Hometown folk/rock goddess Ani DiFranco released two albums this year: "So Much Shouting, So Much Laughter" and "Evolve."
Staff Reporter Nora Hasson on "So Much Shouting, So Much Laughter":
One of the best things about Ani DiFranco as a performer is her ability to make her songs into living things. She can give new meaning to a song over 10 years old just by changing her delivery of lyrics. DiFranco performs each song with unique creativity, which her fans have come to love and expect.
There is something more compelling about a live performance of a song than the studio version. It is the artist, her guitar and her voice doing what she does best - music. However, DiFranco does not make all the music herself. All the tracks are recorded with her six-piece band that she has been touring with for the past two years.
Entertainment Editor Rachel Lynn Brody on "Evolve":
"Evolve" finds the singer/songwriter finally returning to her lyrical roots, as well as finally learning how to take the best advantage of her backup band. The jam feel of albums like "Swing Set" and "To The Teeth" is still present on tracks like the 10-minute "Serpentine," but the overwhelming rambles that have overtaken recent albums have vanished in favor of tighter, more direction-driven composition.
Each track on "Evolve" gives the listener only moments to realize that DiFranco is back in full force with her 20th album. Its list price is worth it for the cover and jacket art alone. "Evolve" is an album that no one should miss, even if they are not a fan of DiFranco's recent work.
Staff Reporter Michael Flatt reviewed Pearl Jam's "Riot Act." The band will play Buffalo's HSBC Arena this summer:
"Riot Act" is the last album Pearl Jam is contracted to release with their veteran label Epic Records and it appears the band has made a conscious decision to bow out respectfully.
The group has long acknowledged they were no longer the kings of grunge, punk or any other genre of rock. This is not to say that "Riot Act" lacks quality. Pearl Jam has just wisely chosen not to attempt to reproduce "Ten" or "Vs."
If "Riot Act" truly is the final performance of this legendary band, it'll leave a bitter taste in the mouths of many fans. Hopefully, though, more will see that this is simply a band entering the final stage of the musical maturation process.
Phish made jam-fans everywhere happy with their release, "Round Room," reviewed by Staff Writer Chris Clark:
"Round Room," Phish's latest release, clearly and captivatingly reduces three nights of recording in guitarist Trey Anastasio's barn into 75 minutes of musical bliss. The new album combines each member's individual influences with aspects of the old Phish sound, assembling a single, cohesive and refreshing sound.
"Round Room" is a more than satisfactory taste of the direction in which Phish is heading. Everyone should check it out, because, as Anastasio says, "If you keep your eyes open, you may find yourself there."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
