Canon (A Collection) - Ani DiFranco

Advantages: A really varied album from an inspiring singer-songwriter
Disadvantages: maybe not a particularly good order of tracks

.... The production on this album may not be world-class (though I’m not the authority on that) but the music is a joy to listen to. The order of the songs on this album could also be improved, putting Out of Range (electric) right after a peaceful song, Falling is Like This, and before You Had Time, the quietest and calmest song, could be changed for the better. This, however, does not affect the quality of the music, which would be difficult to improve. Ani has a wide range of vocal styles and adjusts her voice to suit each song, making them even more distinct and effective. This album has songs to suit all moods, and can be uplifting or calming, inspiring or thought-provoking. I would recommend this album highly, whether you have never heard of Ani DiFranco or are looking to increase your collection of her music.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Most of the CD is pure folk-rock heaven.
Disadvantages: A good portion of it is just not worth the time.

...With all the hero worship and other raving that I do about independent folk musician Ani DiFranco, you might mistakenly believe that I am her biggest fan; a fan who will not question anything that she says or releases on record. “Not A Pretty Girl” is a great recording on its own merits, but unlike the rest of my personal Ani collection (which consists of approximately half her studio work thus far), listening to this particular disc requires that I be in the proper mood. In this case, that mood is something like: “Somber, slightly depressed, and a bit fed up with the world in general.” Which, according to my personal opinion of the disc, is what Ani felt when she penned the songs and poetry that found their way onto this hour-long musical experience. ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: July 14th, 1995... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: As with the others I've reviewed, this record is original, thought provoking, honest, and introspective - with plenty of varied musical styles to keep the listener hooked.
Disadvantages: There are a couple of tracks that seem a bit "out of place" though they are still more than worth listening to.

...As you all know good and well, Ani DiFranco is my all-time, never-beaten, most-favorite musician. Ever. To me, she’s even better than legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan who, here in Texas, is worshiped as the godlike figure that he really was. She’s even cooler than Melissa Etheridge, way more talented than Courtney Love, and – simply put – one of the most honest musicians in today’s wild recording industry. I love her music, and while I don’t completely agree with each and every message she sends to her listeners, I can still enjoy hearing her point of view through song and spoken word. She founded Righteous Babe Records in 1990. It is an independent record label based in Buffalo, New York that still utilizes business from local artists, copy shops, et cetera in order to help her produce, design... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful