CORPORATE LINE: Mann has never been one to make too much of her musical influences, but here she proudly wears them on her sleeve: The Band, Elton John’s Tumbleweed Connection, Rod Stewart’s Every Picture Tells a Story and, oddly enough, Mott the Hoople. “Actually, when the guys and I were recording, I described the sound as Mott the Hoople meets alt-country. And not that I listened to Mott the Hoople so much, I just have a very specific memory of being invited to go to a Mott the Hoople concert but I had to go to a family reunion. So it all kind of ties into it, you know, the groovy rock concert that I never got to go to.”
THE GREAT:
“Little Bombs” – An explosion of serenity.
“Dear John” – Mann usually blinds the listener with her lyrics however there are songs like “Dear John” where the lyrics almost come second to her gorgeous vocals.
“King of the Jailhouse” – Gorgeous. Even though there is a concept for the record each track is relatable to any situation because life isn’t about one singular action. There is something wrong with you and me and this song touches nerves.
“Goodbye Caroline” – Again, Mann steals your soul with delicious vocals and makes you vulnerable with her lyrics.
“That’s How I Knew This Story Would Break My Heart” – Quite possibly the longest song title ever—stunning.
THE AVERAGE:
“Going Through The Motions” – Lovely, however its not going to amaze like previous tracks.
“She Really Wants You” – The chorus builds the song up only to die during the verses.
THE BAD:
Nothing.
FRANKLY: Aimee Mann paints a vivid scene that would make a very interesting movie let alone a record. Even though it’s occasionally hit or miss, Aimee Mann does well to steal our hearts and minds with every word she sings.
+ Rae Gun
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