Play it by Ear

Indie folk music artist Ani DiFranco has written and produced a new album "Red Letter Year" that embodies her new, lighter way of life.

"[My new mantra] says, 'Don't forget to have a good time,'" DiFranco said.

The artist, now a mother to a beautiful one-year-old girl, is known for writing some in-your-face lyrics that have previously never been very attention getting for more than a brief second. This album, however, does not completely fit the pattern of some previous albums, which may be a good thing. Though pop, rock, 80's music and Motown tend to be my weapons of choice; I decided to give her a go.

The title song "Red Letter Year" was actually not a favorite. Though the music is enjoyable, the song's message of change was a little muddled. The layers of metaphors seemed to take away from the main message of the song.

For those looking for something a little more traditional in DiFranco's realm, check out "The Atom," a powerfully worded, politically driven song with a clear message attached.

DiFranco sings, "Messing with the atom is the highest form of blasphemy, whether you are making weapons or simple electricity."

This song has probably the best written lyrics on the entire album.

"Landing Gear" finds DiFranco speaking to the child still in her womb. The song begins, "Hey little bag of sugar, floating in your biosphere, summon the courage to put down your landing gear."

The notes sounds like elevator music put into hyper-drive, but it really does work quite well for this song.

Last, but certainly not least, is "Smiling Underneath." DiFranco basically uses this song to tell her partner that no matter how bad things get, their companionship allows her to profess, "I'm having a good day."

The mood of the music for this song captures quite well the friction between the bad things happening and the good feelings DiFranco describes in her lyrics.

Overall assessment of this album is fairly positive. If you have any remote interest in folk or indie music, definitely check this one out to add to your collection. DiFranco fans shouldn't be too disappointed with a well constructed album. As for those of you who are more into mainstream music: it may be worth a listen. It's always good to expand your horizons.

If you'd like to check out Ani DiFranco's "Red Letter Year" for yourself, it hits store shelves Sept. 30.

Grade: B-

dcampbell@unews.com