“@#%&*! Smilers” (SuperEgo): A
At first it’s hard to tell what’s different about Mann’s latest. Then it becomes clear: no electric guitars. Instead, 13 new tunes are seasoned with horns, strings, percussive gizmos and retro-electronic bleeps, plus a dash of tack-piano. A welcome freshness prevails, making this Mann’s most accomplished, balanced collection to date. Now 47, Mann left Boston for the smog and sun of Los Angeles many moons ago; now she’s taking jabs at Hollywood’s forced smile. The eloquent character studies, along with the spiritual bankruptcy she so fearlessly exposes, are fascinating as always. And her thin pipes are still able to convey depths of despair bigger-voiced gals just can’t access. Download: “31 Today.”
