Ani DiFranco

For the first time in years, Ani DiFranco recently took some time off, as the touring grind was finally wearing her down. Following a live album (Carnegie Hall 4/6/02) released earlier this year, DiFranco has returned with Reprieve. Never one to back down from a political firestorm, DiFranco was forced to leave New Orleans during Reprieve’s recording due to Hurrican Katrina, while completing it in Buffalo. The result is one of her more cutting, biting and pointed records in years, exemplified on “Millenium Theater”.

Fom the leadoff Americana number“ Hypnotized,” DiFranco shines on “Subconscious,” “Half-Assed” and the murky “Nicotine” with subtle synthesized hues coloring the backdrop. There is nothing poppy here, just a series of strong folk tunes with a conscious, like “Decree” that contains the line “the stars are going out and the stripes are getting bent.” Although the title track is basically spoken word, “A Spade” as well as the Celtic-tinged “Shroud” atones for the lone miscue.