Did you hear about this week’s White House poetry event that had conservative political figures frothing at the mouth? Right-wing media was apoplectic over an invite extended to Common, calling the socially conscious hip-hop artist “vile” and a “thug,” while other Evening of Poetry attendees Steve Martin and Aimee Mann didn’t register a blip. Read what you will into that.

In a fitting turn of events, I’d already had it in my head to feature one of my favorite Aimee Mann compositions today. “That’s Just What You Are” is taken from the singer-songwriter’s 1995 album, I’m With Stupid, and also served as the lead song on the Melrose Place soundtrack. I have no shame in saying that it was via the latter that I discovered a song, having picked up a 3-track promo single tied to the soundtrack release (the cover of which has the feel of a sensational tabloid, as shown above). Actually, I think the Melrose Place usage preceded Mann’s album, plagued with release problems resulting from the bankruptcy of her label at the time, Imago Records.

But here’s something I’m not particularly proud of: In prepping today’s post, I discovered my copy of I’m With Stupid (also a promo, on DGC) has sat shrink-wrapped on my shelf all these years. The shame! And totally puzzling, since I’ve followed Mann with a certain fervor, taking anticipating all of her studio releases in the years since. Such a fantastic storyteller in her songs, it’s no wonder the White House thought to showcase Mann’s talents, even the selection was puzzling on its face, as she doesn’t fit the traditional definition of “poet.”

Anyway, while “That’s Just What You Are” was taken from the former ‘Til Tuesday frontwoman’s sophomore solo album, part of what makes the track such a keeper are the backing vocals by Squeeze’s Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford, who also contributes electric guitar. Really though, I’m a total sucker for a solid drum loop, which kicks off the track before anything else kicks in.

Being at the White House and meeting the President and First Lady was an “unbelievable experience,” Mann tweeted, saying she played two songs, “Little Bombs” (from 2005’s The Forgotten Arm) and “Save Me” (from 1999’s Magnolia soundtrack). She separately addressed the hubbub about her fellow invitee, saying, “Just for the record, Common’s performance was elegant, articulate, and heartfelt.”

Earlier today, Mann tweeted this bit of good news for fans: “Now it’s back to reality and song-writing! Time to make a record!” It will mark her eighth studio album, and the first since 2008’s @#%&*! Smilers.

Purchase Aimee Mann – “That’s Just What You Are” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.