After releasing dozens of albums and touring virtually non-stop for 20+ years, one could be forgiven for slipping it into cruise control for a while. But that's not what won Ani DiFranco an army of devotees and feminist icon status. The outspoken folk-funk-rock pioneer shows no sign of slowing her crusade to achieve independence both artistically and politically. "Red Letter Year," her 18th studio LP-not counting her numerous live albums-is out via her own label, Righteous Babe Records the day after she plays Lawrence. Amid the hullabaloo of preparing a new album and tour-never mind being a mom-she's still characteristically plugged into the current electoral climate. DiFranco joined us over the phone to discuss Sarah Palin, Barack Obama, getting out the vote-oh, and her new album.