Published on Jan 25, 2005
I’ve had numerous opportunities to review Ani DiFranco’s music,
and each time I am again surprised by her intense creativity and
multi-dimensional personality. I enjoy her writing, both of lyrics
and of music. However, I find her vocal abilities quite
limited… in fact I must admit that I do not like her voice.
Still, the vocal limitations do not detract from her ability to
create original and unique music.
Ani has always been known for clever lines and hard-hitting
messages. She most often chooses a less-trodden path and she uses
that byway to proclaim her joys, declare her hurts, and openly
express her beliefs. She always speaks honestly, she seems to
comprehend the human experience, and she isn’t afraid to confront
the unspoken without compromising the truth. Perhaps this is what
has generated her diverse and eclectic following.
So strong is this woman’s desire to speak with candor, she
hatched her own record label, thus giving her the freedom to not
only explore personal issues, but also to confront, and sometimes
attack, political and social issues (i.e., the death penalty,
reproductive rights, gay rights). On
Knuckledown, she again uses music to question moral and
social reform.
On “Studying Stones” she expounds on the softer side of her
voice, and the vocals are much easier to accept. The guitar riffs
are smoother and I think this reduces the harsh quality that is
often found in her music. I didn’t like “Parameters” but will
acknowledge that the lyrics are true to form. She speaks rather
than sings, thus working within her vocal restrictions, just
further remaining true to her own “spirit.”
On
Knuckle Down she allows others to join what is usually a one
(wo)man show. She includes two vocalists and a small group of
musicians. Together they make each song a short story that twists
and turns.
Di Franco enthusiastically puts out at least one CD a year,
sometimes as many as three, and has been doing so since 1990. Her
writing continues to progress and evolve as she matures. Without
question, Ani DiFranco’s music is a means to cleanse the soul —
mostly hers, but hey, why not do a bit of laundry yourself?