As we mentioned back in early April, Los Angeles-based Aimee Mann has a new record worth checking out. The opening haunts of bass and tambourine on “Freeway”, the opening track on Aimee Mann’s @#%&*! Smilers have a familiarity to it that quickly pave the way for a series of welcoming new songs. After taking adventurous offshoots with the concept album The Forgotten Arm and her Christmas album, Mann has turned back to the simple introspection borne of her signature tunes. The results are magnificent: soul-searching revelations in short form that are as instantly inviting as they are memorable.

The album hearkens ghosts of 70’s soft-rock genius, peppering the landscapes of each song with Fender Rhodes keyboards, tiny drums and layered, angelic harmonies. Mann’s lyrical prowess, while depth-laden, is never too calculating or too high-brow, always giving the listener a completely relate-able glimpse into the lovelorn meanderings and life machinations of the characters her songs present. @#%&*! Smilers is an exceptional disc from beginning to end with something to entice long-time fans and new.

Aimee Mann – Freeway

You can purchase @#%&*! Smilers from from Amazon [mp3|cd] by clicking here.