The Columnist Manifesto

I was sitting by myself in a cafe when I had a bit of an out-of-body experience. The camera zoomed out to a middle distance showing me looking lonely and pensive over my cup of coffee; walking thoughtfully along a river bank; and wistfully going through a montage of my daily activities. I was thinking about her -- why hadn't I been willing to commit? She really was the one! Have a blown it -- or might she still take me back? Suddenly, I'm running through the streets of the city, an elated yet anxious look on my face. It's all so clear to me now! I only hope I can find her while there's still time!

Wait a minute... I'm happily married. I'm really not the hero of this particular movie. What's going on?

Answer: they're playing Natalie Merchant of 10,000 Maniacs in the background at the cafe. Is there any other recording artist whose entire body of work consists of songs that sound like the soundtrack for the climax of a romantic comedy?