I realised today that I have not yet blogged about one of my favourite musicians in the 'ole world.
Ani Difranco is a New York based singer/songwriter, often [although not often enough] found in the 'folk' section of your friendly neighbourhood record emporium. She has been making records since before I was in short trousers, and is still going strong, announcing yet another mini UK tour this autumn, supported by anti-folk legend Hammell on Trial. In this era of 'ipods', 'sky plus' and 'oyster cards', you can rely on Ani to provide genuinely thought-provoking music, released independently as a firm two-fingers to the music industry fat cats. A drop in the ocean it may be, but as she says herself, "the masters tools will never dismantle the masters house".
If you don't know her work, you should check it the hell out and you will be transported on a magical journey of witty, poignant poetry and skilful, beautiful music. Every few years she re-invents herself - these two tracks represent very different points in her career.
'Out of Habit' comes from her debut album, released in 1990, and tells the story of how dazzled she was by Manhattan when she first moved there.
Ani Difranco: Out of Habit
'Swim' comes from her 2005 record 'Knuckledown', co-produced by Joe Henry.
Ani Difranco: Swim [sorry its an m4a file. technology fails me yet again. communists.]
Fifteen years after her debut and still as great as ever. This autumn she will release a best-of, entitled 'Canon'. So get yourself down to Shepherds Bush Empire on October 19th. That's if I don't get there first.
