Produced. The one word that comes to so many peoples' minds when listening to this prolific independent singer/songwriter/folk-punk-completely amazing woman's newest album, "up up up up up up" (yup, that's 6 ups). Ms. Difranco's music has evolved from raw, passionate one-woman-with-a-guitar to powerful, passionate a-woman-with-her-band. She has been known to comment that her earlier studio albums were merely an attempt to harness her raw performance energy, but this newest album shows a maturity and a real effort to take advantage of a production that would never be possible on a stage. She's taking a lot of criticism for her newest work, but, as with any album, the way to go into it is with no expectations.
Eternally raw and passionate, Ani's focus drifts from bitter former relationships to politcal agendas and their misguided hoards, from a gentle forgiveness of her father's distance to a marijuana-induced jam that spreads over the last 13 minutes of the album. Her artistic range is so apparent on this album that it should definitely thrust her into the spotlight she's been flirting with for years.
Released on Righteous Babe records, Ani's own independent label, "up up up up up up" is Ani's 12th release in the past 10 years. Not at all satisfied with corporate music, Ani Difranco started her own record label years ago, with her music as the showpiece. Currently, the only other musician on the label is Utah Phillips, whose last album was produced by Ani.
The music, you say? A review with no mention of the songs? The first single, "Angry Anymore", is an upbeat song of forgiveness and the pain of childhood when parents are fighting, and it opens with some wonderful banjo picking. "Jukebox", played often on last summer's stadium tour, speaks of the solitude and dancing to one's memories of the past. "'tis of thee" is a cynical embittered look at the 'war on drugs' from the wrong side of the tracks. The entire album is full of insightful lyrics and groove-able tunes.
The deal is, if you've never heard Ani Difranco, you're definitely missing out on one of the most passionate and talented women in the business. If you've heard Ani but not yet this album, what are you waiting for?