Jon Stojan
Image credit: Mike Maimone
Mike Maimone is an artist whose music defies categorization and lives at the crossroads of groove, introspection, and raw emotion. Known for his work with the jazzy garage rock trio Mutts, Maimone brings a unique blend of storytelling and sonic depth to his projects, creating music that resonates on a deeply human level. His latest album, Object Permanence XI, releasing December 13, exemplifies this spirit, revisiting and reimagining the earlier work with a fresh perspective that feels both reflective and forward-looking.
Image credit: Mike Maimone
The release of Object Permanence XI is part of a larger creative wave for Maimone, who is also a visual storyteller. His full-album music video isolation:001:the movie screened at several film festivals, and he recently released a narrative-centric video for his song Unfollow [ExFactor Version]. This vibrant and thought-provoking piece showcases Maimone’s ability to pair his music with evocative imagery, enhancing the emotional impact of his songs. Fans won’t have to wait long for more, as the upcoming video premiere for “If It’s Hot, It’ll Sell” is set for January 26, further solidifying Maimone’s reputation as a multifaceted and innovative artist.
Jason Shawhan’s Review of Object Permanence XI
Maimone’s work has caught the attention of media prophet and senior film critic Jason Shawhan, whose expertise spans decades of cultural commentary and curation. Shawhan, a member of GALECA, MCFCA, and SEFCA, is widely regarded for his nuanced perspectives on art and entertainment. His review of Object Permanence XI celebrates the album’s deep emotional currents and genre-defying approach:
Image credit: Mike Maimone
MUTTS / OBJECT PERMANENCE XI
Equal parts moody piano man, emotional bartender, and armchair psychologist, Mike Maimone brings an infectious blend of groove, introspection, and atmosphere to Object Permanence XI. On tracks like “No Loot,” he crafts the perfect soundtrack for drifting through sultry, dimly lit worlds. Re-imagining his jazz trio Mutts’ earlier work, this album feels both reflective and forward-looking, with demos that offer a raw glimpse into past emotions and future possibilities.
If you’ve been longing for a queer Dr. John or the earthy spice of Tom Waits’ Nighthawks at the Diner, Maimone and Mutts are here to find your groove and play your song. Tracks like “Uncivilized” echo confessional coffeehouse rock and vaudeville drama, while “Balls” delves into jazz trance, with a bassline that compels self-reflection.
There’s a liberating quality in both the structure and narrative of these songs. “Stuck On Me,” for instance, originally written before Maimone came out, now carries added layers of meaning. This track, with its hook about feeling out of tune, pays homage to Gilberto and Getz, capturing the way music theory mirrors the emotional complexities of life.
The record taps into the tension of navigating a complicated world. “Pickpocket” channels the thrill of drifting aimlessly, “If It’s Hot, It’ll Sell” smolders with sensuality, while “Pray Like a Vigilante” and “No One Left” simmer with refined rage.
The album’s apex, however, is “Prizefighter.” Like Folds’ “Boxing” or Manilow’s “I Was a Fool (To Let You Go),” it serves as the last song of the night for the last night of the world. Its resonance helps you reset your emotional compass, preparing you to face whatever awaits.
Shawhan’s review adds significant weight to the conversation around Object Permanence XI. A graduate of NYU’s Cinema Studies program and a pioneer in the Nashville arts scene, Shawhan has dedicated his career to championing groundbreaking voices in music, film, and culture. His work with outlets like The Nashville Scene, The Film Journal, and IFC.com, as well as his cohosting of the Midnight Movie series at The Belcourt Theatre, has established him as a critical tastemaker. His nuanced understanding of both mainstream and underground artistry makes his endorsement of Maimone’s work all the more impactful.
With Object Permanence XI, Mike Maimone proves once again that his music is a journey—one that invites listeners to reflect, groove, and connect on a profoundly human level. And with voices like Jason Shawhan celebrating the album, the anticipation for its December 13 release is only growing.
Stay tuned for more from Mike Maimone, including the premiere of “If It’s Hot, It’ll Sell” on January 26. He has also finished producing an album in tribute to his late husband Howard Bragman, which will be available in 2025. An accompanying memoir about their love story, which came to a sudden and tragic end, will follow. This is music and a story that moves the soul and needs to be told.
Listen to Mike Maimone and explore his work—you won’t regret it.