I'll have to admit I read a favorable review of DiFranco a couple of years back, gave her a listen (her live CD, can't remember the title off-hand, issued about a year or so ago), and wasn't too impressed, couldn't hear what all the brouhaha was about....maybe my ears missed it initially, wouldn't be the first time. Beth Orton's material may not be as profound as DiFranco's, but I like her better. Utah Phillips ... I'm not familiar with his/her work. I'll have to check it out.....sans DiFranco, I think.