Ani DiFranco

Even during a less divided America, Ani DiFranco sang about feminism and the evils of big business. Her latest manifesto, Reprieve, was conceived in New Orleans and nearly lost during the Katrina disaster, but firsthand observation of the tragedy enflamed DiFranco, motivating her to produce her most politically focused album since Out of Range. With bassist Todd Sickafoose at her side, the folkstress lays out sparse, melancholy songs that are her most poignant in years.