It all seems too weird, considering there is nothing on her fourth solo album (statisticians do not count the Magnolia soundtrack) that should seem threatening, sub-par, or uncommercial. She hasn't turned political or to instituting "free jazz" instrumental breaks. True, Mann prefers a slower tempo than some and her halting beats and somber lyrics make her more a complainer than a party girl, but still sad songs say so much. And Lost In Space is packed with Mann's seductively droll delivery that spikes up the melody while it goes down hard on love.

For every prom queen, there are hundreds of young ladies left to stare helplessly out of windows wondering what fate awaits, while their dorky future male counterparts do donuts in the shopping mall parking lots. These wonderful folks need music that speaks to them. And they shouldn't have to risk life and limb to get it.