Watch Paradise Is There, A Memoir by Natalie Merchant, The New Tigerlily Recordings

Paradise Is There: A Memoir by Natalie Merchant, The New Tigerlily Recordings is a documentary film that follows singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant on a personal journey that revisits her celebrated 1995 album, Tigerlily. The film is directed by Merchant's longtime friend and collaborator, Elizabeth Lesser. The documentary starts with a reunion of Merchant and her former 10,000 Maniacs bandmates, as they gather together to listen to the new recording of Tigerlily. From there, Merchant takes the audience on a journey back to her hometown in Jamestown, New York, where she explores the places and memories that inspired her songs.

The film is structured around musical performances, new and old, that are interspersed with Merchant's reflections on her creative process, her life experiences, and the places that influenced her art. Clips from various concerts and studio sessions show Merchant's skill at crafting beautiful melodies and evocative lyrics.

Through interviews with Merchant, Lesser, and others close to her, the documentary offers a glimpse into the soulful, introspective woman who created Tigerlily. Merchant talks openly about her struggles with anxiety and her journey towards self-acceptance. She also touches on her activism work, including her advocacy for human rights and environmentalism.

One of the most touching moments of the film is when Merchant visits her childhood home, which she describes as a "broken-down house". She reflects on the hardships of her upbringing and the role that music played in helping her cope with the challenges of her youth.

Throughout the documentary, the audience is treated to new recordings of the songs from Tigerlily, which are just as beautiful and haunting as the originals. Merchant's voice is as mesmerizing as ever, and the updated production gives the album a fresh, modern sound.

The film's title, Paradise Is There, is a nod to one of the standout tracks on the album, "Carnival", which Merchant performs in the film. The lyrics speak of finding beauty and joy in the midst of pain and struggle, a theme that runs throughout the documentary.

Overall, Paradise Is There: A Memoir by Natalie Merchant, The New Tigerlily Recordings is a beautiful tribute to one of the most beloved albums of the 90s, as well as to Merchant herself. Fans of her music will delight in the new recordings and the glimpse into her personal life, while newcomers to her work will be captivated by her soulful voice and poignant reflections.

Paradise Is There, A Memoir by Natalie Merchant, The New Tigerlily Recordings is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes.