Paradise Is There: The New Tigerlily Recordings - Limited Vinyl LP

In this review of Paradise Is There: The New Tigerlily Recordings, the bottom line is simple: this limited vinyl LP is for listeners who appreciate a mature, intimate reinterpretation of a landmark solo debut. Natalie Merchant revisits the songs from Tigerlily with evolved arrangements and a warm analogue presentation that highlights her voice and fresh orchestral textures. For collectors and longtime fans who value sound quality and thoughtful production, this pressing offers a compelling new way to hear familiar material.

Key Features

• Limited vinyl LP pressing: The physical format offers a tactile, collectible presentation that suits fans who prefer analogue listening and a substantial package.
• Reworked arrangements: Songs are presented as they have evolved in live performance, bringing new string and orchestral textures to familiar tracks.
• Produced by the artist: Natalie Merchant produced the album herself, ensuring artistic continuity and an authentic reinterpretation of the original material.
• Long-time collaborators: The record features her touring band and a string quartet, providing cohesive instrumental interplay and polished ensemble performances.
• Guest contributions: Additional voices and saxophone add variety and depth, expanding the sonic palette beyond the original recordings.

Who It's For

This release is aimed at dedicated Natalie Merchant listeners, collectors of vinyl, and anyone who enjoys singer/songwriter material with orchestral or symphonic touches. The record rewards repeated listens, revealing subtle arrangement choices and the warmth of analogue pressing.

Listeners looking for the exact 1995 Tigerlily mixes or a mainstream pop reissue might prefer to seek out the original release instead, since this project intentionally reframes those songs rather than replicating the first studio versions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Beautiful, mature vocal performances that reflect years of live evolution.
• High perceived music quality and tonal balance praised by listeners.
• Rich string and orchestral arrangements add new dimensions to familiar songs.
• Collector-friendly presentation suitable for vinyl enthusiasts.

Cons

• Not a replacement for the original 1995 mixes if you prefer the first studio versions.
• Limited pressing may make it harder to obtain for casual listeners.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Paradise Is There is a thoughtful reinterpretation that will satisfy collectors and fans who want a warmer, arrangement-forward take on Tigerlily. It offers strong value for listeners who prioritize voice and orchestral content in a tactile, limited vinyl edition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the original 1995 album?
No. This 2015 release revisits and reworks the songs from the 1995 Tigerlily album with new arrangements and performances.

Does the pressing include extra materials?
Customers note a substantial package in some editions, including a hardcover book in certain copies that enhances the collectible nature.

Who plays on this recording?
The record features Merchants long-time band members, a string quartet, saxophone, and guest vocalists, with Merchant producing the sessions herself.