5 comments about Imperfectly.

1. (Actually ***1/2, but Amazon doesn't allow half stars.)
   
   Ani's third record is nearly full of fine Ani songs offering the compassionate, cutting wit that keeps me coming back to her music:
   
   "They made sure I wasn't smuggling someone in from Mexico, someone willing to settle for America 'cause there's nowhere else to go."
   
   "I'm not on the rag, but I'm not on the run."
   
   "I sing what I wish I could say."
   
   "It's Mr. DiFranco to you."
   
   "He caresses every bottle like it's the first one he's had, saying 'It ain't love, but it ain't bad.'"
   
   That last comes from a song in which she cuts some slack to a run-down, drunken ex-con who keeps making unwelcome passes at her, a bit of impressively thick-skinned magnanimity from a principled feminist who forgives because, "You've gotta understand the grandness of the man behind the petty crimes, and let 'em off easy sometimes."
   
   Unfortunately the album's marred by "Fixing Her Hair," which like many bad Ani songs has all the makings of a fine essay but no good musical ideas. But she more than makes up for that with my all-time favorite song of hers: the original studio version of "Every State Line," in which Ani sets aside her acoustic guitar, usually her sole accompaniment on this album, and traces her travels as a woman alone with no money through often hostile country in an a cappella tour de force. (Living in Clip has a completely different and also excellent version of this song that I don't like quite as well.) This is Ani DiFranco's best album before Not a Pretty Girl, and it's a fine place to start getting into her early work.
   
   Song by song:
   
   1 What if No One's Watching ***
   2 Fixing Her Hair *
   3 In or Out ***
   4 Every State Line *****
   5 Circle of Light ***
   6 If It Isn't Her ***
   7 Good, Bad, Ugly ***
   8 I'm No Heroine ***
   9 Coming Up ***
   10 Make Them Apologize **
   11 The Waiting Song ***
   12 Served Faithfully ***
   13 Imperfectly **



2. Imperfectly is a great Ani album, but, like many of her albums, it takes a few listens to fully appreciate it. I was bored about halfway through the first time I heard it but now it's one of my favorites. Probably only worth the $15 for an Ani fan willing to put in the time and truly appreciate the artistry of this album.



3. I am the owner of around eleven Ani DiFranco CDs, and Imperfectly remains my favorite. This CD is a showcase of how amazing her music can really be. Every song on Imperfectly is great. As usual, the guitar is beautiful and the lyrics are thought provoking and well written.



4. This is another of Ani's excellent earlier albums that earned her the reputation (at least in the eyes of anyone dismissive of those who think for themselves) of being just an angry, scary lesbian with a big mouth. Of course that description of Ani is utterly false, but when did these people ever let something like the truth get in the way of anything?
   
   This man-hating beacon of lesbian angst view of Ani is a myth created by the horrible listening skills of the people who are intimidated by Ani... or by any strong, intelligent woman. Listen to her lyrics. In the instances where Ani does indeed dislike men, they are the men we should all dislike. Those who will do anything as long as significant financial gain will come from it... and/or the men who use bodyparts and emotions as weapons. A society that dislikes these types of men is on the right track. It's unfortunate that the USA is largely governed (both politically and "morally") by these types of people, and they are actually respected for it.
   
   I think we have all known the woman in Fixing Her Hair. Every State Line (in this, its original incarnation) has the musical feel of some sort of southern national anthem, even though its lyrical content is anything but. If It Isn't Her is the perfect lyrical capture of new love (or at least new feelings) when the world seems to blur around all but... her (or him).
   
   This album will certainly touch you in some way if you've ever let yourself really feel.



5. Once you've got NOT A PRETTY GIRL, it's time to get IMPERFECTLY.

   This is another hard-hitting, melodic, but deeply honest set of songs you can't live without.

   It's got some political, like "Make Them Apologize" which pulls no punches and "In or Out", which could basically be the official bisexual anthem. It's got the occasional existential crisis when the opening track asks, "What if no one's watching? What if when we're dead, we are just dead?"

   And for anybody who thinks of Ani as being mainly a political singer, songs like SERVED FAITHFULLY remind us that she can write a deeply personal love song like nobody's business. In fact, when she writes one, it's MORE romantic than average, because it lacks corny platitudes.

   As usual, her voice is fantastic and her guitar is slamming.

   Don't miss the title track, IMPERFECTLY, which declares, "We don't look like the cover of a magazine, but that's all right."

5 comments about Fat City.

1. Four years prior to "A Few Small Repairs", Shawn Colvin released "Fat City"- a gem so rare and exquisite that just about every other release in her portfolio merely twinkles by comparison. Yes, there is magic in every recording she's put out, and certainly "Repairs" is a masterpiece which finally brought her some well deserved critical acclaim and accolades, but if you haven't listened to "Fat City" you have not yet been introduced to this woman's depth and ability to stir the soul. Listen to "Monopoly" if you want your heart ripped out. It is undoubtedly one of the most devastatingly beautiful love songs ever written. Her voice is raw, and brazenly naked in the throes of passionate love and agonizing loss. Listen to "Set the Prairie on Fire". Talk about sultry and sexy and hot! "Polaroids" is, of course, quintessential Shawn- it's a perfect example of why we love her music so much. If Anne Sexton was a songwriter her lyrics would sound like this: "Please no more therapy, Mother take care of me, piece me together with a needle and thread." Confessional, irreverent, honest, weary and triumphant all at the same time.
   "Tennessee" just plain rocks. And Shawn does "Tenderness On the Block" better than Warren Zevon could ever dream of doing it (sorry, Warren, rest in peace). "Round of Blues" will have your feet tapping, your hands drumming and your throat humming, despite the almost popishness of it. Shawn doesn't do pop, so don't get me wrong. Shawn does what gets her going, and it works- always. Who else can refer to vibrators ("Object of My Affection") in such a way that you don't ask yourself if she just said what you think she said, instead, you ... laugh because, well, of course, she means what you think she means.
   Sure, there are some weak spots on the album- most notably the excessive length of "Orion in the Sky" which starts to feel like a flamboyant relative who overstays their welcome. On the whole, however, this is Shawn quite possibly at her best. I say "quite possibly" because you never know what she will do next. I admit that I haven't heard the 2006 release yet (won't be long now!!!). For all I know she may just finish me off with the latest round of blues- after all, she's already ripped my heart out.



2. Admittedly 'Fat City' was my intro to Colvin. At the time - 14 yrs ago - I thought it was 5+ star worthy.
   
   Don't get me wrong - even w/my 3 star rating, I find it a good disk. But when compared to her body for work, you get sense that it tries too hard in too many places. It becomes slick. A good disk for Colvin's work doesn't cut it. Most of her efforts are great.
   
   Larry Klein polished the hell out of these songs - to the point of almost taking the life out of them. There are exceptions - most notably "Monopoly" and "Set the Prairie on Fire". Even the hey-kids-lets-try-for-a-radio-hit "Climb On" works.
   
   I still like the disk - but I do not find myself coming back to it. I cannot say that of 'Steady On', 'A Few Small Repairs' or 'Whole New You'.



3. I got hooked on Shawn Colvin when a friend connected me with her first album, Steady On. I picked up her sophomore release, Fat City, when I saw it in a store having never heard a single song. I was thrilled to find that it was even better. "Fat City" is an overlooked gem and one of my all-time favorites. Her song "Climb On" turned up as the original theme song from the TV show Party of Five before they switched to the Bodean's "Closer to Free". It's a shame she didn't get the boost that the Bodean's got from that exposure. It amazed me that Shawn's music got much less attention than similar but not-quite-as-talented singer/songwriters such as Jewel. Shawn's later albums may be more well-known, but I think this is her best overall.



4. I first heard "Round of Blues" on modern rock radio (Philadelphia's now defunct WDRE 103.9)soon after the album's release date (late 1992/early 1993.)I only heard it a few times before it was dropped from the station's playlist.

   Right around this time I began my career as a DJ at clubs & weddings. I had added the songs to my list of most wanted songs to purchase.

   None of the big retail chains carried this CD initially. A year or so later, the song received more airplay.

   "Round of Blues" was included on the Nicolas Cage/Bridget Fonda movie soundtrack for "It Can Happen To You".

   Eventually the "Fat City" CD began to appear at retail some two years after it's release.

   From the first time I heard the entire CD it instantly became one of my favorites.

   You'll be on an emotional rollercoaster with your journey through the tracks on this hidden gem.

   On your first listen you too will be ready for a second ride as you feel Colvin's voice break on the final track "I Don't Know Why" Prepare for that second ride well in advance. Hit the repeat button right away!




5. ... This is a wonderful album that strikes many emotional chords. "Monopoly" is a simple, heart-rending tale of lost love; "Set the Prairie on Fire" is one of the sexiest songs I've ever heard. I also love the complexity and mystery of "Kill the Messenger". Colvin's lyrics are so crisp: "Sometimes the beuaty of life Hits like lightning wahsing everything clear/And gthe dimmers of doubt flicker/Fade out and disappear." Hasn't everyone experienced those moments of clarity expressed so beautifully in Colvin's song? She articulates feelings the rest of us could never say so eloquently.

5 comments about Almost Blue.

1. This is a great release, and I give it 4.5 stars. I actually listen to the second disc more than the first. There is a mountain of material on here, and much of it is stellar.
   
   EC had such an appreciation for these songs, and you can really hear it in the delivery. This is actually my favorite EC release, simply because they're amazing songs given a killer treatment.
   
   Highlights from the first disc (for me personally) are the Gram Parsons number "I'm Your Toy", and "Sweet Dreams". This is not stuff I would listen to on a regular basis, but is great post-break-up listening (not for too long though!). The delivery on I'm Your Toy is amazing, delivered with just the right emotional inflection without being soppy - "restrained agony" may be a suitable phrase.
   
   The second disc .. where do I start. There are so many gems on here. Some you will love instantly, others will be "sleepers" - meaning you may not care for them at first listen but one day you will dust off the cd, hear a given song, and be blown away. This is what happened in my case, with several of the songs, and lead me to write this review.
   
   A few highlights are "Tear Before Bedtime" which is infectious and addicting, the "lost" recording of "Too Far Gone" which I greatly prefer to the original from disc 1, and "Psycho" which is truly creepy. I love the way he adds emphasis to the word "psycho" in a quiet whisper, in the chorus. A memorable rendition - someone should put it on YouTube with the Hitchcock movie as it's video.
   
   As mentioned in other reviews, most of the live tracks are also killer which probably explains why he put them on the disc. The man knows how to take care of his fans. "Sittin and Thinkin", "Motel Matches", "Honey Hush" .. they all rock.
   
   If you are an alt-country fan, or really a fan of great music in general, I highly recommend purchasing this release. You will not be disappointed.



2. This CD is for anyone who loves a good country style ballad performed by one of the greastest songwriters.



3. A listening pleasure, smooth, relaxing, mix of country duo with George Jones......2 CDs that I play every week. 2 versions of "psycho", fabulous.



4. I don't know. I loved EC and I loved country...I even went to see him on the tour afterwards...what a waste of my precious time back then...and of my money. This is self-indulgent and badls played...I do not understand the point really. Buy some real country instead...George Jones, Johnny Cash, anything instead...



5. Simply astounding album. Elvis Costello was at his height of popularity and had the courage to eplore his personal favorites and bring them to his "New Wave" audience. Unfortunately his audience was so influenced by the Stalinistic"Year Zero"/scorched earth attitudes of the Class of '77 punk that they pretty much rejected this amazing sampler of heartfelt Country soul. ( Although I do recall Los Angeles' KROQ Rodney on Roq giving the aggro version of Hank Williams "Why Dont You Love Me -Like You Used to Do?" quite a few spins at the time).In their defense one must recall that "Country' at that time was as UNcool as you could get with the charts dominated by the likes of 'supergroups' like Alabama ad nauseum...Costello however TRIED to redirect the spotlight on the good stuff, the hearty, celtic rooted mournful stuff.It is worth noting that that ONLY Country lyrics share Costello's 'boy loses girl' themes( as opposed to the inane posturing of late 70's 'Prog rock' fantasy and 80's'hair bands' and todays hip hop)Country had the REALITY of a life that touches all people at all times NOT 'bling'- Fast forward 20+ years with fellow Celts The Thrills covering a similiar genre, the Late Great Johnny Cash having an ENORMOUS amount of 'Street Cred' post Rick Rubin's AMERICAN series and a general lovefest of all things Gram Parson's ( including this seasons biggest concert draw- Parson's bastard offspring band -The Eagles) Country/Roots/Alt.Country/Americana is Cool. Costello covered not one but TWO Parsons tunes ( 'How Much I Lied ' and 'I'm Your Toy'/'Hot Burrito #2') as well as taking us on a trip through George Jones, Merle Haggard , Hank Williams' greats ( all the stuff that Soccer Mom 'Country' radio ie Shania/Chesney/Garth and NO TWANG- REFUSES to play. Costello did a brave thing recording and releasing this and radio/critics of the day were caught flat footed expecting another "New Lace Sleeves' or 'Alison' they got "Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down' and 'Sittin and a Thinkin' - Surprisingly the much pilloried disc gave Costello one of his biggest UK hits and a concert staple to this day in 'Good Year for the Roses'- So much of todays new /'alternative' music owes a DIRECT debt to this album. The SF Bay Area's great Dave Gleason and Wasted Days, Los Angeles Beachwood Sparks, the Irish Thrills ALL flow from this river of rootsy goodness. Superb!

5 comments about Myra Lee.

1. 1 1/2
   
   Dreadfully, derivatively dull, guitar-based simpleton ramblings sounds like the depressed goth chic strumming in her garage band on weekends from junior year. Ms. Marshall's sophomore release might have fooled many with delusions of raw emotion, when in actuality the only the that rings noticeable throughout these sludgy sessions is her occasional vocal intuition.



2. Ignore the five star reviews granted to this album by the Cat Power faithful. Like Dear Sir, this album is filled with raw tuneless dirges, sloppy guitar playing, and atonal singing. I wouldn't object so much to the amateur treatment if the work wasn't so entirely derivative from the female artists who actually originated this style of music quite some time before Cat Power. Reviewers who consider this album original would have to be unfamiliar with the singing of Lydia Lunch, Marnie Greenholz from Live Skull, and Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth, all of whom helped define this type of post punk caterwauling. Whether you enjoy this type of music or not, Myra Lee makes no serious contribution to it. "Ice Water" is probably the most successful of the bunch, though as a whole the album is unrelentingly amateurish. What's more, the song "Rockets" is repeated from the Dear Sir album (go figure).
   
   Chan has said she is unhappy with how this album turned out, and who can blame her? She's right--it didn't turn out that well. Like all her albums through Moon Pix, this album suffers from lack of a proper production budget and decent backup musicians.
   
   Anyway, don't get suckered in like I did by the endless glowing reviews her dutiful fans dole out. It's as if they hear no difference between Chan's earliest crudest work, and her best efforts on You Are Free and The Greatest. The difference in sound is like night and day. Use your ears--it's not that hard to figure out people.



3. A mysterious title for such a mysterious album. At first while getting this album I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I mean I do own some Cat Power music but this album is driven by true emotion. These emotions are not usally what people write to. This stuff is true it's driven by anger and frustration. Chan's voice gives such a great presentation of what she is feeling but also comes lightly to let you know it is going to be ok. The contrast of this album to all the others is so amazing that it could only have been done by Chan.



4. I like Moon Pix and Dear Sir better. This one has a couple of really good songs but as a whole the others are more satisfying.



5. this is my favorite album because it is true to a more raw, emotional sense. i feel it is her best work.

5 comments about Days of Open Hand.

1. I really loved this dreamy and haunting album from the first listen but I was completely won over when I saw Suzanne tour on this record. Not a particularly entertaining or energetic performer, she wisely used the images from the CD booklet (and others) as surreal backdrops. It allowed me to literally swim in the richness of each song. The images deepened the lyrics and enhanced the music. I know this is a review of the CD but I can no longer separate the music from the feeling having each song wash over me as it did at the concert.
   
   My suggestion is then to do something quite revolutionary in this day and age: buy this CD (okay that already is revolutionary!), trust me - buy this CD, find an uninterrupted hour in a perfect environment for you and you can listen to it in its entirety. Allow the music to be your sole emotional focus. I think you`ll find that you've purchased and experienced a rare and beautiful piece of art.



2. I'm a big SV fan; I own all her albums and look forward to new ones. I have to say, that when I first listened to this album, I was a little dissappointed - especially compared to her first two. But, now with the innovation of iPod shuffle, I listen to her more. Some of the tracks on this album, especially Tired of Sleeping and Those WHole Girls, have really become my favorites. I was surprised when I looked back and they were from this album. I recently listened to the whole thing and it's much better than I rememberd it years ago. I guess I've grown musically, just now as fast as SV. She's ahead of my time!



3. This is an extremely deep and sophisticated work by Suzanne Vega. Virtually all of the songs, however, seem to relate to one thing in particular: the subconscious (dreams, fantasies, fears, a desire to feel, and memory). The abstract and unreal passages led me to reach this conclusion, along with the fact that the opening track, which sets the tone, is "Tired of Sleeping." I have come to love Days... because of understanding it this way. I believe that Salvador Dali would have absolutely loved it.
   
   My personal favorites are "Tired of Sleeping," "Big Space," "Rusted Pipe," "Predictions," and, especially, "Pilgrimage," all of which deal with abstract emotional and psychological journeys. "Predictions" seems to support the expression that "History repeats itself" by beginning: "Let's tell the future, Let's see how it's been done..." I love the universal perspective of this. Mike Visceglia's base-playing on "Pilgrimage" is other-worldly and mysterious. It seems like the soundtrack for an archaeological documentary on National Geographic or the History International channel--a program where they are uncovering ancient secrets. Vega is unapologetically inscrutable on this follow-up to her huge hit record Solitude Standing.



4. I think one of the reasons this album was overlooked was because there are no obvious singles. In fact, Suzanne herself said her record company was having a difficult time coming up with a single when it was released. However, taken as a whole, the album is simply magnificent. It's actually a better album listening to it from start to finish than listening to individual songs. There's not a bad song on the CD, although the poppy Book of Dreams is not stellar. Suzanne said that she wrote Book of Dreams to be a single, which is really never a good idea in my opinion. Men in a War is also not her greatest either, but if fits within the context of the album. My favorites would probably be Rusted Pipe and Pilgrimmage. I used to see this CD purely as transitional; she needed to make this CD after Solitude Standing in order to make 99.9F, which has long been my favorite. However, I now realize this is a great work in and of itself. It took me several years to come to like it, but I now consider it one of her great albums.



5. Suzanne Vega is probably popular more for her hit 'Luka' and her feat featuring DNA on 'Tom's Diner'. Her style of singing delicately, tightly structured lyrically pleasing songs, possesss the power and charm to overpower your mind and inundate with tranquillity.
   
   Days Of Open Hand is a pretty collection of mellow songs with a distinct melancholic feel. The most beautiful and gripping track is probably 'Fifty-Fifty' which I guess, is about someone having tried to commit suicide. The violins wind you in their agonising pain and sympathy. Simple yet moving and intelligent lines.
   
   "...
   Fifty-fifty chance,
   the doctor said
   in the cardiac room
   as she is lying in bed.
   ...
   She's going home tomorrow at ten
   The question is will she do it again
   ..."
   
   'Room of the street' is a great number too, sung very timidly, very Suzanne Vega. 'In my book of dreams' and 'Men in a war' are cool numbers too where the latter picks up pace as it progresses.
   
   'Tired of sleeping' and 'Big Space' are a treat to hear. The simplicity of the lyrics is what really spellbounds.
   
   "...
   Oh mom...
   The dreams are not so bad
   I wonder when I'll be waking
   It's just there is so much to do
   and I'm tired of sleeping
   ..."
   
   Men in a war--
   "...
   Men in a war
   If they've lost a limb
   Still feel that limb
   As they did before..
   He lay on a cot
   He was drenched in a sweat
   He was mute and staring
   But feeling the thing
   He had not
   --
   I know how it is
   When something is gone
   A piece of your eyesight
   Or maybe your vision
   A corner of sense
   Goes blank on the screen
   A piece of the scan
   Gets filled in by hand
   ..."
   
   Brilliant!
   
   If you're looking to hear 'Luka' and 'Gypsy', try and get your hands on her previous offering, 'Solitude Standing'. Another pretty pleasing cool, calm and ear-friendly listening experience. Nice to listen to in the weary afternoons.

3 comments about Scarlet Stories.

1. Everything in her Scarlet's Walk album has become more clear to me after listening to this CD. Even when she speaks, words have a way of singing a melody. It's kind of hard to explain. I guess if you're a big fan like me, then you apparantly know what I mean! lol
   It is an absolute must have for any E.W.F.
   Highly recommended and you WON'T be disappointed if you purchase this very interesting item. It is simply beautiful.



2. On this CD Tori tells the story behind the album "Scarlet's Walk." It's interesting to listen to, because she connects every song together in one big sorta fairytale. The product description implies that there is music on this CD when in fact there is none, it's Tori speaking about the album for nearly 40 minutes. This was a promo item, I aquired mine from a record store without purchasing anything. I won't tell you how much you should or shouldn't spend on this, it's up to you to put a price on your Tori obsession! ;-)



3. This was a promotional item that was given out for free when the album was first released. It's a great little thing to listen to, but it did not cost a penny and it certainly isn't worth $25.

1 comments about Singles, Vol. 1.

1. Made in EU in 2003, Serial# ELVISBOX-101, Playing Time 75:06

   Are you a Costello completist? If you are, there's no doubt you'll buy this 12-disc box set!

   The 28-tracks included here (disc 2 also contains an "uncredited" alternate version of "Alison") are basically taken from EC's first 12 singles, each in a replica picture sleeve (including disc 11 with the inside-out jacket of "Accidents Will Happen", which also contains 2 tracks that made up disc 9, the giveaway single for some attendees of the Dominion Theatre concerts of 1978).

   This little "chest" includes a 12-page booklet that gives a track-by-track history of each of the singles.

   An obvious attempt at "cashing in" by the record company, this box (the first of 3) covers the 1977/03 to 1980/01 era of EC's singles, but the whole thing would have fitted on a single CD.

   For completists only, since almost all tracks are available on some compilations or remastered re-issues.

   You'll have to decide whether the 4 tracks making their first appearance on CD are worth the price tag ?!?

5 comments about Cruel Smile.

1. This is a great CD. Turn it up. I don't have any idea why you would not enjoy this. This is the best CD I have purchased in years. I can not quit listening to it.



2. declan - why would you do this to us? years of brilliance, now this?



3. This odds-and-sods collection of live tracks, outtakes, b-sides, and trivia from Elvis' 2002 When I Was Cruel Tour has some interesting moments, but otherwise should have stayed on the cutting-room floor. Several tracks are standouts -- the version of "Uncomplicated" here is a winner, and the "Watching the Detectives/My Funny Valentine" segue is inventive and fresh.
   
   That leaves the rest of the album. Too often, Elvis has seemed dedicated to convincing us that he can really sing torch ballads like the great ones. Uhh, he can't. The second cut, a painfully drawn out version of "Almost Blue," makes this point abundantly clear. One could literally have a smoke and stretch the legs between the final phrasing, an intolerably overbearing moment in an album that has several. The one time Elvis' torch ballad approach has really worked is on "Painted From Memory," where he had the great arranger and songwriter Burt Bacharach to help reel him in from his sometimes-too-much-is-too-much tendencies.
   
   I would say this one is for the fans, but too many of Elvis' recent records fall within that category to recommend it even in that limited role. This is a record for those who think Kojak Variety was 60 minutes too short.



4. My two cents: the remixes are INCREDIBLE (indespensible, really) and the live material is very strong. A really adventurous piece of work -- unlike anything else in Elvis's catalog and, like "Imperial Bedroom," an exciting and successful departure from Elvis's more familiar combo approach.



5. Don't exactly know what "Mish Mosh" means, it's just the words that came to my mind while listening to this. I am a big, big fan of the Elvis Costello that was on the first three or four Elvis Costello albums. That was an angry young man who wrote mostly angry young danceable songs and got a lot of deserved critical acclaim. He was one of the few artists popular enough to force radio programmers to play the so-called "Punk/New Wave" music, as in those days the people in charge of the air-waves were for the most part avoiding this stuff like the plague.

   Then something happened to him. He seemed to become "Elvis the very important songwriter". Or "Elvis the lounge singer". Or "Elvis the singer of songs so slow you wonder if he has a heartbeat". Or "Elvis the country singer". I can see artists branching out, but he went so far so many times, I guess I wasn't a big enough fan to hang on to his every word.

   But I'll pick up the occasional release, and this one seems to be everything good and bad about Elvis Costello. We start and end with The Lounge Singer, as he sings the old standard "Smile". The problem with this on an album that also contains songs like "Spooky Girl" and "Watching the Detectives", you wonder where he is sincere about the material, or making fun of it. With "Spooky Girl", he does continue to promote his image as the nerdy guy with glasses who has some seriously perverted thoughts, although this, ironically is one of the best songs on the album. But then "Watching the Detectives" becomes a medley with "My Funny Valentine".

   For some, this means that Costello is a very challenging artist who will come through for you if you give him enough attention. For me, there are too many artists and too many songs out there to put my life on hold for someone who refuses to be at least a little more reachable. I like Elvis Costello very much, but I don't need him to sing "My Funny Valentine", or redo songs that were fine twenty years ago.

5 comments about To the Teeth.

1. "To The Teeth" is another brilliant Ani album. "I Know This Bar" has to be one of the most beautiful songs ever! The album has a pretty dark and dreary tone to it for the most part, which works really well with some of the subject matters. There are also some heavier jazz influences that were hinted on "Up Up Up Up Up Up". The lyrics are top quality as usual. Amazing back up band! Amazing Woman!



2. A very eclectic mix of folk, funk and progressive. Much of it is very stripped down and most of the vocals are strangely mixed below both the acoustic or electric guitar. Maceo Parker is on half the album and Prince does vocals on one song. I found it a pretty mixed bag.



3. This is an awesome cd with some experimental tracks and some classic Ani. However, if you've never listened to Ani before and you aren't too into nontraditional music you should start with Not a Pretty Girl, Living in Clip, or Like I Said. Little Plastic Castles is fairly accessible too. If you already know you like Ani, you should definitely have this cd. It's one of her strongest studio albums and it's very well rounded. Buy it.



4. Ani DiFranco showcases her anger through her album 'To the Teeth". She expresses her democratic pride and her deep, personal anger through every track. Her style offers the one-on-one closeness to her audience. Every lyric is fearless. This is only one of her qualities that deserves tremendous respect as an artist and as a person. "To the Teeth", the track and "Hello Burmingham" express her anger toward the world and certain political values the heaviest.

   She offers a wide musical variety. She combines rock, folk, pop, and funk. Her use of woodwind and brass instruments give a new, pleasing, and evolving touch to her tracks. Her guitar efforts more than accents her musical style, she also expresses her feelings through it. Few other guitarists have mastered this difficult task. She also plays the bass, the drums, and the keyboards on many tracks brilliantly. Despite such expressed anger, her voice remains beautiful, never losing its soul for a second. Such showcased talent proves that she is one of the best musicians of today.

   Sadly, she's also one of the most underrated musicians in music history. "To the Teeth" proves that she continues to evolve as an artist through every album release. This is one of her most personal albums to date. All Ani DiFranco and soft rock fans will enjoy this album. Those that like her introduced woodwind and brass instrument sound will also enjoy her newest album "Evolve". That is the next step from such style...wonderful as always.




5. We have been a Ani aficionado since her first self-produced CD was released too many
   years go. On this, her 13th CD, she tries. She really tries. But Ani's stab at protest songs --- spurred by the Columbine tragedy --- are too preachy. And lacking her usual poetry, or at least the poetic justice needed to make songs of injustice ring true. We're also starting
   to real annoyed with her little-girl voice, whispered to the kind of folksy strumming found in coffeehouses . We're getting old and need her to speak --- make that SING --- up.
   Sorry, but we cannot sink our teeth into this one. One nibble was enough.

1 comments about Under the Unminding Skies.

1. An amazing collection with some familiar sound! Patrick Park does not let you down!