Ani DiFranco-So Much Shouting So Much Laughter
2002 / 1:59:16 Minutes / 2 Discs / 24 Tracks / Live
Release Date: September 10, 2002 - Righteous Babe Records
Produced by: ani d.
Website: www.righteousbabe.com

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on September 8, 2002

I have just heard THE Live recording of the year. Maybe the last few years. And it might be the best for a few more years to come. That's how good this album of live material is. Ani DiFranco is the independant of independants as she has single handedly shown the world that its not impossible to represent yourself. And that is what Ani does on this set. But not only representing herself, she represents everyone with her words.

There are two separately titled discs of concert recordings. The first, "Stray Cats", contains eleven songs that are presented in a personal setting, songs that are performed in a uniquely different way. The second disc, "Girls Singing Night", with thirteen tracks, is a more standard setting. Regardless of the ways the music is presented to you, they are powerful bolts of lightning that strike you and leave you forever changed.

Ani is a natural in this element. She connects with her audience and with the listener of this set. As she introduces each piece, she actually talks with, not to, the audience creating, a rapport that strengthens the importance of her songs and their statements. Whether those statements carry political meaning or emotional release; whether they epitomize cultural meaning or promote artistic beliefs, they are all wonderfully sung and beautifully communicated.

Ani's band is second to none. They know how she wants to sound and they give her the perfect accompaniment to her pearl like words. Jazzy when it's called for, which is much of the set, and folksy as Ani requires, this band is professional. But all the realms that Ani has been in touch with comes out here. She has her rock side and her funk side, her jazz and folk side, her political bite and social strikes, all smoking missiles aimed at the humanistic core of mankind.

Ani is an artist with things to say. She is in an electrifying element when she is connecting with her fanbase. It becomes evident from the very beginning just how well she communicates and, equally, how well she is received. From all her anecdotes to her stirring renditions, Ani is incredible energy.

A rousing "Letter to a John Tamburitza Lingua" with its 'leave me alone' declaration and the excitement, (the title of this set comes from a line in this song), of the jazzed infused "Cradle & All", give this CD a part of its charm that is complete only after you hear every song. The stylish and fiery post-9/11, call to reality that is found in the tone poem of "Self Evident" is evocative and brings to the fire the cut away, self serving patriotism of our MTV populace that thrives on acts of violence to find meaning to meaningless lives; lives so bored with routine that we easily and willingly anger to join the madding crowd because it the thing to do.

And how to ignore "WhatHowWhenWhere"? Or the anthemic "Not A Pretty Girl"? And the delicious assessment to 'open fire' on the self serving falsities and apathies of all the organizations of the country along with the resolution of gathering all her friends and moving to Canada to die of old age of "To The Teeth"? Once you put these discs in, you are captivated from beginning to end. Ani is a champ. I for one await, anxiously for her next studio release.

DISC

This set is well produced. Everything comes thru clearly and is highly polished. L/R channel use is playful and intelligently distributed. The audience comes through but is not overwhelming. This is a beautiful set in every sense. The creation of the soundstage is well thought out and is in full effect here.

PACKAGING

Now this is how it's done! This set comes to you in a double fold digipak, that is, it opens once and then folds open again at both ends to reveal the discs. There is a few photo shots typifying the eerie but beautiful quality of traveling on the road, tour wise. A 28 page booklet, stapled and printed on high quality paper is included. The booklet is chock full of colour/bw photos of the band and Ani. Credits, notes, and thanks complete the content. The lack of lyrics is an omission here but is not a problem given the fact that it is a live effort and not a studio release. Fans, by this time, should be more than aware of Ani's lyrical prose. So, a quality effort here that clearly shows the benefits for control over one's product with the freedom to do as one wants. Superior product.

THE FINAL SAY

The extraordinary qualities of Ani (pronounced Ah nee) Difranco is in full bloom here. The statements of her social consciousness is alive in her every word and her interest in the plight of the broken hearted and the unfortunate, while disdaining the exploiter, exemplifies her awareness to the realities of the day. Ani is not afraid to voice her opinions. Her opinions contain no colour and is not influenced by any train of thought other than her own. Which makes for extraordinary music not seen or heard for ages. Which makes this set one to die for. Run to buy it!!

This review is dedicated to the memory of Kris Hallowell. She would have loved you, Ani!

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