by: Ed Condran
When lead singer Natalie Merchant left 10,000 Maniacs five years ago to pursue a solo career, many thought the group was history. The remaining band members, however, weren't ready to write the Maniacs' epitaph.
Guitarist John Lombardo, who left the group after the upstate New York band released its brilliant 1985 debut The Wishing Chair, and Mary Ramsey, who played violin and contributed backing vocals on 1993's Our Time in Eden, were asked to help resuscitate the Maniacs. The duo, which released two albums in the early Nineties under the moniker John and Mary, was more than happy to.
"They're a great bunch of musicians," said Ramsey, on the phone from her Jamestown, N.Y., home. "I thought it would be a great idea, especially if John was involved."
After shopping around a demo two years ago, the band signed with Geffen Records and, subsequently, the group recorded its seventh album, Love Among the Ruins, comprised of lean, melodic music that is subtle and intelligent.
Despite touring doggedly in support of the album last summer, however, the most the Maniacs could muster was a minor hit with the album's initial single, More Than This. The lack of success led the band and Geffen to part company late last year.
Once again the Maniacs' obit was being written. And once again the band members weren't ready to call it quits.
The group is still touring and hoping to record another album for a new label.
"Things didn't work out with Geffen, but that's fine," said Ramsey. "They were very supportive, but it just wasn't in the cards.
"We've been out on the road playing with a lot of different bands. We're just trying to keep our momentum going. We're incredibly close and getting a lot done right now."
The group, which also includes guitarist Rob Buck, bassist Steven Gustafson, and drummer Jerome Augustinyiak, is writing new songs, some of which will be showcased Thursday at Wetlands in Manhattan.
"I think people will connect with what's coming out of the latest batch of 10,000 Maniacs stew," she said. "It's not as poppy as the songs from Love Among the Ruins. I think it's more in the vein of the earlier material. We're going to continue to showcase it and see who is interested in picking it up.
"No matter what, I'm pretty happy and optimistic about being with this band. I'm just so glad to be a part of it. I appreciate everything.
"For instance, the other day I was in the post office and I turn around and everyone is miserable. Then I hear More Than This on the radio in there. I know it's not a big deal to the other guys in the band, since they've heard their songs on the radio millions of times, but for me it's so cool. Once you have a little airplay you want to go back for more."