The Forgotten Arm

Today's Music That Happens To Be Good And Is Also Growing On Jason is by Aimee Mann, The Forgotten Arm. First off, let me say, if you aren't familiar with Aimee Mann, you're really missing out on something. I wouldn't say her music 'rocks'; it's better described as melancholy, really, but it's wonderful. I don't know what a good starting point would be, but I can't say I've been let down by any of her albums. Why the hell were we listening to Natalie Merchant fifteen years ago instead of Aimee Mann? Hell if I know. (Author's Note: I really am not in a position to rip on Natalie Merchant, she's fine, I just feel like Aimee Mann is underappreciated.) I don't think this album is my favorite Mann album - that distinction probably falls to Bachelor No. 2 - but it's a solid work. It maybe isn't groundbreaking, but it doesn't have anything to complain about.

Anyhow, The Forgotten Arm has the definite sound of a Mann album. It's probably a little more upbeat and layered than some of her past albums, which isn't a bad thing, nor is it a definite improvement. This album is full of slow, gorgeous songs; this is apparently something of a theme album but the songs all certainly stand alone. There are a lot of instruments here. Sometimes the electric guitar takes the lead, but usually Mann's gentle voice is the catalyst for everything else. The piano probably deserves second billing on this album. None of the instruments are overbearing, though they all have a presence to some degree. This gives the album a nice if professional balance. Have I mentioned Mann's voice yet? It's like getting a hug from an old friend draped in velvet on a cold sad day, the kind of thing that will make you ache as soon as it's gone but that you would never turn down.

The song titles are pretty good; "Dear John" is a hell of a name for an opening track to an album; "I Was thinking I Could Clean Up For Christmas" and "King of the Jailhouse" are also great. "Little Bombs" is probably the best song on the album, but there aren't any stinkers here. "Goodbye Caroline" is wonderful, "I Can't Help You Anymore" is good as well.

In short: If you're the kind of person who likes rock and roll, and likes your bands to tell you how hard they rock all the time, this album will probably bore you to tears. But if you appreciate soft-spoken music, then The Forgotten Arm will probably make your day.

In Other News:
I am off at noon today! And I'm going somewhere for lunch that I can get a beer. I don't have a beer with lunch often but I enjoy it when I can. Have a good Easter weekend and remember to go buy Jason some discount Cadbury's Creme Eggs on Monday.