@#%&*! Aimee Mann

Ok, so I might not score "cool" points with the indie kids and hipsters for liking Aimee Mann, but I can't deny it... I do.

She released her latest album @#%&*! Smilers this past Tuesday and though I haven't gotten a chance to pick it up, I've listened to a few songs and my conclusion is exactly that which I had after seeing her at the Birchmere last summer: Aimee Mann is an amazing songwriter. Her ability to produce such quality for almost twenty years is a rarity in music today.

As I listen to her more, I realize that her voice is something to get used to but I don't quite understand the influx of comments about Aimee Mann being overrated. NY Johnny left the following on a CNN story: "It's exceedingly rare that someone so far out on the fringe of mainstream is overrated... but Aimee Mann pulls it off." Well, NY Johnny, let's agree to disagree.

"Freeway" is typical Aimee Mann and the first track of @#%&*! Smilers. It's driven me back to revisiting her entire discography. If you're interested in Aimee Mann, I suggest trying out Bachelor No. 2. Every song is good... on every album, basically.

Alright. I'll stop there with the praise and I'll balance it out with some criticism. Aimee Mann hates music piracy. She's the female Lars Ulrich, so beware music-loving downloaders. Enjoy "Freeway" and buy her album.