Aimee Mann

Though most of this album's elements are well tested -- clever wit and long, meticulously constructed choruses -- Aimee Mann's songwriting seems relieved to be unburdened by the concept that weighed down The Forgotten Arm. Piano and vintage analogue synthesizers dominate the production -- there's no electric guitar at all. "Looking for Nothing" is the strong, midtempo stuff at which she excels, as is "Little Tornado," which features a whistling solo by author Dave Eggers.