10,000 Maniacs

Bill Clinton's victory over incumbent George Bush in the 1992 U.S. presidential election is widely credited to the record groundswell of support Clinton received from the so-called "MTV generation" -- the candidate even convened with young voters for a much-discussed MTV town meeting, while the network regularly aired spots sponsored by Rock the Vote, an organization which produced public service announcements starring contemporary pop stars in an effort to encourage voting among 18-25-year-olds. In January 1993, MTV accordingly mounted its own Rock & Roll Inaugural Ball to celebrate Clinton's entrance into office; although the event smacked of the network's usual self-congratulatory preening, it was nevertheless an exciting, memorable night, highlighted not only by Clinton's triumphant appearance, but also a live set by 10,000 Maniacs, then at the peak of their fame. This four-song EP spotlighting the band's "Few and Far Between" single contains two of their Inaugural Ball performances: the hit "Candy Everybody Wants" and a suitably reverential cover of Lulu's "To Sir With Love," both duets with R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe. Although 10,000 Maniacs' studio efforts sometime suffer from their studied over-production, the group sounds wonderfully energized and spirited here -- even the faux-funk horn arrangement of "Candy Everybody Wants" seems appropriate given the night and its context. But the real gem is "To Sir With Love" -- it's perfectly attuned to the moment and completely heartfelt, proving politicized music mustn't always be fueled by rage and disenfranchisement to hit home. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide