10,000 Maniacs's breakthrough album and creative high point, In My Tribe offers a survey of social concerns, including child abuse ("What's the Matter Here"), illiteracy ("Cherry Tree"), war ("Gun Shy"), and the environment ("Campfire Song") -- all tackled subtly and tastefully without too much preaching or pretension and in believable, real-life situations. Producer Peter Asher, whose credits include James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt, provides the perfect sheen -- the group's pleasant folk-pop lends itself nicely to the '70s-styled singer/songwriter production. In the end, the album proves powerful not for the ideas (they've been covered before) but rather for the graceful execution and pure listenability. In My Tribe has served as one of the soundtracks for P.C. living and was required listening on college campuses in the late '80s. ~ Chris Woodstra, All Music Guide
I still have my cassette of this album (complete with Peace Train) that I purchased circa 1989. It sounds a little warbly and muffled but still a beautiful album. Maybe I should upgrade to a CD, but there's something about pulling that tape from its squeaky plastic hinged case to enjoy it for the millionth time that totally takes me back to high school...
Maybe they would put Peace Train back on it, now that Cat Stevens has kind-a, sort-a recanted the Salmon Rushdie should die thing. Until then I'll keep my old one, with the worn out jewel case.