Aimee Debuts

After the break-up of her band ‘Til Tuesday in 1990, Aimee Mann was ready to start her solo career. Only Epic Records didn’t release Mann from her record contract for three years. She developed her first album with producer Jon Brion, creating what one critic called “LA alternative”. Once free from her record label, her debut album, Whatever, was released on this day in 1993 on Imago Records.

Full of catchy hook-laden indie-pop songs and honest, endearing acoustic numbers, it was a huge departure from the direction her former band was heading. The lead single (and first song on the album) is “I Should’ve Known”. Full of clever wordplay (which would become a staple for her songs), it captures a touch of Sgt. Pepper-era Beatles in a lyrically complex song.

“Fifty Years After the Fair” is a fantastic second track that captures the pop tendencies that may have carried over from ‘Til Tuesday. While “4th of July” is gorgeous and is in my top five Aimee Mann songs of all time, with the incredible lyrics “When they light up my town, I just think what a waste of gunpowder and sky”.

Next up is another great track and maybe an underrated one, “Could’ve Been Anyone” - which shimmers with a Byrds-like guitar driving the song. Mann’s lyrics clearly touch on a rough relationship (another theme in her songs).

Back to the songs shortly, but I’d like to stress how much I loved the “sound” and work she did with Jon Brion - It’s some of the greatest pop music there’s been in years…easily. Both shared a love of the same music and ideas, creating true gems.

Later on with “Stupid Thing”, which Mann described as coming from a particular relationship and the frustration someone would feel because they’re stopping something before it’s even started. Sad song with a killer chorus.

“I Know There’s a Word” is stunning. A slow-waltz ballad that breaks every part of your heart as you experience the break-up of a relationship. “And I think it’s time to admit defeat”. The strings are a beautiful added touch.

Here’s my favorite of the album and maybe still from Mann in her vast career - “I’ve Had It”. It’s a beautiful piece of music, masterfully blending acoustic guitar, piano, percussion and vocals into a hypnotic mix.

The song covers the experience of a young band on the road and is covered in Nick Hornby’s Songbook, a collection of essays about songs he loves - In it, he wonders whether the music or lyrics came first.

Mann closes out her debut with a rollicking oompa song full of carnival sounds and instrumentation. Again, she’s dealing with a relationship, but this one is a nostalgic look at a past relationship starting with the exciting beginning, leading to the eventual divorce.

This album will always hold a special spot in my heart - it’s full of amazing lyrics, music and songs that will draw you back in time and time again.