Aimee Mann: One More Drifter In The Snow CD Track Listing

A list by checkmate

Aimee Mann One More Drifter In The Snow (2006)
Originally Released October 24, 2006\n\nAMG EXPERT REVIEW: There's not much in Aimee Mann's past that would suggest that she would record a holiday album. Ever since launching a solo career in 1993 with Whatever, she's steadily built a reputation as a consummate singer/songwriter, renowned for her intelligent craft, which perhaps peaked around the turn of the century when she provided songs for Paul Thomas Anderson's third film, Magnolia, which led to her excellent third album, Bachelor No. 2. Since that project, Mann's work remained at a typically high level, but her subsequent albums -- 2002's Lost in Space and 2005's The Forgotten Arm -- were a touch too studied and deliberate, certainly not the kinds of records that would point the way toward a holiday excursion like 2006's One More Drifter in the Snow. Not that this Christmas album is far removed from the music Mann has made over the past decade: it's hushed and intimate, filled with antique keyboards that occasionally exude a mildly carnivalesque vibe, so it does feel of a piece with Mann's last few albums, yet the tone is different. Of course, part of the change in tone is that this is a holiday album, and Mann clearly intends for One More Drifter in the Snow to be played alongside classic '50s Christmas albums from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. This album has a similarly appealing, warm and lazy, jazzy vibe -- a sound that evokes the holiday season for millions of listeners, and Mann should be commended not only for nailing that sound, but writing an original called "Calling on Mary" that fits comfortably next to "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland" (her husband Michael Penn's "Christmastime" also fits nicely). So, the album feels right, but even better for Mann fans -- especially those skeptical about a Christmas record -- One More Drifter in the Snow finds the singer/songwriter in top form as a performer, turning in the loosest, friendliest recording she's made in years. There's little of the self-consciousness that hampered Lost in Space and The Forgotten Arm; she sounds as if she's having fun making this music, which not only makes for a good Christmas record, but bodes well for her next proper pop album. -- Stephen Thomas Erlewine\n\nAmazon.com Editorial Review\nOne More Drifter in the Snow offers a bittersweet--but not downbeat--look at a holiday that represents the height of happiness for some, the depths of sadness for others. Following in the classy footsteps of Miss Peggy Lee, Aimee Mann takes an intimate approach to an increasingly hectic time of year. In other words, the set is a throwback to a slower-paced era. (In cinematic terms, that means more Meet Me in St. Louis, less Jingle All the Way.) There are two fitting originals, "Calling on Mary" (Mann) and "Christmastime" (Jon Brion and Michael Penn). The rest are seasonal favorites, with the exception of Jimmy Webb's "Whatever Happened to Christmas," which may be new to some. On all tracks, the focus is on the tasteful strings--credit Patrick Warren for the chamberlin, celeste, and pump organ--and Mann's delicate delivery. Overall, the artist is more interested in providing comfort than radical reinvention, although a dreamier-than-usual "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" enjoys a slight edge over the other selections. Grant Lee Phillips, taking over from Boris Karloff, provides the theatrical narration on "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." --Kathleen C. Fennessy \n\nAmazon.com Product Description\nGrammy winner and Oscar nominee Aimee's first Christmas album is a collection of holiday classics and two original, beautiful, and bittersweet songs written by Mann and Michael Penn. Reminiscent of classic albums of the 40's and 50's, but without any retro kitsch. Like Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, and Peggy Lee, Aimee Mann captures the emotional beauty of Christmas. \n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nA World War II-era Christmas sound., November 3, 2006\nReviewer: Michael Stack (Watertown, MA USA)\n\nI did a bit of a double-take when the email arrived that Aimee Mann was releasing a Christmas album. I mean, I think Christmas carols and cheery songs come to mind immediatley, and certainly Aimee Mann isn't exactly cheery. Of course, it works out ok since I really quite dislike most of the cheery Christmas carols and Mann pretty much stays away from them, instead going for a lot of moody ruminations borne out of the Depression and World War II-- a mix of melancholy and optimism. This stuff certainly fits Mann a whole lot better than the cheery songs we associate with kids going door to door (has anyone ever seen Carolers in the real world by the way?). \n\nAll in all, it ends up being a decent record-- quiet, very tame, lacking a lot of the drive and louder guitars that run throughout her albums but keeping the mood, making the whole thing a pretty somber affair. The WWII stuff is really the highlights throughout-- "I'll Be Home For Christmas", "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "White Christmas" all get fantastic renditions. Other highlights include Mann's original closing number, "Calling on Mary", which sounds as though it would have fit nicely on "The Forgotten Arm" and a fairly entertaining reading of "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch" (the only really cheery piece on the record). The only real complaint I have about the record is its length-- at 33 minutes there's really quite short. \n\nReading other reviews here, I think it's really important to note this isn't an album of upbeat numbers-- it's definitely a pretty downtempo affair and full of those World War II era pieces. The songs that aren't from them sound like they should be ("God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"). Taken for what it is, it's a good enough record, not one I think I'll be coming back to a lot, but I don't regret picking it up. Recommended for Mann's fans and anyone who likes this sort of stuff, everyone else should skip this one.\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nMann for all seasons greetings, November 20, 2006\nReviewer: Paul\nWhile a Christmas CD may be the last thing you'd expect from Aimee Mann, I have to agree "One More Drifter in the Snow" is quite good. There is more than a little something to appeal to even the most cynical Aimee Mann fan or just the not quite fallen optimists among us. There's humor, wit and holiday cheer as only Aimee can could interpret it. "Have Yourself a Merry Christmas" and "Calling on Mary" are high points. The collection might have benefited from a couple more obscure Christmas songs as some of these probably did not need yet another rendering, even accomplished and sublime renderings. The work certainly does not suffer for it. This holiday CD is a perfect addition for any collection.
This misc cd contains 10 tracks and runs 33min 7sec.
Freedb: 8a07c10a
Buy: from Amazon.com

Categories

Latest lists

Aimee Mann: One More Drifter In The Snow CD Track Listing

Category

Tags

cyList

Legal