Little Plastic Castle

Fire Wating for Fuel
by: kriste matrisch

Little Plastic Castle is Ani Difranco's 10th released album on her own record label, Righteous Babe Records. For the two years that I have been listening to her, this is the first time that I have been seeing her works in popular music stores. DiFranco is probably best known as a performing artist more than a recording one, which would explain the reason not too many people have heard her on the radio. Even though many popular labels have tried to sign her on their label, she is happy to be on her own.

Little Plastic Castle is filled with funky beats (as in the song "Deep Dish"), powerful lyrics (as in "Fuel"), and soothing sounds of her acoustic guitar (as in "As Is"). The album contains 12 songs; the first half is my personal favorite. What really makes DiFranco incredible is that she isn't afraid to bring herself into the lyrics, isn't afraid to speak her mind!

Anyone who is familiar with DiFranco and her successful Living in Clip album will recognize "Gravel," which is a track included on Little Plastic Castle. "Gravel" is one of those catchy songs that will have you dancing to the acoustic guitar. Difranco's powerful lyrics are evident in the following lines from "Gravel":

you've been juggling two women
like a stupid circus clown
telling us both we are the one
and maybe you can keep me
from ever being happy
but you're not going to stop me
from having fun

If anyone finds out that DiFranco is in your neighborhood, I suggest you go and attend her concert because she kicks ass live! Of course, I'm basing that on hearing Living in Clip, which is comprised of taped live performances. I think it's fair to make that statement solely based on hearing the album; you can tell that she is full of passion and life. I'm also going to see her live VERY soon, so I'll keep you posted.

In conclusion, I recommend that you go out and purchase a copy of Ani DiFranco's Little Plastic Castle; you won't be disappointed!