Build a Levee (promo)Natalie MerchantiTunes/AAC/256 kbps

"Build A Levee" by Natalie Merchant is the second single from her third studio album, "Motherland" (2001).  The single was issued to radio in late 2001 and features backing vocals from Gospel legend Mavis Staples (daughter of Pops Staples).  Merchant recorded two songs with Staples during the "Motherland" sessions, "Saint Judas" and "Build A Levee".

Like many rock/alternative singers who stem from the '80s and '90s, the single did receive a "re-working" for airplay release in hopes to gain radio airplay.  Unfortunately, due to lack of promotion and the events within the US at the time (9/11 terrorist attacks), Elektra Records did not promote "Build A Levee" and a music video was never issued, thus hindering popularity.  However, some local college radio stations did pick up the single for airplay.

The promotional single contains an amended cut of the album version as well as a re-recorded "remix" version (mixed by George Cowan), containing new vocals and instrumental arrangements.  Neither of these versions has ever been released commercially by Elektra or Merchant.

Candy Everybody Wants (maxi single)10,000 ManiacsiTunes/AAC/256 kbps

"Candy Everybody Wants", is the second single lifted from the 10,000 Maniacs' fourth major-label studio album, "Our Time in Eden" (1992).  The single peaked at 67 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the Billboard Alternative Chart.  "Candy Everybody Wants" was the first single from the album to see a physical commercial release (the album's lead single, "These Are Days", did not receive a commercial release in the USA), and contained three never before released songs.

The B-sides to the physical single contains three covers; "Everyday is Like Sunday" by Morrissey, "Sally Ann" by The Horse Flies, and "(Don't Go Back To) Rockville" by R.E.M.  Lead singer [at the time], Natalie Merchant, later re-recorded, "Sally Ann", for her fourth studio album, "The House Carpenter's Daughter" (2003).  "Everyday is Like Sunday", was re-released on the Maniacs' compilation album, however, the later b-sides have never been re-released.

The radio edit for "Candy Everybody Wants" does not see much change from the original structure of the song, however, the radio edit does see the percussion (and other various instruments) amplified, making the song a bit more radio-friendly.  The Maniacs and their long time label, Elektra, have yet to reissue the "radio edit" for commercial purchase.