186. Laurie Berkner Discusses Aimee Mann, I'm with Stupid

On this episode, kindie rock superstar Laurie Berkner introduces Al to Aimee Mann’s 1995 album I’m with Stupid. Laurie talks about how she listened to this album frequently in the latter half of the ‘90s (along with Beck’s Odelay and Liz Phair’s Whitechocolatespaceegg) and why it appealed to her so much. Laurie also discusses the ways in which I’m with Stupid has influenced her own work, and specifically, how she has tried to create the same type of playful feel that this album has. She and Al talk about her new Greatest Hits album and her upcoming plans.

Be sure to keep up with Laurie on her website, laurieberkner.com, and at the following places on social media!

Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @TheLaurieBerknerBand

TikTok: @LaurieBerkner

Al is on Bluesky at @almelchior. This show has an account on Instagram at @youmealbum. You can support the show on Buzzsprout at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1542814/episodes or at the link at the bottom of these show notes.

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1:36 Laurie joins the show

2:00 I’m with Stupid was one of three albums that Laurie listened to frequently in the late ‘90s

7:37 Laurie talks about her transition from guitar-driven rock to kindie rock

13:38 Laurie explains how she listened to music once she started focusing on making children’s music

16:50 Laurie found I’m with Stupid to be a transportive listening experience

18:56 “Long Shot” grabbed Laurie’s attention right away

21:02 A piece of “Long Shot” influenced Laurie when she wrote “Listen to the Sounds”

22:52 Laurie and Al both found their own meaning in some of the songs from I’m with Stupid

29:08 Juliana Hatfield adds an important element to “You Could Make a Killing”

30:43 Laurie talks about some of her favorite moments on the album

34:13 Laurie and Al discuss the space “Par For The Course” and “You’re with Stupid Now” occupy thematically and musically on the album

40:21 Laurie talks about the interludes between some of the songs

43:22 Laurie hears the percussion choices on “Frankenstein” as a reflection of the album’s overall creativity and playfulness

46:53 Al is impressed by the variety of Mann’s collaborations

49:08 Laurie shares her thoughts about “That’s Just What You Are”

50:27 Laurie sees a connection between the feel of I’m with Stupid and her own music

55:32 I’m with Stupid received a critique that was similar to one frequently aimed at children’s music

59:37 Laurie talks about the challenges of writing children’s music for different audiences

1:04:18 Laurie’s music has some grown-up appeal

1:05:45 Laurie talks about her upcoming plans

Outro music is from “We Are The Dinosaurs” by The Laurie Berkner Band.