educated guess
‘Another year, another Ani Difranco album.
In the past twelve months or so, this politically minded musician has caused a good bit of controversy, something she feels quite at home doing. This time, it was not what she said that caused a stir; it’s what she refused to say. She and her potent politics parted ways. After who knows how many years and how many songs ridiculing the right, she put her pedestal aside and decided to sing from ground level.
This might turn her into a bit more of an obscure figure but this is Ani we’re talking about here. She will survive. As long as she preaches of her loves, we know she’ll stay alive.
As her 2004 offering, we have been given “Educated Guess,” fourteen new tracks characterized by their left-of-center harmonies and, well, not much else. Is it going to be good? Will it blow her fan base away? There’s got to be something innovative that Difranco will do to hold onto her groundbreaking-artist status.
The fact of the matter is, these questions are irrelevant. The question at hand to be begged is: is she still a relevant musician, or is she on her way to the VH1, “I Love The ’80s” pool of the washed up?
If you’re not sure, keep up with your cable bills and check your local listings.
It could worse. At least you won’t see her on “Hollywood Squares,” if that show even exists anymore.
Her rationalization for where she is and what she’s doing is explained in “The True Story of What Was,” a spoken-word placed directly in the middle of the album.
Excuses, excuses.
Ani, here’s a piece of advice: put down the guitar, grab a pen and paper and head to the local coffee shop. You’re good with words. Switch your medium of conveying them while you still have a chance. Another album like this and Righteous Babe is going to be in dire straits.
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