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The self-styled "lil folk singer" seemed to have lost her way with her last two albums. While Up Up Up Up Up Up and To The Teeth were blessed with moments of trademark brilliance, the albums didn't seem to flow as well as previous work, such as Dilate and Out of Range.However, Ani has returned with a double album which is guaranteed to have fans salivating with delight. The first CD, Revelling, continues the funky soundscapes of her more recent material. However, the songs seemed to have been tightened up somewhat, and the result is a triumph. The opening track "Ain't That The Way" sounds bizarrely like Macy Gray, but later tracks such as "Garden Of Simple" and the standout "Marrow" have DiFranco's style stamped all over them.The second disc, Reckoning, is a quieter, more acoustic affair, remincescent of Ani's earlier stuff. A air of political disillision hangs over this set, as if Bush's recent election had knocked the stuffing of her.Nowhere is this more apparent than on "Your Next Bold Move" where DiFranco bemoans the fact that "the left wing was broken long ago...it's so hard to have faith in anything". Similar in tone is "Subdivision", with it's blistering critique of racial segregation in the USA. However, it's not just the political that DiFranco is commenting on this time - live favourite "So What" is a mournful comment on the end of a relationship, while on "Marrow", Ani declares that shes "learning to be alone and devasted".None of this is depressing by the way - rather these thoughtful and beautifully played songs inspire you, like the best of DiFranco's material. Like many double albums, there is some filler here ("Kazoointoit" is particulary lightweight), but otherwise this is a startling return to form. It may not propel her to the top of the charts : this isn't pure and simple by any means, rather the work of a incredibly talented songwriter working at the height of her powers.

Rating: 4 out of 5

the umpteenth album by the, until-recently ,best kept secret in folk music is simply fanatstic. even the hard core know-all-the-words fans will be surprised at the turn it takes... strong jazz influences, the odd chilled salsa rhythm, olde skool folk, rock etc... incredibly eclectic but still very aniesque. 'reckoning' is slightly more low key than the more successfully experimental 'revelling' and truly beautiful in parts. The lyrics on both are fabulous... the usual amalgamation of personnal experience and rantings against the pitious state of the world as she percieves it; corporate america is not given a chance and the uniformity of people is grieved. this is a strong, confident album which is without doubt way ahead of its time and composed by a simply brilliant musician. with regard to this, it is sometimes surprising to discover an element of self effacing insecurity and fragility appearing in the lyrics and some of the melodies. whether a fan or not, this really is an album worth every penny. her fierce independence is the only barrier to this becoming a big classic, but then ani wouldn't be ani and this album would not be this album if things were different.

Rating: 5 out of 5

What a shame that certain people bring down the ratings of this sublime album. It's a work of such great beauty and perfection and it's sad that certain Difranco fans are too closed-minded to appreciate it's originality and let her move on from what she was doing before (this is called progression and improvement). It is almost impossible to compare her previous music with this album. Her previous albums were very good, well above the average, but this is just on a completely different level. A remarkable masterpiece.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Unlike some other people, I feel that both CDs reflect Ani's unique music style! Both CDs are absolutely amazing, and Ani has done herself proud by choosing to put all of these tracks together! If only I could write songs as well as Miss DiFranco!

Rating: 5 out of 5

I put the first half on - what a load of rubbish - I hated it. 'This one is going back', I thought. I gave it another go but still I couldn't get along with it. As it is a double album I had to give the second half a listen. FANTASTIC. It is Ani at her best. The lyrics are moody, sad, and poignant. The music is hypnotic. What a difference. It is always on my stereo. Not car music, not very pacey. Perfect for having a bath or working to.I have to confess that every now and again I give the first half another listen but I still don't like it. Too experimental, too quirky.I would recommend it as a great album with a free beermat included!

Rating: 4 out of 5