Singer-songwriter Aimee Mann [ tickets ] has filed an $8 million lawsuit against the Universal Music Group, over a dispute originating from the label's release last year of the compilation album "Aimee Mann Ultimate Collection."

Mann's manager, Michael Hausman, said that the compilation was done without Mann's approval, and that Universal-owned Hip-O Records used unapproved tracks, masters, interviews and photos in constructing the package, creating the appearance that the album was an artist-sanctioned release. The suit claims the use of those items without Mann's permission was in violation of her recording contract.

Mann had previously registered her dissatisfaction with the release of the compilation in a posting on her official website which read in part, "We were basically barred from being involved in any way on a project that had my NAME on it. As typical as this is in the music business, it still never ceases to amaze me. The most unbelievable thing they did was to take quotes from old interviews and weave them into liner notes for the package so that it would APPEAR that I had been involved--basically using my own reputation for integrity in my music to sell their own lame product."

A spokesman for Universal couldn't be reached for comment by press time.

In other Mann news, the singer has postponed the start of her European tour in the wake of last week's tragic terrorist attacks. Formerly scheduled to begin Sept. 23 in Stockholm, Sweden, the tour will be delayed several weeks, according to Hausman.

Mann is currently working on her follow-up to "Bachelor #2"; a new album is expected out in spring 2002.