Ani Difranco - Evolve

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Music reviews of Evolve

Music Review: "Fate is not just whose cooking smells good..."
Rating: 5 Stars

There is more in this one little album, in terms of poetry, lyricism, rhythm, melody, justice, passion, intellect, and groove  than you will find in any thousand albums randomly chosen in a store. While I admit I hail from the more fanatical end of the spectrum when it comes to Ani, there is no denying that this womans fingers are exceptionally skilled at their practice, that her left brain and right worked in a lyrical symbiosis when composing these 12 poems, that her songs have a palpable affect on your surroundings. It takes many fans a few years to really appreciate her music, and, likewise, it will probably take you a few full listens until it is clear how incredible this body of work really is.

Appreciating this album is difficult; there are no easy hooks here, no obviously loopable clips. Die-hard fans, poets, and appreciators of Jeff Buckley, Joni Mitchell and spoken word will love this album, but Im guessing that a lot of other people will have difficulty. Believe me when I say that, if you put in the effort (of listening, repeatedly, of paying close attention), there are few musical works this year that will be more worth it. The ratio of brilliant moments is excessive for any single album. How many other artists do you know who can use the word exoskull in a song like the title track, and sing lyrics like I walk in stride with people/much taller than me/and partly its my boots/but mostly its my chi with a breathy twang that has enough rhythm in it for Motown? Or how about the last minute of 'Oh My My' when youre sure youre listening to Patsy Kline? From the whispery jazz in the beginning of 'Shrug' to the flamenco inspired rapid fire of 'Here for Now' to the tight cooperative groove of' Slide', the sheer musicality of these creations will inspire anyone who has played an instrument, and will overwhelm those who know the level of work it takes to play them well. Simply put, an impressive contribution from the most righteous babe of them all.

This is my one desert island cd from here on out. Im telling you, genius.

Description of Evolve

Alternative Rock CDs

• Music > Styles
• Folk
• Pop
• Rock