Bachelor No. 2 (©1999 SuperEgo Records)

1: How Am I Different 2: Nothing is Good Enough 3: Red Vines 4: The Fall of the World's Own Optimist 5: Satellite 6: Deathly 7: Ghost World 8: Calling It Quits 9: Driving Sideways 10: Just Like Anyone 11: Susan 12: It Takes All Kinds 13: You Do

I've been a fan since the first 'Til Tuesday album many years ago. There are a lot of good things that can be said about her writing, and singing. She's been a darling of the critics of late. Which means she's well liked in musical circles but doesn't move much product. Sort of like a younger female Randy Newman.

This album is yet another solid collection of emotional songs. If there's a criticism that can be made it's that her songs start to run together after a while, and to someone who is not a die hard, this can be annoying - or boring. However having said that, if you've been waiting for something new from this great artist, don't be shy. I'll Pick bachelor number two.

Lost in Space (©2002 Superego)

1: Humpty Dumpty 2: High On Sunday 51 3: Lost In Space 4: This Is How It Goes 5: Guys Like Me 6: Pavlov's Bell 7: Real Bad News 8: Invisible Ink 9: Today's The Day 10: The Moth 11: It's Not

Aimee continues her unbeaten streak of wonderful releases. She's surpassed herself this time around - the songs and voice better than ever. It's hard not to be all gushy if you like her stuff, heck if you're new to Aimee Mann (shame on you) this is a great starter. She writes one hell of a pop tune, and has an ear for an intricate melody.

Like her last CD, this is a self-released effort. I'm sure her place as the critic's darling is more assured than ever. Which in some ways is the kiss of death to album sales (did I say that? An artist spits on record sales - spitui!). Her choice of an album title may be oddly prophetic in that way. In terms of big exposure this probably will be Lost in Space. However to the multitude who follow her career this is like a homing-beacon.

Beam this one up Scotty, we've found Aimee.

Reviewed November 1, 2002

The Forgotten Arm (©2005 Superego)

1: Dear John 2: King Of The Jailhouse 3: Goodbye Caroline 4: Going Through The Motions 5: I Can't Get My Head Around It 6: She Really Wants You 7: Video 8: Little Bombs 9: That's How I Knew This Story Would Break My Heart 10: I Can't Help You Anymore 11: I Was Thinking I Could Clean Up For Christmas 12: Beautiful

First the great things about this album: It’s beautifully packaged, the layout of the lyrics as a story to propel the thematic conceit is exceptional. Aimee Man has put together a great looking showpiece. Depending on where you are on the Aimee Mann curve this will either astound you or bore you. For me this was a bit of a snooze, which considering my 20 plus year history of following Aimee’s music is a sad thing.

I was very excited at the prospect of a new album, and despite the depth of the lyrics I am not able to work up any enthusiasm over the music. It’s more of the same tired old song. Who knows, perhaps it’s my fault that I’m not able to fully immerse in the world she’s created, but I listen to music because of the music, and it may be possible that Aimee is out of musical ideas.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing really wrong with the music, it’s just more of the same; and Aimee’s tired world weary delivery just doesn’t pack a punch this time out.

Reviewed July 29, 2005

@#%&*! Smilers (©2008 Superego)

1: Freeway 2: Stranger Into Starman 3: Looking For Nothing 4: Phoenix 5: Borrowing Time 6: It's Over 7: Thirity One Today 8: Great Beyond 9: Medicine Wheel 10: Columbus Ave. 11: Little Tornado 12: True Believer 13: Ballantines

Aimee Mann, is one of those artists I've followed since the first Til Tuesday album over twenty years ago. I've been there all along while people hopped off and on the bandwagon. Truly, I have no idea who's onboard anymore - nor do I care. I know my reaction to The Forgotten Arm was less than enthusiastic - I'm still not sure if it's one of those "it's me, not you" scenarios - but it is an album I still listen to on occasion.

So here I am after a few times through Smilers - and it's starting to grow on me. Yes it's more of the same old song, but there's something more intimate and emotional this time around. The choice of instrumentation is a little different than on past outings, and it really didn't jump out at me until it was pointed out to me that there's less guitar, and more keyboard in the mix. It was subtle enough to me that it was just the way it is.

In this age of digital downloads and minimal packaging Smilers is a piece of art. I picked up the so called "Delux" edition, and for those of us who get all weepy over a well designed book, this one stands out as one of the most creative and coolest things I've seen in ages. Hats off to Gail Marowitz for her design and Gary Taxali for his illustrations.

I like this one quite a bit, and it may just be that I'm just in a better head space to appreciate the album - who knows. I also know (and just how do I know this you might ask) that this will not be the album that introduces the world anew to the charms of Mz Mann. She's in her element, and those that know of her are jealously protective. I cannot understand why Sheryl Crow is the bigger name? Bigger tits? Who knows.

Smilers is pure unabashed pop without all of the saccharine.

Reviewed July 16, 2008