Robert Scheffler: Towards the end of “Sugarcoated,” the third track on Aimee Mann’s brilliant 1995 album I’m with Stupid, a study in the magic of rock presents itself. On top of, I don’t know, let’s say four intricately woven layers of fuzzed guitars, a wholly new, growling lead kicks in, melting your ears for a bit (in a good way). And then … wait for it … the same sorcery happens again on track seven, “All Over Now.” You’ll be forgiven if you find your hands air-guitaring while listening on the way to work.
The strata of amped guitars are just one of the charms of this record. In between and surrounding all the six-string energy, there are sweet, lovesick ballads and verses that make you feel less alone in the world. The tunes are pure song-craft, with rhapsodic melodies, satisfying structures, and insightful, often biting, lyrics. Mann’s vocals are at once subdued and celestial. There are even cameos from Juliana Hatfield, Michael Penn, and Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford from Squeeze.
If I had to quibble, I’d say the second track, “Choice in the Matter,” would have made a better opener, and maybe I’d have saved two of the thirteen offerings for another occasion. But these are minor knocks, probably only brought up out of fear of crushing too hard on Ms. Mann and embarrassing myself.
Suddenly the record title makes more sense. ❖
Robert Scheffler’s new album, Truce, is out June 26.