Aimee Mann

Item: The Forgotten Arm
Author: Mark Fisher

The Forgotten Arm

(2005)

Reviewed by Mark Fisher

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Label Super EgoDecapolisApril 2005

americana roots rock singer-songwriter

Aimee Mann (for all you 80's music lovers out there: the voice behind 'Til Tuesday) returns with her fifth solo release. Over the years Aimee Mann has proven to be an artist that you can trust with your hopes of creativity and quality and The Forgotten Arm is no exception. Never content to sound a certain way, The Forgotten Arm delivers 12 songs with a decidedly country flair. Some may prefer to call it "roots rock" or "Americana" or even "alt country", but when it all boils down this is simply down to earth guitar, bass, drums, and the occasional piano/keyboard.

The Forgotten Arm is loosely based on a couple, John and Caroline, and it loosely tells their story as they travel across America. This album could easily be a concept record that no one realizes is a concept, everything flows well together but you are never pounded over the head with the story. Singer/songwriter Joe Henry is at the production helm here and is undoubtedly one of the reasons behind the earthy sound. Some of these songs could easily be his own.

Despite the different approach, this is easily Aimee's most accessible record to date. Songs like the uber catchy "Goodbye Caroline" (I'm issuing an open challenge to anyone to listen to "Goodbye Caroline" and try to not sing it out loud all day long. It can't be done. My 3 week old son now thinks his name is Caroline) and the epic ballad "That's How I Knew This Story Would Break My Heart" are wonderful examples of the great songwriting on this record. Aimee's lyrics are as contemplative as ever as she weaves the story of this odd romance's twists and turns in a way only she could. What's different this time is that the scaled down country flair really puts the spotlight on Aimee's voice and lyrics. Something her fans will be very pleased about.

This is a wonderful album with some moments of greatness. Aimee continues to evolve on this record and its cohesiveness shows her talent in a much more focused light than her previous works have. There is no doubt in my mind that the best is yet to come. For now though The Forgotten Arm will more than tide us over.

3/4