IMPERFECTLY info
(RBR003-D) 1992

Ani's third album was recorded in early 1992 and included thirteen tracks featuring Ani, drummer Andy Stochanksy, and guest Geoff Perry, George Puleo, Tim Allan, and Mary Ramsey. Ramsey had been recruited based on her prior folk-rock recordings as part of Johnny And Mary (which also featured husband John Lombardo). Today, Mary Ramsey fronts 10,000 Maniacs (whose two post-Natalie Merchant releases, LOVE AMONG THE RUINS on Geffen and THE EARTH PRESSED FLAT on Bar/None are recommended). IMPERFECTLY was engineered by Tony Romano and Ed Stone, produced by Ani and Dale at (again) Audio Magic in Buffalo and mastered by Ed Stone. This album is considered something of a classic, earning a four out of five star rating from the All Music Guide review collective, a strong follow-up to NOT SO SOFT. Again, Ani's studio chops get more and more acute, the talent easily overpowering any deficiencies (although, I personally found none). The material on IMPERFECTLY covers the usual Ani terrain but with more depth, passion, and greater introspection, all sung in a more confident, more mature voice. ~ Raffaele Quirino