CD/Music Review: 10,000 Maniacs: Hope Chest

 

Hope Chest, released in 1990, is a remix album by the group 10,000 Maniacs that compiles and remixes the tracks from their early albums, Human Conflict Number Five and Secrets of the I Ching. Natalie Merchant, who is probably the group's most popular member, sings lead vocals on most of the tracks, but John Lombardo sings lead on the track "Anthem for Doomed Youth."

The album comprises 14 tracks, totaling just over 46 minutes in run time. The tracks are okay if you are into 1980s alternative rock (which is much different than what alternative rock would become in the 1990s), but none are as good as the group's biggest hits, like "Because the Night," which were popular as the group drifted a bit more toward mainstream pop and became more polished. The CD liner includes a couple of pages detailing the band's history, pictures, and lyrics and production notes for the tracks. Ultimately, it is not one that I would call a must-listen, but if you are a fan of the group, it is worth checking out.