A captivating piece to bid adieu to the 80s, this record encompasses a transition for the Maniacs. Here, Natalie Merchant's folksie roots begin to emerge so much more than in "In my tribe" and of course, the rythm here is altogether different to the mainstream music of that time, thus this record was a small college hit.

"Trouble me", with Jevetta Steele in backing vocals, is a marvelous love song, moving and sexy, enticing the listener to join Miss Merchant in the fantasy world of her written lyrics.

Other reviewers have been harsh with this record, but rest assured it is solid and prodigious, and even after 10 years, just hearing the first seconds of "Eat for two", you know this recording can rock still, and beautifully so, at that.

Plus, the cover art... have you ever seen anything quite like it? No? That is because it is a piece of art in itself... unforgettable to the eyes, just as it is to the ears.

Often lambasted for its over-political nature and pretentiousness, Blind Man's Zoo is tied with Hope Chest as being the most underrated record in the Maniacs' catalogue. The band's form here is astounding, and this album has remarkable music with much more drive and force than its poppy predecessor, In My Tribe. Songs like "Headstrong" and "Hateful Hate" will blow one out of the water with their forceful nature, the former the most rocking since The Wishing Chair's version of "My Mother the War." The song "Trouble Me," although extremely out of place, is very beautiful by itself. And although the lyrics might be a bit over-bearing at times, "Please Forgive Us" is really one of the Maniacs' best songs, despite Natalie Merchant's vocal displeasure with the song. The recording and production of this album is hands down much better than In My Tribe, and every song sounds lush, wonderful, and powerful. Jerry Augustyniak's drumming has never sounded better in numbers such as "The Big Parade" and, again, "Headstrong." Also, Natalie Merchant's vocals are hovering in-between the youthful essence of the earlier music and the torpor of her later music, producing quite possibly the best (in a technical sense) vocals she has ever done. Many will dismiss this album as preachy or pretentious - maybe it is. But I do not see that upon listening to this album. I simply see the Maniacs in their best form as a band, churning out some amazing music. A solid five stars.

I discovered the 10,00 Maniacs by pure chance. I saw a video on VH1 in 1989 called "Trouble Me" and I was instantly hooked. I got the album immediately and have since worn out two cassettes and am now a proud owner of the CD. People will forever talk about 80s albums that were landmark achievements; "Thriller," "Born In The USA," "Purple Rain," "Like A Virgin," etc. But wow! "Blind Man's Zoo" is simply some of the best music ever recorded. One of my favorites is "Headstrong," one of the harder tunes on the album. I am amazed that they never became huge stars because I can say indeed that this is a perfect album. PERFECT!

With the exception of Trouble Me, we've got a collection of dark songs about teenage pregnancy, poisoned wells, and the plundering of the African continent. Who can blame 'em? It was the Reagan era. All of them are individually excellent, but put together should only be listened to when your either in very high or very low spirits.

10,000 Maniacs and Natalie Merchant have always been known for voicing social concerns through their music, so this shouldn't be a surprise. I think that people who aren't familiar with the maniacs or Natalie find this album especially preachy because it tackles social issues in a more direct light. As an Album, it's not as good in my opinion as In My Tribe, but it is good nonetheless. Blind Man's Zoo has some catchy tracks: Eat for Two, Trouble Me, and Lion's Share. It also has some quite heavy tracks like: Dust Bowl which discusses poverty; and Hateful Hate which talks about racism. If you are a 10,000 Maniacs or a Natalie Merchant fan, this album is a must-have.