Tag Archives: Ani DiFranco

Erin McKeown – Manifestra

TVP, 2013

A very political album from a woman mostly known as a folk singer, Manifestra doesn’t hold itself to any one sound. Loud guitars, detailed percussion and horns start out the album, but give way to sweet melodies, jazzy-pop and blues ideas, all of which are fleshed out intelligently and with much sophistication. The bonus disc here contains all these songs stripped down, ideal for those who prefer McKeown’s folkier days.

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Ani DiFranco – ¿Which Side Are You On?

anidifranco-whichsideareyouonRighteous Babe, 2012

Perhaps the most fiercely independent female voice ever, DiFranco’s 17th studio album continues on with her robust guitar playing, charming melodies and insightful wordplay that alternates between playful and political. With an all star cast of contributors, including Pete Seeger who lends a hand on the title track that he popularized 5 decades ago, DiFranco meshes equal parts folk, rock and funk elements in an elegant, mature and beautifully textured manner. Even though this is a very gentle, soothing listen, there exists a lot of subtle power in DiFranco’s songcraft.