10,000 Maniacs

Europe first press 1988.
Peak late 80s alternative before “alternative” became a marketing word. Thoughtful without being smug. Big choruses without going full cheese. Natalie Merchant doing that clear, slightly stern, slightly fragile vocal thing while the band build these warm, jangly, almost folk rock backdrops underneath. Serious themes but it never feels heavy handed. This is grown up indie. Not boring grown up. Just emotionally literate grown up. FFO R.E.M., The Sundays, Suzanne Vega, The Cranberries