Mastertapes

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BBC Radio 4 FM

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John Wilson talks with musicians about a career-defining album.

John Wilson talks with musicians about a career-defining album, and a live audience also puts questions. Featuring exclusive live performances.

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Mastertapes: Series 3: Natalie Merchant (the A-Side)

Natalie Merchant (the A-Side)

Series 3

BBC Radio 4 - Mastertapes, Series 3, Natalie Merchant (the A-Side)

Natalie Merchant talks to John Wilson about her 1995 debut solo album, Tigerlily.

Natalie Merchant talks to John Wilson about 'Tigerlily', her 1995 solo album made after leaving 10,000 Maniacs. From 2013.

Natalie Merchant discusses 'Tigerlily', her 1995 solo album made after leaving 10,000 Maniacs. 

Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.

Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.

In the A-side, Natalie talks to John Wilson. 

Completely self-funded (to ensure creative control),'Tigerlily' went on the sell over 5 million copies and continues to be Natalie Merchant's most successful album to date. Its bold and stripped down sound gave more emphasis to her powerful and often personal lyrics, including 'Beloved Wife' (inspired by her grandfather's grief in the wake of her grandmother's passing) and 'River' (written in response to the sudden and untimely death of her friend River Phoenix). 

The album also included the top-40 singles 'Wonder' and 'Jealousy', as well as her first top-ten hit as a solo artist, 'Carnival'.

In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions.

Producer: Paul Kobrak

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2013.

Mastertapes: Series 3

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

John Wilson talks with musicians about a career-defining album

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Series 3

Natalie Merchant (the A-Side)

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