Average Rating: 
Rating: - Ani fights funk with funk
Ani Difranco is adrift in introspection in many of these songs, which are about breaking up with lovers, being emotionally isolated, powerless and empty. The world has grown ugly and does not seem to care. She is fed up with the American political scene, which Ani describes as self indulgent, narcissistic, exploitative and materialistic. Simply put, she is in a funk, trapped like a moth in the presence of a lightbulb (hence the symbolism of the cover art, which is referenced on the title track). Luckily, Ani can fight funk with funk. Funk music, that is. This is by far the jazziest album Ani has ever released, with a horn section blowing dissonant hooks over her characteristic acoustic guitar riffs and 7/8 timing. It's the music that saves this album in the end. Ani is "trying to evolve." She is trying to adapt, overcome and heal both herself and hopefully the world. But I could not give this album a full 5 stars because as much as it is packed with emotional punch, in the end its politics are as one sided and muddled as a WTO protest; more anger than agenda. And whereas Ani could once find solace in her interpersonal relationships, on this album at least, it seems that she would rather just be left alone.
Rating:  - Fuzzy, blue, and lost.
"Evolve" seems a lost album. If there is a theme, it's discord. Discordant melodic lines, and discordant lyrics. Both over- and under-produced at times, seldom just right. Even on the more upbeat tracks, there seems to be a sadness in Ani's voice. Perhaps it's the sadness of knowing that this is the end of her band. After hearing several of these songs live, and a couple more on "So Much Shouting, So Much Laughter", I'm somewhat disappointed at the studio versions. Some of the instrumental work seems to be tacked on just because she didn't think the versions she presented in concert were finished products, and they needed something extra. That something extra doesn't seem to go with the songs it's attached to. The music is pretty, the lyrics are good, but it just doesn't flow. The whole album has a desolate, broken feeling, totally the opposite of the concert I went to a year ago. That was lively, upbeat, and she played with the audience. It was fun, it was funky, it was jazzy, it was punk, and it was a tear-jerker. This album is jazzy, and funky, but down, in a depressing, not heart-shattering way. It doesn't do these songs justice. At the concert, nobody could keep still. There was so much life in the music, it was infectious. Unlike the concert, this album just doesn't get me moving to the music. "Evolve" is worth owning, but if you're going to own it, do yourself the favor of owning "To The Teeth" first. That and "Up up up up up up" more closely represent the spirit many of these songs first had. The balance of the arrangements on this album is also different than it was in concert. When I first heard them, they seemed to involve all of the band members equally. Now, it's pretty much Ani and the horn section. The horn section does an absolutely gorgeous job, but it's sad to see Julie, the bass and the drums take a back-seat on these arrangements. Julie specifically, because Ani plays keys on a couple of tracks, and the feeling is different. Good, but different. Major extra points for cool packaging. This is probably the most beautifully packaged CD I have, and it seems to be made of high-quality stuff. I doubt the plastic on this will break like it did on "So Much Shouting, So Much Laughter". The first two photos you see of her when you open it are fuzzy and blue, which very much represents the mood of this recording.
Rating:  - Landmark album gets me all jazzed
I've been a fan of Ani for years, and this album is a definite landmark. It's jazzy, funky, latin, folky, fantastic. If you're gonna give it a try, I recommend listening to it a number of times to really fall into it. Like a lot of her albums, it takes repeat listening to appreciate the depth of the music, and this album especially can be very subtle in its texture. Listen to the sample tracks a coupla times (I just *love* Slide), but my three very favorite songs don't even have samples (Here For Now, Phase, and Serpentine). Go to Ani's website at righteousbabe.com to listen to more tracks.
If you've never listened to Ani before, I recommend this one for her mellower jazzier stuff, 'Dilate' for her [ticked]-off, righteous, rockin' girl power, and 'Little Plastic Castle' for fun upbeat tunes that are easier to appreciate on the first listen.
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