In the end, I just let it go

Continuing on from Monday's theme of Ani DiFranco, here's my top ten list of her songs. This was a difficult one to compile because there's such a huge back catalogue of her material to sort through, and other songs only just missed out like Out of Habit, O My My, Slide, Rock Paper Scissors, Untouchable Face, Buildings and Bridges... etc etc.

1. Dilate, from Dilate
The anthem of unrequited love. You just have to listen to the lyrics once to feel something resonate with your experiences. It's set off by strong guitar chords, contrasted with quieter melodies and then complemented at the end by the backing vocals. The best line: 'when I say you sucked my brain out, the English translation is I am in love with you and it is no fun'.

2. You Had Time, from Out of Range
Another song of unrequited love, this one told from the perspective of the one towards whom unwanted affection is expressed. Why are her best songs about such depressing subject matter?

3. Out of Range, from Out of Range
A crazy fast-paced guitar driven track that exists in two different forms, one acoustic and one electric. The acoustic version is better, as is the live one on Living in Clip.

4. Both Hands, from Ani DiFranco
The first track from the first album, which is recorded on Living in Clip with assistance from a symphony orchestra. A beautiful little song that sounds great just with Ani's careful guitar in the background.

5. Marrow, from Revelling/Reckoning
From her most interesting album, complemented by an array of talented backing musicians. Has great lyrics and a well thought out climax.

6. Welcome To:, from Evolve
Although the 'real' version of this appears on Evolve, the live version on So Much Shouting, So Much Laughter is superior... it's in a slightly different key.

7. Fierce Flawless, from Revelling/Reckoning
This song sucked me in to liking Ani. I'd taped the odd track such as Both Hands or Untouchable Face, but this one really got me hooked. I bought Revelling/Reckoning and from there expanded my collection. Intense and features Ani in 'angry mode'.

8. As Is, from Little Plastic Castle
This used to be one of those 'pleasant but lightweight' songs but this year I've found myself appreciating the smooth, quiet rhythm.

9. Little Plastic Castle, from Little Plastic Castle
The line about the goldfish is pure genius. A great opening track with funny lyrics that just seem to appear in my head at random moments.

10. Looking for the Holes, from Not So Soft
The last track from her second album, back when it was just her and a guitar and nothing else. A beautiful melody complemented by a soft rhythm and cute lyrics: 'I don't wear anything I can't wipe my hands on'.