hi everyone! damn i'm up and at 'em early. we went
to see aimee mann last night here in NYC at the town
hall venue. (second row far left -- RIGHT in front of
the speakers and i'm worried about my ears!)
she was wonderful: energetic, smiling, dancing around.
i thought her voice was great, even in its non-produced
form (cracking or shivering a bit on various notes.)
great versions of "red vines," "susan" and "wise up."
AND an unbelievable, acoustic, slowed-down "it's not
safe" (from i'm with stupid) that was so incredible
that we talked about it in the cab on the way home for
twenty minutes.
however, although i LIKE michael penn i certainly don't
love his songs (they seemed rather cheesy and anthemic
last night), and it was kind of painful because even his
fans might admit his songwriting is about three cuts below
his wife's. still, their collaboration and affection
are real, and ever since seeing yo la tengo a few months
ago i've been entranced by all the interesting things that
happen when two life partners get up on stage together.
what i could have done without: this mediocre (at best)
comic they hire to do stage "patter" between songs,
and for an entire 30 minute set to "open" the show!
it was boring and self-indulgent and only occasionally
funny. aimee, we don't care about patter in any case!
we pay to see you sing!
anyway, just tossing out my review for those other
aimee mann fans on the list (hi!). it was so fun for me
to see her live for the first time, when i've been
playing these records non-stop for about three years!
--emily
