To the Teeth is singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco's 10th studio album (excluding EPs, live albums and her collaborations with Utah Phillips), released in November 1999.
To the Teeth has a more political and self-questioning edge than many of her earlier works. It is also considerably more experimental, with "Freakshow", "Swing", "Carry You Around" and "The Arrivals Gate" branching out into genres such as blues, jazz and funk. She was also supported by Prince on the track "Providence".
It opens with the title track, an indictment of America's gun culture, and a response to the Columbine High School massacre. It also contains "Soft Shoulder", about two lovers missing their opportunity, and "Hello Birmingham", a sad, angry response to both the shooting murder of abortion doctor Barnett Slepian and the bombing of a Birmingham, Alabama, abortion clinic.
To the Teeth reached No. 76 on the Billboard Music Chart Top 200, and No. 9 on their Top Internet Albums chart.
Track listing All songs by Ani DiFranco.
"To the Teeth" – 7:42 "Soft Shoulder" – 6:04 "Wish I May" – 4:53 "Freakshow" – 5:42 "Going Once" – 5:33 "Hello Birmingham" – 5:23 "Back Back Back" – 4:46 "Swing" – 6:10 "Carry You Around" – 3:24 "Cloud Blood" – 4:51 "The Arrivals Gate" – 4:35 "Providence" – 7:18 "I Know This Bar" – 5:31
Personnel Ani DiFranco – organ, acoustic guitar, banjo, bass, piano, drums, electric guitar, triangle, vocals, steel drums, bells, megaphone, tenor guitar, baritone guitar Daren Hahn – drums, turntables Kingsway Clap and Stomp Corps – clapping Irvin Mayfield – trumpet Jason Mercer – banjo, electric bass, upright bass Mark Mullins – trombone Corey Parker – rapping Maceo Parker – flute, saxophone Prince – vocals Kurt Swinghammer – guitar, electric guitar Brian Wolf – trombone, trumpet, tuba Julie Wolf – organ, piano, accordion, vocals, clavinet, melodica, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer
Production Ani DiFranco – producer, mixing Goat Boy – engineer, photography Ethan Allen – assistant engineer Greg Calbi – mastering Design – Cheryl Neary Patty Wallace – photography
Charts Chart (1999)PeakpositionUS Billboard 20076
References