Ani DiFranco - Up Up Up Up Up Up

Whereas on Little Plastic Castle Ani DiFranco questioned her public image in song, here the fiercely independent singer/songwriter turns away from stardom's beckoning questions to further explore her emotional balance. "Angry Anymore" is a back-porch country song (with banjo and accordion) about coming to terms with a turbulent adolescence. "Everest" floats by as a reverie of spiritual rejuvenation. Most effective is "'Tis of Thee," which deals with racial injustice. The politics are oversimplified, but the melody is one of DiFranco's strongest. She even funks it up on the extended drum-machine-driven jam "Hat Shaped Hat." But while DiFranco enjoys playing around ("Know Now Then" features a "space phone" vocal), she's strongest when most contemplative, as the title track bears out. Backed by organ, piano, and guitar, she espouses this grand truth: "Half of learning how to play / Is learning what not to play." In her quietest moments DiFranco is living proof of simplicity's great power. --Rob O'Connor Amazon.com

Hat shaped hat

This album is my favorite Ani album. I love the play of music and the funky beats that she has experimented with. The political and social themes of the album spark philosophical ideas about the world around us. And on top of that, she recognizes her emotional growth based on this awareness. She ends the album magnificently with "Hat Shaped Hat," a light-hearted funky tune that recognizes that we sometimes just need to let go. I would highly recommend this album; this is an album that I think that everyone can appreciate. Peace man, it's where it's at. January 7, 2008

Not at Her Absolute Best

Though I am an avid Ani fan, this album is probably my least favorite, mostly for it's lack of flow and inconsistancy. Most of these songs are excellent on thier own, but the record as a whole feels more like a collection of B-sides than a coherant album. Many of the tracks that tie together in similarity and style, often drag and feel dull when heard in one sitting. A hand full of tracks are more experimental and engaging (Angel Food, Hat Shaped Hat) but seem odd and out-of-place.

"Angry Anymore" is probably my favorite track on the album, having also come from a divorced home and understanding the need to understand and forgive one's parents- for they too are human.

I wouldn't say this album is completely unwelcomed in my collection or that it is a waste to listen to- but I think it would be a poor choice for someone just becoming familiar with her music. This may well be the only album that does not leave me completely satisfied, because I absolutely love every other album I own of hers for thier own special reasons. This is not a bad album, just considerably less organized and finely crafted as some others. But I cut Ani DiFranco slack because she has put out a new album almost every year for over a decade (sometimes twice in one year). To have only one of those not be a complete success is amazing in and of itself. July 4, 2005

S'Ok

I am a beginning Ani DiFranco fan. I bought this CD second, and as a beginning fan I was not impressed at all. Some of the songs are good. 'Hat Shaped Hat' is very fun, 'Jukebox' has a good feel to it. ''Tis of thee' has a powerful message behind it. The other songs have their moments. But overall, I don't think this is a good album if you're buying it to see what you're in for. June 17, 2005

i love this.

don't listen to all these bummer reviews by pissy elitist ani fans. this album is abstract & beautiful. from the humbling "tis of thee" to the devastating "trickle down" followed by the fun jam session of "hat shaped hat" which is a great closing track for an amazing album. January 13, 2005

Another favorite Ani Difranco album

It has been awhile since I popped in "Up Up Up Up Up Up". My taste in music has changed drastically over the years. I am not the big Ani Difranco fan that I used to be. Eight years ago, I used to buy her cds on the day that they were released. My how times have changed. Still I respect Ani immensely for her DIY ethics and eschewing corporate America when it comes to her music. Next to "Little Plastic Castles" and "Dilate", "Up Up Up Up Up Up" is one of my favorite Ani Difranco cds. Songs like "Angry Any More" and "'Tis of Thee" really speaks to me lyrically. Unlike her earlier work, "Up Up Up Up Up Up" incorporates other different instruments other than Ani's traditional fierce guitar playing. The banjo, the organ, piano, and bass all adds a different layer of sound to Ani's music and gives her music new life. I personally love "Up Up Up Up Up Up". It is different from Ani's earlier music but I think it is still as good. January 13, 2004

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