I’ve had a very enjoyable past day repeatedly listening to this album from Ani.
This is Ms. DiFranco at her most endearing. There is a more gentle tone to this collection of songs. There is a welcome contrasts between the staccato guitar and warmer and smoother vocal approach.
This is thematically consistent album also, with a fair number of the tracks offering snippets from life on the road and/or the joys and tribulations of music (and the associated ‘industry’).
I continue to take almost embarrassing glee in the sheer simplicity (bordering on quaintness) of Ani’s encounter with 7-year-old Jason in 4th of July.
DiFranco’s caustic critiques of egotistical gigmates (Egos Like Hairdos) and record execs (Blood in the Boardroom) tread the right side of self-indulgent precipice. The latter track has a revenge motif that never fails to delight the estrogen-endowed majority at her gigs.
The performance poet track here (My IQ) is her finest.
There is further aspect that makes this album such a fave for me. Three tracks feature harmonica backing from the globe’s finest exponent thereof – Rory McLeod. He adds more heat to an already warm, cosy album.
File under: I recommend with walking (no puddles required)
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