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Ani Difranco's 16th Studio Album Hits Stores Today
The Righteous Babe Army got a gift today in Ani DiFranco’s new album “Which Side Are You On?” (Well, those of who didn’t get in on the generous pre-order pre-release, that is). Political firecrackers who get their panties in a wad when the little folk singer strays from political themes won’t be disappointed. She takes jabs at Reaganomics, comments on the heartbreak and political wrong-doing that make up our current economy, calls out the entitled and privileged and even takes aim at the Obama administration in thought-provoking songs such as “Which Side Are You On?” (the name of a 1931 Pete Seeger protest song) and “J” “([Obama] could be FDR right now, but instead he’s just shifting his weight.”).
Fans of the work DiFranco does when she’s “distracted” by love and the likes won’t be disappointed, either. Songs such as “Albacore” and “Hearse” are tender and moving pieces that steer clear of empty pop-love-cliches and instead deliver honest and moving portrayals of a heart that’s finally found it’s home.
The highlight of any DiFranco album, for me at least, is the celebration of the power of women and the importance of equality. “Amendment” delivers that in buckets. (“Wouldn’t it be nice if we finally had an amendment that gave civil rights to women?”) Whip-smart lyrics that feel more like advice from a wise, trusted friend friend rather than a talking face TV news pundit make the song one of the most effective statements on feminism and the rights of women to come down the pipeline in years.
If you take in the entire album as a whole, you'll see a beautiful theme emerge. You'll see that though DiFranco readily expresses her outrage, she loves and values her life and her experiences -- like in “Unworry,” in which DiFranco tell us “I have enjoyed my life. It’s been exiting. And I’ve become peaceful. No more fighting.” According to DiFranco, “If you’re not getting happier as you get older, then you’re fucking up. ("If YR Not")” This search for balance -- and the celebration of finding it-- ties the record together nicely.
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