This record is a masterpiece production. First, Aimee Mann's voice is crisp and clear, and seemingly unprocessed, it stands a little higher in the mix than most artists - but it works for her. Perhaps the reason it works so well is that her lyrics are fantastic, and they deserve to be heard.

The record follows the style of her previous release "Whatever", which also followed the style of Til Tuesday's final release "Everything's Different Now" (which could have more aptly been referred to as the first solo Aimee Mann record, because of it's stylistic divergence from previous Til Tuesday work).

Whereas "Whatever" was very polished and Beatles-influenced, "I'm With Stupid Now" intentionally takes a bit of the polish off. The recording and production is still stellar, but this time there are a lot of special effects, and subtleties put in, which give the album a feel of cohesiveness whereas "Whatever" may have seemed a little more sterile. In one track, there is actually the scratching of an old LP record mixed in quietly to the song (Amateur).

One of the strongest tracks on the song are "It's Not Safe", which is ironically the final song. In an age where artists often stack a record with the best 3 or 4 tracks up front, often followed by filler material, this stands as another example of Aimee Mann's bucking the system (another example being that the lyrics for this record are printed on the inside cover - in alphabetical order, word by word! So she has a sense of humor as well). "It's Not Safe" stands out in all aspects, but primarily the lyrics which discuss the topic of trying to be a good person in an inherently messed-up world. The sentiments she offers, "All you want to do is something good - so get ready to be ridiculed and misunderstood", are keenly stated.

Other very strong pieces include "Choice in the Matter" and "That's Just What You Are", both of which are catchy tales about painful relationships - a common theme for Aimee. In spite of her tendency to repeat these topics from song to song, her bitterness is tempered with hopefulness and enough creativity to never sound overdone.

Every song on this release is strong, so it is with hesitation that I list only the above. It is one of those records that you can listen to from start to finish and actually feel like you're going on an emotional ride.

I recommend it.

I'm writing this to those who have recently been acquainted with Ms. Mann since the release of the soundtrack, "Magnolia". As amazing as her songs featured in PT Anderson's film are--"I'm With Stupid" is tops. With little airplay, but awesome reviews..It's too bad that she wasn't selling then like she is now. But alas, she's finally getting what she has long deserved! I bought this album in '96 after hearing it in my brother's car. It's one of those rare CD's in which EVERY song is aesthetic to the ear and liberating to anyone who has ever suffered a broken heart (haven't we all? ) I've been enjoying IWS for 4 years now and have not let it gather dust. If you want to know who she is similar to, I cannot say. She stands alone. But if it's any help to you, other female artists that are high on my list are Ani Difranco, Liz Phair, and Fiona Apple.

Buy this CD--acquaint yourself with Aimee--support her--for she is a goddess of singing and songwriting.

I can certainly understand why Aimme Mann might be a bit unusual for a lot of people today, and for those of you trying to figure out just what it is about her music that makes it so different I can tell you. It is called a melody, and it is something that is sorely missing in today's music scene.

And it is melody that Aimee Mann has, and then some. The songs on both I'm With Stupid" and "Whatever" her two pre-"Magnolia" soundtrack solo albums are drenched in them. "I'm With Stupid" is a bit edgier, with production that is a bit rawer than "Whatever" but both are highly recommended.

Perhaps one day melody will return to the charts, and should that day arrive, Aimme will be there to take over. It won't be a moment too soon either.

I am one of those people for whom lyrics matter more than the music. Both harmoniously coupling to make beautiful music is great, but if given the choice, I choose lyrics. Aimee Mann is a lyrical genius... intellectual, clever, poetic, singing some of the most touching, surprising lyrics of any songwriter writing today. And why isn't Aimee a household name? Okay, record-company greed and Aimee's unfailing loyalty to herself and her artistic vision play their roles here... But I guess Aimee is not a household name also because her lyrics are a little bit intimidating to many people. Maybe too literate, maybe too incisive. However, this is why her most ardent fans love her music so much.

I'm With Stupid was fresh, rough, biting, witty, sarcastic, and heartfelt all at once. It still is... its effects have not dulled with time (and admittedly, for me, overplay!) Mann is gifted with making you nod in agreement with her while feeling like you are walking across gravel barefoot. She has a unique voice coupled with an aggressive style (on this album; toned down hereafter in her songs on the Magnolia soundtrack and in Bachelor #2).

One reviewer wrote that you cannot sing along with these songs... cannot listen to them in the car... and for me, this simply isn't true. All the songs are catchy; all of the songs get stuck in my head... and I sing along (in the car) all the time. It is all a matter of taste, yes. I am a fan of other contemporary female performers, and I believe Aimee Mann to be the best of them all.

"There is nothing that competes with habit,/And I know it's not that deep nor tragic.../simply that you have to have it" Mann sings in the bitter ballad "You Could Make a Killing". And while this is an evident statement it is also a true statement to which we can all relate...

Or in the biting "Sugarcoated" Mann sings, "Out of your mouth, comes a string of clichés; now I have given you so much rope, you shoul'd've been hanging for days.." Does it get any better than that?

I am hard pressed to provide a list of my favourite tracks, although I love "Par for the Course" most of all. This entire album is stunning and rare. This album is a powerhouse, overwhelming showcase of lyrical wizardry and sentiment and powerful music. You won't regret at least listening.

Aimee Mann's solo debut Whatever in 1993 was a very pleasing, promising album that thankfully put to rest the overproduced cod pop of Til Tuesday, her former band. The long-awaited follow-up I'm With Stupid is a completely different affair, more measured and subtle than Whatever, it creeps up on your unawares and makes you feel alternately gooey and sad. The best bits are the Bernard Butler collabaration Sugarcoated (for gooey) and the unbeatable Par For The Course (sad). A must for anyone into female songwriters, and then some. Still waiting for a new album, although the Magnolia soundtrack should suffice for now.