Long Shot (Aimee Mann song) explained

Long Shot
Cover:	Aimee Mann Long Shot 1996 single cover.jpg
Border:	yes
Type:	single
Artist:	Aimee Mann
Album:	I'm with Stupid
Released:	1996
Length:	3:15
Label:	Geffen
Producer:	Jon Brion
Prev Title:	Choice in the Matter
Prev Year:	1996
Next Title:	You Could Make a Killing
Next Year:	1996

"Long Shot" is a song by American singer-songwriter Aimee Mann, which was released in 1996 as the third single from her second studio album I'm with Stupid. The song was written by Mann and produced by Jon Brion. "Long Shot" peaked at No. 126 in the UK Singles Chart.^[1]

Critical reception

In a review of I'm with Stupid, Melissa Ruggieri of the Sun-Sentinel noted the song "cruise[s] along with Beatle-esque harmonies and [a] simple riff".^[2] Dave Younk of the St. Cloud Times commented: "Too bad the lyrics on 'Long Shot' most likely will prohibit its radio release, because it is perfectly entrancing. The gritty guitar chord that drives the song provides the perfect backdrop to Mann's warm voice."^[3]

Chuck Campbell of the Scripps Howard News Service described the song as "shuffling" with lyrics showing "Mann realizes she's been sucked in by a manipulator".^[4] Joe Konz of The Indianapolis Star considered the song both a "rocker" and "blistering epithet at manipulative types".^[5] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic noted the "rolling hip-hop-derived beat" and "nonchalant profanity".^[6]

Track listing

CD single (European and Australian release)

1. "Long Shot" (LP Version) – 3:15
2. "You're with Stupid Now" (LP Version) – 3:29
3. "Driving with One Hand on the Wheel" (Previously Unreleased) – 2:43

CD single (UK release)

1. "Long Shot" (LP Version) – 3:15
2. "You're with Stupid Now" (LP Version) – 3:29
3. "That's Just What You Are" (Acoustic Version) – 4:19
4. "Driving with One Hand on the Wheel" (Previously Unreleased) – 2:43

CD single (UK promo)

1. "Long Shot" (Radio Edit) – 3:13

Personnel

Long Shot

• Aimee Mann – lead vocals, guitar, guitar solo, bass
• Stacy Jones, John Sands – drums
• Michael Lockwood – guitar
• Jon Brion – guitar, percussion, backing vocals
• Clayton Scoble – backing vocals

Production

• Jon Brion – producer (all tracks), mixing on "You're with Stupid Now"
• Mike Denneen – recording
• Jack Joseph Puig – mixing on "Long Shot"
• Robert Read – mixing on "You're with Stupid Now"
• Jonathan Wyner – mastering

Other

• Francesca Restrepo, Aimee Mann – art direction, design
• Kate Garner – photography

Charts

Chart performance for "Long Shot"!Chart (1996)!Peak
position

Australia (ARIA)^[7]	86
UK Singles (OCC)	126

Notes and References

1. Web site: Chart Log UK: M – My Vitriol. zobbel.de. September 1, 2020.
2. News: Ruggieri. Melissa. February 7, 1996. Album Reviews: Rants, rage and regrets. Sun-Sentinel. 3E.
3. News: Younk. Dave. February 22, 1996. Giving society a wake-up call: Aimee Mann returns, displays mature voice on 'I'm with Stupid'. St. Cloud Times. 5E.
4. News: Campbell. Chuck. February 29, 1996. Praises sung to Mann's 'I'm with Stupid'. Kenosha News.
5. News: Konz. Joe. February 25, 1996. Record Reviews: 2Pac Shakur returns as a reflective artist. The Indianapolis Star.
6. Web site: I'm with Stupid – Aimee Mann | Songs, Reviews, Credits &#124. Stephen Thomas. Erlewine. AllMusic. September 1, 2020.
7. Web site: The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart – Week Ending 14 Apr 1996. Australian Recording Industry Association. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180201232443/http://i.imgur.com/bijV6cG.jpg. 2018-02-01.