Album review overview: Ani DiFranco, Supersoul Brothers and more
Dozens of new albums arrive at Maxazine’s editorial staff every week. There are way too many to listen to them all, let alone review them. It ensures that too many albums are left behind. And that’s a shame. That is why today we post an overview of albums that arrive at the editors in short reviews.
Ani DiFranco – Unprecedented Shit
Ani DiFranco, the queen of the DIY movement, returns with her 23rd album, ‘Unprecedented Shit’. This album features 11 starkly recorded tracks that sound refreshingly direct. DiFranco stays true to her roots but boldly experiments with beautiful Uzbek influences. The result? A genre that makes you think and reevaluate. Each track on this album is a journey through DiFranco’s versatility. The raw honesty and direct recording style bring you closer to the soul of her music. The unique mix of sounds creates an unparalleled listening experience. ‘Unprecedented Shit’ is a must-have for any music lover open to innovation and diversity. DiFranco once again proves why she deserves an iconic place in the music industry. With a rating of 8/10, this album is worth a listen. Even if the title makes you laugh, the music will deeply move you. (Jan Vranken) (8/10) (Righteous Babe Music)
Supersoul Brothers – By the Way
The SuperSoul Brothers, the French deep soul phenomenon of 2021, present their latest album ‘By The Way’. Nearly three-quarters of an hour of pure powerhouse soul with funky brass sections will move your dancing muscles. Don’t expect a zen mode but rather an energetic and exhilarating listening experience. While the band is inspired by greats like James Brown and Otis Redding, and their sound flirts with vintage soul and New Orleans funk, they bring a fresh French touch from the Béarn Pyrénées. Their powerful and positive show translates effortlessly to the record. ‘By The Way’ is an album from a band that wants to show what they can do. It might have been done before, and sometimes even better, but this album offers a delightful and energetic listening experience. In short, it is a great album for any soul and funk lover. (Elodie Renard) (7/10) (Dixiefrog)
Everyone’s Getting Involved – A Tribute to Stop Making Sense
‘Stop Making Sense’, the iconic album by Talking Heads, celebrates its 40th anniversary with a tribute album featuring various artists presenting their interpretations of the classics. While true fans undoubtedly own the original, this tribute offers a platform for artists like Paramore, who put their own spin on ‘Burning Down the House’, and Lorde, who gives ‘Take Me to the River’ a personal twist. The Linda Lindas impress with their version of ‘Found a Job’. This tribute album might seem like an unnecessary duplication, but it also provides a fresh perspective and renewed respect for the legendary work of Talking Heads. However, I will reach for the original for an authentic listening experience. (Jan Vranken) (6/10) (A24)
