Natalie Merchant’s ninth studio album, Keep Your Courage, is a lush and beguiling examination of love in all its guises. In her first record of new material in nine years, Merchant mentions love 26 times across songs including the delicate “The Feast of Saint Valentine,” the horn-filled “Tower of Babel,” and “Eye of the Storm,” a Celtic ballad tune with contributions from folk group Lúnasa. In addition to ruminating on love, the former 10,000 Maniacs lead singer has been busier than ever, raising her daughter, rearranging her songs for string quintet and acoustic instruments, and directing SHELTER: A Concert Film to Benefit Victims of Domestic Violence.
Wednesday 4/19. $49-99, 8pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net