NOT SO SOFT info
(RBR002-D) 1991

For her follow-up to ANI DIFRANCO, the L'il Folksinger returned to Audio Magic Studio in Buffalo during the course of September 1991 and recorded thirteen tracks (a fourteenth bonus track, Brief Bus Stop, was added to the CD release). If the title seemed a representation of a change in direction, then the songs live up to expectations. There is no sophomore slump as Ani sings, plays guitar, hits congas, and performs on "dust broom." Dale Anderson returned as producer (Ani takes a co-credit), while Tony Romano handled engineering duties. Ani designed the artwork, while photos from Scot Fisher and Karen Richardson graced the graphics. If the cover graphics seemed slightly spartan, the scribbled capital letters continue to say to the world, "I'm doing it all by myself!" But at the heart of Ani's cover art is someone who knows the mannerisms of drawing and the intricacies and nuances of shading. The double tracking of Ani's voice sets up a warmer feel and actually underscores many of the woman-to-woman love songs contained on this follow-up. ~ Raffaele Quirino