'Til Tuesday

Remembered for their lone hit single "Voices Carry," 'Til Tuesday gradually evolved from a new wave pop band into a vehicle for the songwriting of Aimee Mann. Emerging at the tail end of new wave, 'Til Tuesday's commercial fortunes were helped dramatically by a stylish video for "Voices Carry," which quickly became an MTV favorite. However, the group wasn't able to follow the single with another hit; furthermore, their albums weren't just ignored by the public, they received little media attention as well. By their third album, Everything's Different Now, the band had no chance at reaching the charts, but Mann's songs had gained a cult following, including musicians like Elvis Costello. Once the album stiffed, the stage was set for Mann to pursue a solo career. After studying at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Mann (vocals, bass) became involved the in the city's punk scene, singing with the Young Snakes and an early incarnation of Ministry. By 1983, she had formed 'Til Tuesday with her boyfriend Michael Hausman (drums), Joey Pesce (keyboards), and Robert Holmes (guitar). 'Til Tuesday played around the Boston area during the next year, eventually winning a battle-of-the-bands contest at a local radio stations. Shortly after the contest, the band signed with Epic Records. By the time the group recorded its 1985 debut, Voices Carry, Mann and Hausman had separated and their failed romance provided the basis for many of the songs on their album. Voices Carry became a hit a few months after its release as the title track climbed into the Top Ten; the record peaked in the Top 20. By the time of the album's release, Mann had become involved in a well-publicized romance with songwriter Jules Shear. 'Til Tuesday quickly re-entered the studio to record their second album,...