It has been nearly three years since Aimee Mann’s last album, The Forgotten Arm. I loved that record instantly, but in retrospect, it seems like it was underrated by many. On June 3rd, Mann will release her sixth full length, @%&*! Smilers. The word that is bleeped out starts with f and ends with ing for those keeping score at home. The album’s press release explains, “The title Smilers gets its name from a phrase Mann has long used to humorously lampoon the unrelentingly happy, shiny, smiley-faced pop culture that surrounds us all today.” I think I can get behind that jaded sentiment.

Smilers was produced by Mann collaborator Paul Bryan and features artwork contributions from Gary Taxali. Mann’s SuperEgo label will handle the release. The album contains 13 tracks and opener “Freeway” is streaming now at Mann’s MySpace. Mann’s only scheduled performance at the moment is a June 12th appearance at Bonnaroo. She is notorious for her constant touring, so I’m sure that her schedule will soon fill up.

1. Freeway
2. Stranger Into Starman
3. Looking for Nothing
4. Phoenix
5. Borrowing Time
6. It’s Over
7. Thirty One Today
8. Great Beyond
9. Medicine Wheel
10. Columbus Ave.
11. Little Tornado
12. True Believer
13. Ballantines

I’ll end this post with Mann’s recent appearance on Comedy Central’s Root Of All Evil. In the video, Mann chats with friend Paul F. Tompkins about marijuana and creativity.