5. Aimee Mann - Patient Zero
I'm proud to say I've been an Aimee Mann fan since I found her first solo album in the radio station chuck-out box way, way back in 1993. I've followed her ever since, from a distance since the restraining order was enforced (that gag never grows old), and I can honestly say that her new album, Mental Illness is one of her best. If you want to know why she called the record that, or what her inspirations were this time round (mostly acoustic guitars, lush strings and 70s oohs), Aimee explains all here.
Lyrically, there's a lot going on in this new album, mental or not... if you can decipher those damned fine metaphors. Aimee's rarely one to tell a story literally. If you're not bothered about what songs mean, just lie back and enjoy that voice, smokey and sultry as ever.
Here's the first "single", Patient Zero, which scores extra points for featuring Bradley Whitford in the video. Cat lovers might prefer Goose Snow Cone... but keep your tissues at hand.
Not somebody I've ever really listened to. Now I'm wondering why. Will open my ears.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're not disappointed.
DeleteHave a few of Aimee's but not that one
ReplyDeleteWill be checking it out
Definitely worth a punt.
DeleteI was a big fan for the first two or three albums, after which she kind of fell off my radar for one reason or another. Both these tunes are absolutely lovely though and it's a pleasure to discover that the quality of her work hasn't dipped one iota in the ensuing years.
ReplyDeleteThe occasional misfire, but mostly pure gold.
DeleteI was lucky enough to see Aimee live knocking on for twenty years ago - she was absolutely superb.
ReplyDeleteAnd her soundtrack to Magnolia is nothing short of sublime.
Also, if you haven't already, check out her Tiny Desk Concert.
J
I had tickets to see here in 2001, but she cancelled all international gigs because she didn't want to fly after 9\11. I finally got to see her a few years later. Agree about the Magnolia ST, will check out the TDC.
DeleteWhy that first album was in the chuck-out box is beyond me. Love it. Not sure she has ever made a bad record.
ReplyDeleteIt was in the chuck ours for two reasons:
Delete1) the person who worked in the record library before me didn't know her Darts from her Elbow...
2) the radio station wouldn't play anything outside the Top 40 at the time.
All of which I'll get round to sooner or later...
But yes, I agree. The first album is amazing.
DeleteThis sounds very promising. She can almost do no wrong musically. Almost, it went a bit awry on The Forgotten Arm. And that christmas album. But apart from that she's made some damned fine records as a solo artiste.
ReplyDeleteAgree about The Forgotten Arm. As for the Christmas album... Well, it was a Christmas album. They're supposed to be rubbish, aren't they? I liked Mr. Grinch.
DeleteI suppose most Christmas offerings can't be as good as Sufjan Stevens' set.
Delete