10,000 Maniacs – Twice Told Tales (2015): Album Review, Tracklist, Credits, Folk Roots & Trivia

Released on April 28, 2015, Twice Told Tales is the ninth studio album by American alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs. Rather than original material, this unique project features interpretations of traditional folk songs from the British Isles, showcasing the band’s love for heritage music and acoustic storytelling.

This album stands out in the band’s catalog as a creative blend of folk tradition and alternative sensibility, led by vocalist Mary Ramsey with contributions from founding member John Lombardo.

Album Overview

Artist: 10,000 Maniacs
Album: Twice Told Tales
Release Date: April 28, 2015
Genre: Folk, Folk Rock, Adult Alternative
Label: Cleopatra Records
Producer: Armand John Petri
Length: ~51 minutes
Recording Locations: Tarbox Studios (Cassadaga, NY) and The Funhouse (Silver Creek, NY)

The album leaned into older traditions, revitalizing centuries‑old songs with the band’s signature melodic approach and rich vocal arrangements. As a project, it was partially funded by fans through a direct‑to‑fan campaign and represented a collaborative return to folk roots.

Tracklist

All songs are traditional folk songs except The Song of Wandering Aengus, which features words by poet William Butler Yeats set to music by Travis Edmonson.

Lady Mary Ramsey I
The Song of Wandering Aengus
She Moved Through the Fair
Dark Eyed Sailor
Misty Moisty Morning
Bonny May
Canadee‑I‑O
Do You Love an Apple?
Greenwood Sidey
Carrickfergus
Death of Queen Jane
Wild Mountain Thyme
Marie’s Wedding
Lady Mary Ramsey II

Album Credits

Band Members

Mary Ramsey – Lead vocals, violin, viola
Jeff Erickson – Guitar, vocals
Dennis Drew – Keyboards
Jerome Augustyniak – Drums, percussion
Steve Gustafson – Bass
John Lombardo – Guitar (returning founding member, contributed arrangements)

Additional Musicians & Production

Producer: Armand John Petri (longtime collaborator)
Label: Cleopatra Records

Notable Songs & Interpretations

“She Moved Through the Fair”

A classic Irish folk ballad reinterpreted with gentle acoustic textures, showcasing the band’s ability to blend tradition with their melodic approach.

“Carrickfergus”

A timeless folk song brought to life with emotional resonance, emphasizing Mary Ramsey’s clear vocals and expressive delivery.

“The Song of Wandering Aengus”

Built from Yeats’ poem, this track connects literary heritage with musical interpretation, bridging Irish poetry and folk melody.

“Wild Mountain Thyme”

A well‑loved British Isles standard, updated here with a modern sensitivity while honoring its folk roots.

Commercial Performance & Reception

Twice Told Tales did not chart on major mainstream charts (such as the Billboard 200), similar to the band’s other independent releases from this era.

Critically, the album received mixed reviews, with critics noting its strong performances and unique concept for longtime fans, though some felt it might not appeal to all folk or rock listeners.

Fun Facts & Trivia

🎻 Folk Focus: The entire album consists almost entirely of traditional British Isles folk songs, a first for the band’s studio releases.
🎸 Return of John Lombardo: Founding member John Lombardo returned to help arrange and curate many of the song selections.
📀 Fan‑Funded: The project was partially supported through an online direct‑to‑fan music campaign before its official release.
🍃 Traditional Meets Modern: Even though the tracks are centuries old, the band arranged them in a way that reflects 10,000 Maniacs’ melodic alt‑folk sensibility.