1 minute read
The real thing, baby
by Chris Nielsen perspectives editor
Too old to be listening to Britney, Backstreet and that "genie in a bottle" chick? Tired of one hit wonder, postgrunge rock bands? I just discovered a performer who gives me new faith in popular music. Her name is Aimee Mann, and her album is the soundtrack from the film "Magnolia."
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"Magnolia" is proof that not all pop music is for teenage mallrats. In these days when the music scene is dominated by "Total Request Live" and legions of "boy band" groupies, great pop can often be overlooked.
One of. the most overlooked pop artists of our time is Aimee Mann. When I bought up the idea of reviewing the Magnolia soundtrack, junior Shanna Fanelli told me that her parents used to listen to that music. They saw her while she was in the band "Till Tuesday." So clearly, she is not new to the music scene.
If you saw the movie "Magnolia," consider yourself lucky. You are one of the few. An independent film that probably wouldn't have been made if Tom Cruise hadn't agreed to star in it for pennies (well, a significant pay cut), the movie was one of those that you will think about for days after you see it.
The film and album both begin with Mann's cover of the Harry Nilsson tune "One," an appropriately offbeat song. The music really does set the tone for the film and the song, "Wise Up" plays a major role in the plot.
The album alternates from guitar pop (she plays both acoustic guitar and bass), to j37.ZJ mgan-heavy music. She sounds a times like an older, wisa' Fionna Apple.
BIil what makes this album slaad 0111is its lyrics. The CD aJllfains an ode from Paul Anderson, the director al k film. He explains that his fia was adapted from her lyrics, .-:la as other films are adapted books.
If you like Top 40, you won't like this album. If you are ready for something real, buy Magnolia.