The Michael Blieden-directed video for Aimee Mann’s “Freeway” finds the singer looking glum in her backyard, while a hammy guy and girl do synchronized dances, wave foam props, check their phones, hug, mug, and otherwise earn the “hammy” designation I gave them earlier in this sentence. Here and there, the action’s accented with various Timecode effects, perhaps counting down to when the wall between singer and background dissolves and she’s offered temporary comfort. You have to give Mann credit for not hitting them.
“Freeway” is the first @#%&! Smilers single. We’ve previously heard “Thirty One Today” from the 13-track collection.
@#%&! Smilers is out 6/3 on AM’s SuperEgo label. She has shows this summer:
06/02 – Los Angeles, CA @ Largo
06/06 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
06/10 – Los Angeles, CA @ Largo
06/12 – Minneapolis, MN @ Minneapolis Zoo
06/13 – Milwaukee WI @ Pabst Theater
06/15 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music Festival
07/09 – Boulder, CO @ Chautauqua Auditorium
07/11 – Denver, CO @ Denver Botanical Gardens
07/12 – Park City, UT @ Deer Valley Resort
07/14 – Saratoga, CA @ Mountain Winery
07/15 – Rosebud, OR @ Stewart Park
07/16 – Seattle, WA @ Seattle Zoo
07/24 – Calgary, Alberta @ Calgary Music Festival
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aimee mann is dull. this song is dull. aimee, the til tuesday reunion can take place ANYTIME.
Gerald Levert is stupid. His comment is stupid. Gerald, the moronic trolling for attention can cease ANYTIME.
See what I did there?
Anyway, I got an advance copy of Smilers for review, and it really is a remarkable album. I didn’t really care for The Forgotten Arm, mostly because of Joe Henry’s really plain production. But the new album has some of Mann’s strongest songs, with some really clever arrangements. Also, I think she’s gotten better as a singer.
yeah, wow. you’re, like, clever.
Aimee is the French Vanilla Cream in my coffee. Thanks.
Amy is a exceptional talent. who the hell is that Gerald guy?hat has he ever done of note …except in his hand late at night…when “Mother is a sleep”
LMFAO!!!
You go Amy you are one of the best!
what in the world does this comment mean? do you come with a translator?
Gerald is a jerk!
What have you accomplished of note.?
Aimee is a goddess!
Go girl!
Aimee’s new album is great.
The Forgotten Arm was my favourite album of 2005 and will always be my favourite Aimee Mann album. I was never expecting Smilers to blow me away ever since I heard the “more keyboard, no guitars” plan. But it’s pleasantly surprised me. The songs still stand up great, especially Freeway, Pheonix and Ballentines.
Nice job yet again Ms Mann.
Have to say that this is one of the best pop singles she’s ever written. Catchy as all get out. The video, eh, not so much. I get what they are trying to do though.
I love this track, but who are the folks in the background? With a cursory glance, it looks like Chelsea Clinton dancing with Moby.
As usual, I wonderful song from my girl Aimee, however the video is crap…very distracting from the unbelievable talent she possesses. And who are the goobers in the background? If I want to see anybody hugging Aimee in her backyard, you better believe it should be me…Get that Grammy Aimee!!
Her songs are really strong. She takes herself a bit seriously, but then again I saw her play at a Borders show and the band hired a comedian to make funnies between songs. True story.
06/12 – Minneapolis, MN @ Minneapolis Zoo
07/16 – Seattle, WA @ Seattle Zoo
What is this – Puppet Show and Aimee Mann ?
I’ve seen Aimee at the Minnesota Zoo. It is a hoot because it is a nice outdoor venue deep in the Zoo. Think outdoor animal sounds in the air between songs. As I recall a big bug attacked her hair partway through one song.
Another masterpiece by the Queen of masterpieces.Aimee is the bomb and has been for many years now.She is perhaps the best lyricist in the business.We love you Aimee!!
Another masterpiece from the Queen of masterpices.Aimee is the bomb and has been for many years.We love you Aimee!!
She’s a Mann, Baby! yeah!
I like this song a lot but the video is terrible. I wonder why she allowed it to go out like this. It doesn’t do the song any justice at all. The director should be put out to pasture…….!
Aimee is all that and then some! This vidio is amazing and the “tweaker rave kids” in the background give this vidio a very artistic quality! I’d happily give my right arm to see Aimee up close and live!!!
Aimee built her rep on writing songs about relationships gone bad and the pathetic bleak lives of pathetic people. Seeing as how she is probably a heroin addict (you’d have to be to find solace within the Penn family) the misery comes very easy for her.
Aimee Mann – Queen of misery. Provider of music for little nerd boys who wish they were lucky enough to be messed up.