After reading many other good reviews about Aimee Mann's release from 1999, I finally had the good sense to order it. Mann also recorded the soundtrack to the 1999 movie "Magnolia" which featured three songs from this release. I've probably never seen a movie in which the music was so intimately tied in and relevant to the storyline, so I immediately had to have have a listen to this underappreciated artist! Those who think that Aimee Mann is a fixture of the 80's rock scene is really missing out. Some will remember her in "Til Tuesday" and 1985's radio friendly hit "Voices Carry". I knew that Til Tuesday was no "flash-in-the-pan" after hearing 1989's "Everything's Different Now". But with the band behind her now, Mann has matured into a wonderful songwriter and singer.
Mann's recent marriage to singer/songwriter Michael Penn seems to have created a very rich musical partnership. Penn's slide guitar work shines on "Red Vines". Deep lyrics and colorful imagery are Mann's specialty. Her style of writing can best be compared to Elvis Costello. In fact, Costello shares cowriting credit on "The Fall of the World's Own Optimist". Mann's voice is smooth with a higher registry, which means she perfect to sing an Elvis Costello type song. The sarcasm comes through on this tune as well; "I could get back up if you insist but you'll have to ask politely. 'cause the eggshells I've been treading couldn't spare me a beheading.". "Deathly" showcases nice straight-ahead songwriting. You can simply hear Mann singing with her acoustic guitar to begin with while layers of sound were built around this premise. The song recalls the simple yet solid songwriting of John Lennon. The song builds to a dramatic and solid guitar solo, while background vocals by Juliana Hatfield adds plenty to the rich texture of the song. "Susan" comes off as more of a confessional song to a best friend. Highlighted by solid drumming and jangley guitars, the song's appeal is it's reliance of friendship for advice about love. My personal favorite on the cd is the opener, "How Am I Different". Sung in the perspective of someone who is breaking off a relationship, Mann refuses to accept guilt on the ending romance: "And just one question before I pack- when you fuck it up later, do I get my money back?". This theme repeats itself on "Nothing is Good Enough". Waltzy piano and chamberlain played by Benmont Tench gives the song a different feel from the rest of the cd. The lyrics cut right to heart of the matter again: "Once upon a time is how it always goes but I'll make it brief what was started out with such excitement now I'd gladly end with relief...". In a way, the whole release is like reading the personal diary of Aimee Mann. It's also sung and played with confidence from someone who is very secure and happy with their life at the moment.
Mann's website refers to an acoustic tour with her husband Michael Penn. Now that I'm familiar with Mann's solo material, it would be a great show to see. She literally had to buy back "Bachelor No. 2" from the record company in order to get it released the way she wanted to. Artists this dedicated to their independence is rare today, and I hope to see Aimee Mann leading the way in the days to come.
