THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1999

Music flies up, up and away

By Alison Young

On-Line Forty-Niner

Ani DiFranco has added one more to her ever-growing pile of completed albums. "Up Up Up Up Up Up" delivers 11 new vocally-dominated songs, mild in temper compared to previous recordings.

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CD REVIEW

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Her less controversial approach on "Up ..." has resulted in a much less ambitious, tamer version of the artist.

The music behind DiFranco's captivating and mature vocals seems rudimentary, definitely not her finest work.

At the same time the Buffalo, N.Y., native manages to reach down deep on "Come Away," where she sings sincerely and beautifully about a loved one who cannot stop using.

She sings, " but I'll tell you what I don't like, I don't like that I had to put the training wheels back onto your bike "

In true poetic form, DiFranco sings "Virtue," a revealing song in which the musician acknowledges her own shortcomings.

Reverting back to her own childhood in "Angry anymore," DiFranco recalls her own blind loyalty toward her mother and how she has come to understand and accept her father. " I just want you to understand that I know what all the fighting was for "

"Everest" also captures the musician's true spirit, and is revealing in nature.

Harder to listen to is "Jukebox," "Know now then," "Trickle down" and "Hat shaped hat." Absent is DiFranco's warmth and soulful voice. They seem hastily put together, as if she did not have the time - or inspiration - to make it personal.

This inconsistency was especially hard to take following masterpiece albums such as "Little Plastic Castle" and the box set "Living in Clip." On "Living in Clip," DiFranco revealed so much of herself through lyrics and sound bites, that it was as if a new friend had confided in you. It was difficult not to fall in love with her laughter, sincerity and willingness.

On all 11 songs, DiFranco plays guitar and is the primary vocalist. She was also responsible for the album's production and mixing, which needed a fine-tuning. Songs like "Hat Shaped Hat" and "Know Now Then" lacked distinction and continuity, which usually characterize DiFranco's songs.

Put it down to high expectations for the artist who has created an astounding two albums a year, but "Up..." does not come out above DiFranco's previous endeavors.