Do Your Homework
The L.A. Daily News' generally pointless "U" entertainment section has a generally pointless story today on the rise of musicians releasing their own music via indie labels rather than aiming for a major label contract. Fine idea for a story, although one that has been done to death over the last seven or so years. The poster child for this movement has been Ani DiFranco, who's sold millions of CDs via her own label from the start, and has profited much in the process. No word of DiFranco in the story. Nor is there any mention of L.A.'s own Aimee Mann, who has done the same thing since being dropped by a major a few years back. Since then, in control of her own destiny, she hasn't had to look back.
Speaking of DiFranco, I recently landed a copy of her new release, "Evolve." It's the latest in a string of disappointing releases from the singer/songwriter, who I think pretty much peaked with 1996's "Dilate." Maybe she just simply puts out too many releases (at least one a year--the same thing Prince does, also to his detriment). But she also has lost me with her move toward long, rambling, jazzy, quiet songs. Where are the loud, guitar-heavy, angry songs of "Dilate"? I miss the old Ani.
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