Aimee Mann

Motion Picture Magnolia

3.5 Stars

Review Score:

(8/10)
Had this been a collection of entirely Aimee Mann songs it would merit 5 stars. "Build That Wall," an instrumental "Nothing Is Good Enough," and especially "Save Me" (specially featured in the movie, just as it should be).. they're simply beautiful. I wasn't even surprised to learn that Magnolia the movie was based on Aimee's songs, and not vice versa. Everything fits perfectly.. right up until track 10. Her cover of Harry Nilsson's "One" isn't too good either, but it's easy enough to start at track 2 as I always do. It's easy to name a couple other groups that might have fit on the soundtrack without destroying the mood (and quality) of the album, but Supertramp?? Gabrielle? We get eight wonderfully crafted songs with Aimee's beautiful voice in top form, followed by two 70s 'hits' that should have quietly died, and a generic 90s pop song that no one will want to remember in a year or two. Jon Brion's closing track belongs with Aimee's material (why not have each of them contribute half the soundtrack?), but I normally end up hitting Stop after "Save Me" instead of skipping forward to the end. Hey, if you like Supertramp you may like the whole thing.. but the flow is still ruined. If you like Aimee it's still worth the price despite the nuisances. If you're not familiar with her (shame..) this is a good place to start.

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