Back To Artist
Val Emmich & The Veeries : Aide Memoire
Log in to add to your wishlist
Recorded live in Omaha, NE, this guitar-heavy 10-song concept album leads the listener from idealistic childhood through adult disillusionment and back again to the wide eyes of youth.
Genre: Rock: American Underground
Release Date: 2011
Aide Memoire
Val Emmich & The Veeries
Record Label: Val Emmich
  • Buy CD - $11.99
  • Download Album (MP3) - $9.99
SPECIAL: 20% discount if you buy more than one copy of it today!

Share This Album

| Share
Preview Song Name Time Buy
1. When I Grow Up (Prologue) 3:22 + MP3 $0.99
2. Expecting 4:52 + MP3 $0.99
3. Wooly Mammoths 4:35 + MP3 $0.99
4. Sour 7:30 + MP3 $0.99
5. Galoshes On a Sunny Day 3:37 + MP3 $0.99
6. I Like the Way You Sound 6:03 + MP3 $0.99
7. A Punch 5:41 + MP3 $0.99
8. Experts 4:18 + MP3 $0.99
9. When Does the Pain Stop? 4:59 + MP3 $0.99
10. There's a Hope 8:32 + MP3 $0.99
preview all songs

Album Notes

After spending nearly eighteen months recording his last album, Looking For A Feeling You Never Knew You Needed, Val Emmich had a much different plan for his followup. His new album, Aide Memoire, was recorded in just seven days and released it to his core fans one week later.

"The idea," Emmich says, "was to remove any possibility of overworking the songs. My goal was to make the album as honest as possible."

That's not to say this 10-song collection was simply thrown together. Emmich started formulating ideas in the fall of 2010. As he began organizing his new songs, he noticed the prevailing theme of memory and how it affects both our present and our future. The result was a concept album that leads the listener from idealistic childhood through adult disillusionment and back again to the wide eyes of youth.

With the songs solidified, he just needed a way to record them. "I knew that in order for the songs to really emote, I would need to record them in a raw way and I would need to put everything else in my life aside in order to truly embody these songs."

First he enlisted Sunlight Searchparty producer Jason Cupp (Good Old War, Maps & Atlases, The Elected). Cupp suggested they get away from Emmich's home in Jersey City, New Jersey and travel to Omaha, Nebraska to work at Another Recording Company, a studio owned by Saddle Creek alum, Mike Mogis. Next, Emmich put together a group of musicians who could help flesh out the songs and more importantly record them live as a band in the studio. Bassist Rob Fitzgerald, guitarists Dave Bassiri and James Stahon, and drummer Kevin Walters would form Emmich's new backing band, The Veeries.

"I knew each guy was an excellent player and a good hang but I couldn't have anticipated how all of us would gel together so effortlessly," says Emmich.

With the lineup set, Emmich turned to Kickstarter to fund the project. His promise to deliver the album on a set date proved attractive to donors, who helped him meet his target goal in just 24 hours. In return for the generosity, Emmich incorporated their names into the CD artwork.

Aide Memoire is surely his most personal album to date. In fact, he didn't share it with anyone--not his friends, wife or even manager--until it was completed. Even Cupp, the album's producer, didn't hear the songs until about a week before leaving for Omaha.

"I really wanted to capture a moment here and be able to look back and remember how it really felt," says Emmich. "As I get older I forget things. But I won't forget this. I made sure to keep all the rough edges intact. The lyrics spare no one. On the album, you hear people breathing, stomping on pedals, guitar buzz. All that helps to remind me what it felt like to be there with the band and the songs and that means something to me."

Read more...

REVIEWS

BRILLIANT
author: Steph
                            
As usual, Val doesn't disappoint. This album is different than his previous work, but in the best way possible. It is personal, raw, and beautiful. Every song hits you so deeply. Everything from the lyrics, to the music, to his killer voice, to the order of the tracks is perfect. And the physical cd is super cool too! Val is so open and honest with his fans which makes the music even better. You won't regret buying this album.

                            Read more...
A MUST HAVE
author: Jersey Kelie
                            
If your already a Val Emmich fan i dont have to tell you how amazing his music is.  If you dont have any of his music....what are you waiting for....:)
The new album Aide Memoire is amazing.  Honest and heartfelt, this album does not dissapoint.
One of the best singer songwriters of our time. 
Its definatly worth buying the CD and seeing the artwork as well.  
This album will not disappoint and will strike a cord with you that you will not forget.

                            Read more...
Val Emmich's most personal album yet - honest and authentic. 5 stars - if not mo
author: Julia
                            
I've been listening to Val's music for over 6 years now - I discovered his music though his profile on myspace and bought every album ever since. With the music on "Aide Memoire" Val prooves his songwriting talent once again. I can't really tell which VE album is my favorite but this is definitiely the most personal record he has ever released. Not only that it's inspired by a very personal and important experience in life - Val recorded this album completely live, without using any auto-tune effetcs - honest and direct - which shows his enormous talent once again and makes this record so special. I love the lyrics & sound of "Aide Memoire" - and even though the album has been recorded within only one week I think this is Val's strongest work yet. A must-have for everyone who's into good & handmade tunes. Best tracks on the album: Experts, I Like The Way You Sound & When Does The Pain Stop (and while writing this I notice once again how hard it is to pick just a few fave tracks... same with every VE album....)

                            Read more...
Amazing Album!
author: Jorge Cruz
                            
Aide Memoire is the brilliant new album from uber-talented singer/songwriter, Val Emmich and his new band, The Veeries. This album takes you on a musical journey through the struggles of growing older while still trying to find your place in the world. Val's heartfelt lyrics capture the raw emotion that comes with such a difficult internal conflict, while the outstanding guitar-work and flow of the songs put the listener in the center of the storm. Through the unique method of recording the album, Val and the band also managed to do an excellent job of capturing the energy and feel of a live show, further enshrining this album as a masterpiece and perhaps the best album of 2011. This is definitely a must-have for fans of great songwriting and Rock music.

                            Read more...
Sell your music on CD Baby and iTunes! Minimize this Tab Open this Tab