AIMEE MANN - Bachelor No.2
SuperEgo/USA
Aimee Mann does not play the 'trend' game, instead confident enough to just do what she does and let the public catch up. Which is exactly what has finally happened. As the Paul Thomas film MAGNOLIA re-opened the doors for this precious artist, and indeed, much of the public, seems to be "getting" it. Heck, take away the music and you have a collection of poetry that mostly feigns from overt fanciness, and delves into the deepest experiences and emotions of relationships, with a vulnerable simplicity and truth. And then there's the wonderful music. Mostly acoustic of course with all the expected guests and then some. And while Aimee produced many of the tracks herself here, you won't really notice, as BACHELOR NO.2, basically picks up where her previous solo efforts left off, though with an even more subtle approach than before. Fans get what they want on each and every track, while newcomers will surely become steadfast believers. And only 3 tracks appear from the MAGNOLIA soundtrack, which leaves 10 new chunks of heartfelt wisdom to relish in. From the defeatist tones of the Elvis Costello co-penned 'The Fall Of The World's Own Optimist', to haunting soul searching splendors like 'Ghost World" or 'Nothing Is Good Enough' the listener is sure to be thoroughly entranced. Not only by the albums gorgeous arrangements, but by the penetrating words that make these more than just a collection of pretty songs. Ultimately bringing to light many of the personal insecurities, passions, frailties, and questions each of us experience, yet overlook, on a daily basis. Required reading for all Bachelors, Bachelorettes, or anyone who used to be one of the two at some point in their lives!
M.J.O'BRIEN (8.5)
BACHELOR NO.2, Aimee Mann's third solo album since 1993, has seen its share of corporate delays. Ten of its thirteen songs were released in 1999, either on the MAGNOLIA soundtrack or on the seven song, BACHELOR NO.2 EP. Knowing most of the album in advance did ruin my ceremonious "first listen", but this collection has since grown on me. It flows like a morphine drip from beginning to end. Eight of the songs are produced, or co-produced, by Aimee and they blend effortlessly with Jon Brion's, Mike Denneen's and Buddy Judge's efforts (maybe she's more of an auteur than people think?). The mood of this album is a bit more melancholy than her previous albums. Though it has elements of both, it's not as poppy as WHATEVER, or as varied and dynamic as I'M WITH STUPID. Her songwriting is as precise and polished as its ever been.. These are thirteen beautiful, pop masterpieces concerning relationships (most vague enough that they could be personal or business), low self esteem, suicide, and maybe even S&M.. all told with Aimee's cynical, sometimes fatalistic, charm. Aimee Mann is one of the greatest living singer/songwriters and her first two solo albums rank with the best pop albums ever made. On those albums, she masterfully synthesized Beatle-esque writing and arranging, a hint of jazz singing, occasional trip-hop rhythms, and Elvis Costello-like wordplay into a sound all her own. BACHELOR NO.2 is no exception.. although it is seafoam green. Did I mention that?
PHIL DOHERTY (9)