Mann, Aimee - Lost In Space


Year of Release: 2003
Label: Mobile Fidelity
Catalog Number: 2021
Format: CD
Total Time: 40:57:00

Last year I heard Aimee Mann's Lost In Space for the first time and I found myself completely mesmerized by its sound, production, and lyrical genesis. A very short time span has passed since then and now Mobile Fidelity appropriately honors the release with the issue of this Ultra High Resolution SACD formatted disc. If you look at the album credits, it is obvious a lot of time and effort went into making this a fabulous production.

I felt the sound was already excellent but now it is unbelievable! Every detail and understated tone is detectable like never before. The album has reached another level of quality and sonics through the Mobile Fidelity UHR processing model.

As I related in my first review [see below], I feel this album is Mann's best work to date. Her message is clear and intent focused, both musically and lyrically. You cannot be more straightforward than this line from ?Real Bad News? - Take your chances but buyer beware. She seems to be forewarning a lover or entity (possibly a record label or some corporate entity?). ?Pavlov's Bell? is the catchiest most melodic track on the entire album and never has been as prolific as it is now. Every song takes on an entirely different character and meaning after hearing it in this format. If you have not purchased this CD, make certain you get this version, if you have the old copy ditch it because this one will blow you away.

Last year, Keith reviewed Mann's CD, the text follows:

I have always enjoyed and appreciated Aimee Mann. From her time with Til Tuesday and through all of her tragically underrated solo work, she has been one of the best female rock artists for last two decades. With Lost In Space Mann once again puts it all together to offer great musicality accompanied by her tender and addictive voice. Upon first listen I asked myself where all the angst and rockin' tunes that this woman used to pump out? Actually, the only real rocker on the entire album is "Pavlov's Bell." "Humpty Dumpty," which opens up the album is an incredibly good track. It is has hooks galore and her voice is so sweet and clear that those thoughts I had were soon forgotten.

Well, the angst is still present, as Mann has had many go rounds with labels and lawsuits leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. You will see and hear in her lyrics how she lashes out and strikes back at her attackers. In "Invisible Ink" she sings about lies and deception-"What some might take for magic at first glance, is just sleight of hand, depending on what you believe, something gets lost when you translate, its hard to keep straight, perspective is everything." Then similarly, in "The Moth" her disgust and disappointment with the music industry comes through loud and clear. At least that is how I would interpret the overall mood of this album. She is one of many artists that have taken the wrong road regarding their careers. Money grabbers and slick talking corporate lawyers that do not care about artists' welfare are some of scum that are the cause these situations. This CD is like a storyline of her life in recent years. It all reminds me of the Rolling Stones song "Shattered," when Jagger sings- "Bite the big apple, don't mind the maggots, uh-huh." You know I may be totally off base about my perception of what she is trying to convey in her songs; then again, I may have hit the bull's-eye.

If you appreciate outstanding musicianship, you will love this album with all it has to offer. There are plentiful stinging guitar lines layered over lush keyboards that will suck you right in, while Mann's voice will entrance and enchant you. The production aspects of this recording are simply out of this world, which makes the listening process that much more profound.

By the third listen, it all finally hit home and I could actually write about it. Give this CD a fair chance and listen several times, I guarantee you will appreciate it all if you take the time to process everything that is wrapped into the lyrics and music. Perhaps this time, after several critically acclaimed reviews, she will get the attention she deserves. I tip my hat to Ms. Mann for her extraordinary talents as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalists, and above all for being brutally honest and wearing her heart on her sleeve. This is without a doubt, some of the best work that Aimee Mann has ever released; it just does not get much better.

First released by Superego (7) in 2002


Tracklisting:
Humpty Dumpty (4:01) / High On Sunday 51 (3:15) / Lost In Space (3:28) / This Is How It Goes (3:47) / Guys Like Me (3:12) / Pavlov's Bell (4:27) / Real Bad News (3:53) / Invisible Ink (4:59) / Today's The Day (4:42) / The Moth (3:46) / It's Not (3:27)

Musicians:
Jay Bellerose - drums
Jebin Bruni - piano, strings, Chamberlain, Prophet 5
Denyse Buffum - viola
Darius Campo - violin, bass violin
Susan Chatman - violin, bass violin
Larry Corbett - cello
Mario de Leon - violin
Mike Denneen - harpsichord, electric piano, Wurlitzer
Joel Derouin - violin
Jason Falkner - bass
Ryan Freeland - loop, radio sound effects, clappers
Armen Garabedian - bass violin
Berj Garabedian - violin
Buddy Judge - background vocals
Suzie Katayama - conductor
Peter Kent - violin
Natalie Leggett - violin
Michael Lockwood - acoustic guitar, bass, dobro, electric guitar, autoharp, celeste, harmonium, keyboards, sound effects, theremin, zither, 12-string guitar, slide guitar, Arp, Chamberlain, loops, shaker, omnichord, e-bow, machines, Marxophone, mini Moog, Prophet 600, baritone guitar, clappers, Leslie pedal
Aimee Mann - acoustic and electric guitars, basses, percussion, piano, drums, keyboards, sound effects, tambourine, vocals, egg shaker, drum fills, 12-string acoustic guitar, clappers
Joe Meyer - French horn
Carole Mukogawa - viola
Dave Palmer - organ
Michael Penn - drum loop
Jonathan Quarmby - horn arrangements, string arrangements
Mike Randle - background vocals
Michele Richards - violin, bass violin
Steve Richards - cello
Darian Sahanaja - background vocals
John Sands - drums, shaker
Rusty Squeezebox - background vocals
David R. Stone - bass
Patrick Warren - strings, horn, Chamberlain, Marxophone
John Wittenberg - violin

Discography:
Whatever (1993)
I'm With Stupid (1995)
Bachelor No. 2 (2000)
Ultimate Collection (2000)
Lost In Space (2002)
Aimee Mann And The Young Snakes (2004)
The Forgotten Arm (2005)
One More Drifter In The Snow (2006)
@#%&*! Smilers (2008)

Genre: Rock

Origin US

Added: September 8th 2003
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website: www.aimeemann.com
Hits: 1950
Language: english

  

[ Back to Reviews Index | Post Comment ]