While both her sound and style have transformed since the release of her self-titled, debut album in 1990, Ani DiFranco's upcoming album and 20th release, "Red Letter Year," (September 30th, Righteous Babe Records) delivers a mix of 12 tracks with punchy vocals backed by intriguingly simplistic instrumentals, which is exactly what one might expect from the seasoned recording veteran. With 18 years of professional experience under her belt and her first child, DiFranco shows the audience a different side of herself; one that has not readily been expressed in some of her previous work. It's a change that is, in many ways, inevitable. The opening and title track, "Red Letter Year," features the Rebirth Brass Band of New Orleans, which is also where the album was recorded. The sounds of the band and the calming mix of guitar and piano melodies, eventually lead into an upbeat mix of synthesized vocals and firm percussion. An unexpected twist is provided in the form of militia band-sounding instrumentals accompanying lyrics such as "and representing the white race, a man with a monkey for a face is flying over in a helicopter, whistling Dixie and playing dumb." The song ends in a way that eliminates the need for anymore, "they're gonna show the truth on TV," a clear stab at the country's current state and its exposure in the media. DiFranco's opening selection sets the tone for the rest of the album. Taking two years off to produce both album and child has given DiFranco a fresh new subject to focus on: her daughter, Petah Lucia. In "Present/Infant," a track about the joys of motherhood and the confirmation that there is more to life than just the physical, DiFranco admits, "always glaring into mirrors, mad I don't look better, but now here's this tiny baby and they say she looks just like me…love is all over the place, there's nothing wrong with your face." In an interview for the May-June issue of Mothering magazine, DiFranco said, "It's taught me to be more patient…to stop doing and start being. Resisting change is an automatic human response, but I need to change! This is a beautiful one, and I'm going with it." It seems, so far, that she has done just this. By focusing on something that nearly any woman can relate to, DiFranco is able to express how giving birth and becoming a mother has enabled her to see past the vanities of everyday life and enjoy the simple things. "Smiling Underneath" provides a constant, supporting tempo which parallels the song's description of the constancy and support of the singer's lover. Describing a myriad of not-so-pleasant situations, "stuck in traffic for over a week with a car full of quintuplets who are all cutting teeth," DiFranco responds with a cool and collected, "I don't mind…I'd be smiling underneath…long as I'm with you." "Way Tight" is an instrumentally light and airy song that acts as both a compliment and a confirmation of her love for this person. The lyrics "and baby there's no other place I'd rather be than here," follow the instrumentation, creating a duo that blends to form the perfect description of anyone's ideal mate. The very funky "Emancipated Minor" is done in a style that is a bit new to the experienced artist, using a perky and almost chaotic beat to echo the lifestyle of a young adult who is seduced by life's temptations. In contrast, "Round the Pole" has a very soulful sound, another trait not normally related to DiFranco's music. "Star Matter," one of the best tracks on the album, is a mellow, easy listening piece that praises true love. The song highlights the fact that no matter how great the distance, "love ain't far behind you." "Red Letter Year," (Reprise) is a brilliant instrumental version of the original track, displaying the talent of the Rebirth Brass Band in all its glory. The piece closes the album with a hopeful and uplifting mix of brass and percussion instruments, all in perfect harmony. DiFranco's new release does stray from some of her usual musical tendencies. Regardless of this, the newly introduced styles are put into a very well-organized and conceptualized record. It's the type of work that will redefine DiFranco as both an artist and a prominent female figure in the business, while still ending up on the playlists of loyal fans and newcomers alike.
Daily Collegian > Arts & Living
DiFranco album shows growth
Published: Thursday, September 11, 2008
Updated: Tuesday, February 3, 2009
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