Iconic alternative rock musician celebrates classic album at Warwick Park.
Aimee Mann has been a notable figure in the new wave and alternative rock milieu since the early 1980s, making her mark with acts like The Young Snakes in the Boston music scene. However, it was her time as the lead vocalist and bassist for ‘Til Tuesday that really propelled her career, with hits such as “Love in a Vacuum,” “Voices Carry,” and “What About Love” gaining regular radio rotation.
Following the dissolution of ‘Til Tuesday in 1990, Mann embarked on a successful solo career, releasing her third album, “Lost In Space,” in 2002. In honor of this record, she is currently on a tour commemorating its 22 1/2 anniversary. While the remastered reissue of the album was initially planned for the 20th anniversary, it was slightly delayed due to the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. For Mann, the exact timing was less crucial, allowing for a humorous nod to the unique anniversary.
One of the standout features of the original edition of “Lost In Space” was the inclusion of a mini-comic by Seth, a renowned Canadian cartoonist responsible for the cover art. Mann’s deep appreciation for album art stems from her childhood experiences, where record covers often served as gateways to the music within. She valued the cohesion between the visual and the auditory, seeking to connect with listeners on multiple levels. Collaborating with Seth, whose art carried a melancholic simplicity, was a natural fit for the album’s tone and themes.
A recent project saw Mann teaming up with her husband, Michael Penn, to reinterpret the folk traditional tune “Hallelujah! I’m a Bum” for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. Penn, known for his prior cover of “Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?” delved into a depression-era music project, showcasing his passion for reviving old classics. Mann’s participation in the project resulted in a fresh take on a century-old song, bringing new life to a piece of musical history.
For Mann, performing in Rhode Island holds a special place due to her band’s frequent gigs in Providence during her ‘Til Tuesday days. The memories of playing at The Living Room and driving past the State House with her bandmates jokingly noting its architectural features have created lasting associations with the city. The quirky anecdotes and shared experiences from those Providence shows make performing in Rhode Island a nostalgic and cherished endeavor for Mann, reinforcing her connection to the region’s music scene.