 

Love this.... Love Natalie.  Understand too much about drunks speaking Chinese, taking up the room, waving the bottle in the air
 bentonian wrote:
Out of all the things one could say about Natalie Merchant, people don't like her voice? That astounds me. I find it a truly amazing voice, one of the most distinctive and compelling I've ever heard.

And the song is good, too! A lover's lament for a brilliant man gone to drink, his thoughts drowned in a bottle.

Or maybe that's just me... 

 
It's you.
Out of all the things one could say about Natalie Merchant, people don't like her voice? That astounds me. I find it a truly amazing voice, one of the most distinctive and compelling I've ever heard.

And the song is good, too! A lover's lament for a brilliant man gone to drink, his thoughts drowned in a bottle.

Or maybe that's just me... 
i cant believe this womans voice has been grating on my nerves since 1987   {#Frustrated}
Meh.
ugh. stop the madness.

This song is good for the ears...
 
This was the band near their apex, as far as I'm concerned. Great stuff. Loved her voice at that point. In my opinion, they should have stayed together, were it possible. Natalie's solo career has been underwhelming.
 kaybee wrote:
One of their best!
 
Indeed, it's an amazingly powerful song. Surprised by the lack of appreciation. The whole album is a gem.
One of their best!
music = good, voice= not so good, she bugs..sorry

There are all kinds, and I'm the kind who likes Natalie Merchant.     {#Smile}



Natalie Merchant  By Guus Krol
https://www.flickr.com/photos/guuskrol/

Natalie Merchant, Paradiso 11-05-2010

This photo was taken on May 11, 2010 in Jordaan, Amsterdam, NH, NL, using a Nikon D3.


{#Drunk}
*bump*
lmic wrote:

This is one of the very best pop songs about alcoholism. Maybe Bill could play it in a set along with "We Used to Vacation," and/or "Inside Job"?

Just a beautiful song with a nice hook.  Makes me smile.
A lot of Natalie on RP these days, sorry to say it's not sounding too good to me.
Self righteous twits.
 Tim_in_N_FL wrote:

...and was a bit less reserved in expressing her angst.  I do miss that...but not her penchant for self-righteousness.  Still, she and Wiley Coyote must share the super genius mantle.  {#Yes}



 
You so funny.  You must crack yourself up all the time.  Yawn!

 Josephine wrote:
'In My Tribe' is my favorite 10K album, and maybe because it was my first intro to them. I'd love to hear 'Painted Desert' on RP, as it's one of my all-time fav songs!! I still have this on cassette somewhere, and it has the 'Peace Train' recording, which was later removed from the album, due to some trouble with publishing rights, I believe.
 
This (and the following other explanations for "Peace Train's" absence) is interesting.  I didn't know that later versions had had it pulled—kind of too bad, musically, as it's a really nice version of the song, though I can certainly understand politically/morally. 

In My Tribe is, as others have said, a gem.  It's stood up remarkably well to all these years. . . .

 More_Cowbell wrote:
She had a good strong voice back then
 
...and was a bit less reserved in expressing her angst.  I do miss that...but not her penchant for self-righteousness.  Still, she and Wiley Coyote must share the super genius mantle.  {#Yes}



 aragon wrote:
Well, I like the whole disk and would enjoy a bunch if I could hear "Gun Shy" on RP. But just playing "Don't Talk" is fine with me. Love it!



Funny thing: My vynil album has a different cover.
 
Not sure about different covers for In My Tribe (maybe somebody else can jump in on that one), and even though the word vinyl isn't seen in print as much these days as it used to be, it's definitely "i before y".  Your spelling of it makes it look like an off-brand cold remedy...


 wilcogirl11 wrote:

I always heard that Natalie had it removed because Cat Stevens converted to Islam. She apparently wasn't happy because of how she believes women are treated in Islam. Maybe this is a myth, though?

 

According to wiki, that is true. However, I remember hearing back in the day that "Peace Train" was put on the album by demand from the record studio executives, despite the fact that the 10,000 Maniacs already had an anti-war song (Gun Shy) on the album. Cat Stevens' religious beliefs may have been a useful excuse to finally get that song off the album.
 sfListener wrote:

I thought it was because of his support of the fatwah against Salman Rushdie.

 
Bingo...correct.

 fredriley wrote:

Whatever happened to 10,000 Maniacs? They were some of the poppiest political agitators around, if I remember, but I've not heard a peep of them for years. I can think of a few blokes to whom the lyrics in this song would apply, all talk and beer and no action. 7 from the Nottingham jury.
 
natalie merchant went solo and got boring..
this was their best effort by far..not a bad song on it.
never gets old.
great songs...

 rtwingo wrote:


She sounds just as good today to my opinion.
 
agreed.
Great song writer too 
 rvontha wrote:
Love them Maniacs.
 
Whatever happened to 10,000 Maniacs? They were some of the poppiest political agitators around, if I remember, but I've not heard a peep of them for years. I can think of a few blokes to whom the lyrics in this song would apply, all talk and beer and no action. 7 from the Nottingham jury.

 More_Cowbell wrote:
She had a good strong voice back then
 

She sounds just as good today to my opinion.
Genius.
She had a good strong voice back then
wilcogirl11 wrote:

I always heard that Natalie had it removed because Cat Stevens converted to Islam. She apparently wasn't happy because of how she believes women are treated in Islam. Maybe this is a myth, though?



I thought it was because of his support of the fatwah against Salman Rushdie.

Josephine wrote:
'In My Tribe' is my favorite 10K album, and maybe because it was my first intro to them. I'd love to hear 'Painted Desert' on RP, as it's one of my all-time fav songs!! I still have this on cassette somewhere, and it has the 'Peace Train' recording, which was later removed from the album, due to some trouble with publishing rights, I believe.


I always heard that Natalie had it removed because Cat Stevens converted to Islam. She apparently wasn't happy because of how she believes women are treated in Islam. Maybe this is a myth, though?

Wow, haven't heard that one in ages! I think that just made my Monday morning. Thanks Bill!
Love them Maniacs.
Don't sing.
I used to bounce for Natalie & crew in Buffalo circa 1984? Man this brings back memories...
Well, I like the whole disk and would enjoy a bunch if I could hear "Gun Shy" on RP. But just playing "Don't Talk" is fine with me. Love it! Funny thing: My vynil album has a different cover.
The version in the unplugged album is better (specially the vocals). Still quiet good though.
junebaby65 wrote:
Me too....
My God, I'm not alone. Total agreement. Nothing against the band and its fans. Just what makes the world go 'round. I can't listen to them.
On_The_Beach wrote:
One of the few artists on RP that I can't stand. With apologies to her fans, NM's voice just annoys the hell out of me.
Me too....
I generally like 10,000 Maniacs but I really am NOT liking this song. Perhaps one of their least creative. Decent usually though.
Yup - I really like this song (and yes, she does do that annoying thing with her voice and let\'s it trail off and downward and off the key at the end of nearly every line)....still - solid 8 for me.
wishlist wrote:
What changed? Because she makes sleepy music it makes this song unlikeable?
Because she (they) made the same bloody thing over and over it made it unlikeable. This tune, however, is not. But that doesn't change the way that NM (today) constitutes one of Dante's rings.
God, I was so into this band and album when it came out. And don't listen to the person below. I also saw them at two other venues in Philly back in the late 80s and they were awesome.
One of the few artists on RP that I can't stand. With apologies to her fans, NM's voice just annoys the hell out of me.
So happy to see a 6.6 for the great Natalie M., especially after the depressing 5.8 for Patti Smith earlier. EDIT: Also this is one of the very best pop songs about alcoholism. Maybe Bill could play it in a set along with "We Used to Vacation," and/or "Inside Job"? EDIT EDIT: I do prefer the slower, moodier version on "MTV Unplugged." Nit pick - this is still a 10 for me.
99 wrote:
Don't drink the haterade
I've seen hundreds of live shows. 10,000 Maniacs was the only band I've ever walked out on (a 5 star night at the Mann Music Center (formerly known as the Robin Hood Dell East) in Philadelphia). Every song sounded like the last - Natalie Merchant was just bleeting like a sheep, and there was virtually no change to the rhythm or the melody. Don't drone! Just say no to 10,000 Maniacs!
kazuma wrote:
Really nice track from way back when, before that sheep took over her voicebox.
Baaaaa...
Really nice track from way back when, before that sheep took over her voicebox.
Beautiful song.
This song almost rocks, but Natalie comes through again.
Can't believe this has such a low rating. 6.6, really? What isn't there to like? That was a rhetorical question btw
Ace13211 wrote:
Don't Sing
When this song came on I was wondering how far I was going to have to go back to find the obvious comment. The thing is she she doesn't really sing ,if she took her own advice and didn't drone out the lyrics how would she pay her bills? I don't like her voice but I'd hate to see her starve.
Ace13211 wrote:
Don't Sing
Don't drink the haterade
Don't Sing
noelbarnes wrote:
blah blah blah...solid 3
yeah yeah yeah solid 8
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
I had/have a HUGE crush on Natalie Merchant. This whole album is perfect.
Ditto on the crush thing and, more importantly(?) on the comment about this album...it is about as close to PERFECT they come. Don't Talk is such a powerful song, lyrically, vocally and musically.
What a great segue from Whither!!! Been there, done that, no thanks ever again!!! This was one of my theme songs during my divorce process.
my ears hearing her sing. I know there is talent there, songs, the words, like another reviewer said, blah, blah. There is much music available, why play so much of 10,000 maniacs and her solo stuff?
Roverfish wrote:
I'd ask her to come back when she got to 'ZZZ Sleep Consultants'... But that's now, and this is then. Back then, this was a likeable, if not excellent, tune from a band filled with potential. Glad no one could see the future. I still liked them then. Not now.
What changed? Because she makes sleepy music it makes this song unlikeable?
I had/have a HUGE crush on Natalie Merchant. This whole album is perfect.
Saw them the last season of Popular Creek in Chicago. World Party opened. Very good show.
Even in my headbanging teen years with a closet full of black t-shirts with Black Sabbath to Iron Maiden, I always loved 10K Maniacs. Still do.
cooshound wrote:
In My Tribe is one of those albums that I'm way too emotionally connected with to render an objective opinion. I remember being a senior in high school, going to Chicago for the weekend and seeing U2's Joshua Tree tour on Friday, and then seeing the Connells and Maniacs the next night at The Metro, never having heard of either bands. Not a bad weekend of music. I do think Our Time In Eden is a solid effort and good album overall.
The Connells would have been the highlight.
blah blah blah...solid 3
This album was the high water mark. With a couple of notable exceptions.
what's she banging on about now?
In My Tribe is one of those albums that I'm way too emotionally connected with to render an objective opinion. I remember being a senior in high school, going to Chicago for the weekend and seeing U2's Joshua Tree tour on Friday, and then seeing the Connells and Maniacs the next night at The Metro, never having heard of either bands. Not a bad weekend of music. I do think Our Time In Eden is a solid effort and good album overall.
stevo_b wrote:
Listen to the lyrics, been there and done that also. Finally left the one doing the drinking.
I have to agree. Listen to the lyrics. This is all about the abuse people suffer at the hands of loved ones afflicted with addictions. Some of the most impressive lines in music like, "You need somewhere to put the blame for how you feel inside. You look for a close and easy mark and you see me as fair game." Brutally honest and poignant.
The Maniacs were/are such a good band. As good as any probably, too bad Ms Merchant lost her appreciation for them.
Filofox wrote:
I just adore Natalie's voice, she could sing the telephone directory to me and I wouldn't care.
I'd ask her to come back when she got to 'ZZZ Sleep Consultants'... But that's now, and this is then. Back then, this was a likeable, if not excellent, tune from a band filled with potential. Glad no one could see the future. I still liked them then. Not now.