20 Questions: Aimee Mann

Aimee Mann
@#%&! Smilers
Superego
2008-06-03

1. The latest book or movie that made you cry?

A German movie called The Lives of Others.

2. The fictional character most like you?

Josephine in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Basil and Josephine Stories.

3. The greatest album, ever?

Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim.

4. Star Trek or Star Wars?

The original Star Trek TV show.

5. Your ideal brain food?

Gefilte fish.

6. You’re proud of this accomplishment, but why?

Because I did my best, and I care abut things being good.

7. You want to be remembered for…?

I’d like to be remembered as a woman who told the truth and smelled nice, usually.

8. Of those who’ve come before, the most inspirational are?

Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Elton John, the Beatles.

9. The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?

Bartok’s “Concerto for Orchestra”.

10. Your hidden talents…?

Texting.

11. The best piece of advice you actually followed?

My father told me that no one ever changes without having a significant emotional experience… it’s not exactly advice, but it was helpful to remember.

12. The best thing you ever bought, stole, or borrowed?

The best thing I ever bought was my cat, the best thing I ever stole was the book The Outsiders from the school library, and the best thing I ever borrowed was my brother’s guitar when I was 12 when I first taught myself how to play.

13. You feel best in Armani or Levis or…?

Habitual jeans, John Fluevog boots, pink shirt and Paul Smith tie.

14. Your dinner guest at the Ritz would be?

My comedian friend Paul F. Tompkins… he’s funny and smart and knows how to dress himself.

15. Time travel: where, when and why?

Maybe to 1972 to remember details about my life that I forgot… and to vote for George McGovern.

16. Stress management: hit man, spa vacation or Prozac?

I’m closer to Prozac than a hit man or a spa.

17. Essential to life: coffee, vodka, cigarettes, chocolate, or…?

Essential to life: friends, boxing on TV, aternative comedy shows, mono recordings, 1954 Gibson J45.

18. Environ of choice: city or country, and where on the map?

Wherever my friends are, although I have a soft spot for London.

19. What do you want to say to the leader of your country?

Umm…”dude, you blew it”?

20. Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?

A graphic novel.