Ani DiFranco — 32 Flavors
Album: Living In ClipAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1398
Length: 4:35
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Squint your eyes and look closer
I'm not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster
I am 32 flavors and then some
And I'm beyond your peripheral vision
So you might want to turn your head
'Cause someday you are gonna get hungry
And eat most of the words you just said
Both my parents taught me about goodwill
And I have done well by their names
Just the kindness I've lavished on strangers
Is more than I can explain
Still there's many who've turned out their porch lights
Just so I would think they were not home
And hid in the dark of their windows
Till I'd passed and left them alone
Hey, yo, hey
Oh, hey, yo, hey, yo
Oh, hey, yo, hey
Oh, hey, yo, hey, yo
God help you if you are an ugly girl
Course, too pretty is also your doom
'Cause everyone harbors a secret hatred
For the prettiest girl in the room
And God help you if you are a phoenix
And you dare to rise up from the ash
A thousand eyes will smolder with jealousy
While you are just flying past
And I'll never try to give my life meaning
By demeaning you
But I would like to state for the record
I did everything that I could do
I'm not saying that I am a saint
I just don't want to live that way
No, I will never be a saint
But I will always say
Squint your eyes and look closer
I'm not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster
I am 32 flavors and then some
And I'm beyond your peripheral vision
So you might want to turn your head
'Cause someday you might find you are starving
And eating all of the words that you said
Oh, oh, hey, yo
Oh, hey, yo
Oh, hey, yo, hey, yo
Oh, hey, yo
Mm, mm, mm, mm
Mm, mm, mm, mm
Oh, hey, yo
Oh, hey, yo
Oh, hey, yo, hey, yo
Oh, hey, yo
I'm not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster
I am 32 flavors and then some
And I'm beyond your peripheral vision
So you might want to turn your head
'Cause someday you are gonna get hungry
And eat most of the words you just said
Both my parents taught me about goodwill
And I have done well by their names
Just the kindness I've lavished on strangers
Is more than I can explain
Still there's many who've turned out their porch lights
Just so I would think they were not home
And hid in the dark of their windows
Till I'd passed and left them alone
Hey, yo, hey
Oh, hey, yo, hey, yo
Oh, hey, yo, hey
Oh, hey, yo, hey, yo
God help you if you are an ugly girl
Course, too pretty is also your doom
'Cause everyone harbors a secret hatred
For the prettiest girl in the room
And God help you if you are a phoenix
And you dare to rise up from the ash
A thousand eyes will smolder with jealousy
While you are just flying past
And I'll never try to give my life meaning
By demeaning you
But I would like to state for the record
I did everything that I could do
I'm not saying that I am a saint
I just don't want to live that way
No, I will never be a saint
But I will always say
Squint your eyes and look closer
I'm not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster
I am 32 flavors and then some
And I'm beyond your peripheral vision
So you might want to turn your head
'Cause someday you might find you are starving
And eating all of the words that you said
Oh, oh, hey, yo
Oh, hey, yo
Oh, hey, yo, hey, yo
Oh, hey, yo
Mm, mm, mm, mm
Mm, mm, mm, mm
Oh, hey, yo
Oh, hey, yo
Oh, hey, yo, hey, yo
Oh, hey, yo
Comments (333)add comment
All these years listening to Ani (about 30 now) and I still love her so much.
RP really needs more Ani DiFranco tracks. A big missing IMHO. She is such a talented muscian and wise observer of culture and social structures.
"I'll never try to give my life meaning by demeaning you. "
Classic line, and very apt given the state of most social media and news these days, don't'cha think?
Classic line, and very apt given the state of most social media and news these days, don't'cha think?
This song has more of her struggling to breath than actual singing.
I have never taken the opportunity to really read and take in the lyric(s) to this song. Damn. I've been missing out. 'Cause some day I'm gonna get hungry, and eat most of the words I've said.
I love her voice. The way she plays with it is soooo sexy—and her words cut and slice. Good stuff
On_The_Beach wrote:
I think the Alanis comparison is fair.
Two of the worst "artists" to inexplicably find their way onto the RP playlist (in my ever-so-humble opinion, of course).
*Exceedingly* humble
I think the Alanis comparison is fair.
Two of the worst "artists" to inexplicably find their way onto the RP playlist (in my ever-so-humble opinion, of course).
*Exceedingly* humble
Really not doing this song any justice here. Alana Davis is superb.
I like the Alana Davis version so much more....
Oh stop gasping so much....maybe if you spewed out fewer lyrics!
32, it's 32 flavors...
RabbitEars wrote:
Astute comment.
I don't know if I would have liked Ani if I heard her records first - not all that likely. My first exposure was in a little club, and her energy could have filled a place ten times bigger. She's funny and charismatic. I don't like it either when she overdoes the breath thing but it's her passion that makes her attractive. Her melodies are generally a lot more rich than Alanis' - I never made the connection between the two of them & don't really see it. Sometimes women with a lot of power seem to turn people off.
Astute comment.
I don't know if I would have liked Ani if I heard her records first - not all that likely. My first exposure was in a little club, and her energy could have filled a place ten times bigger. She's funny and charismatic. I don't like it either when she overdoes the breath thing but it's her passion that makes her attractive. Her melodies are generally a lot more rich than Alanis' - I never made the connection between the two of them & don't really see it. Sometimes women with a lot of power seem to turn people off.
Someone. Pass the poor girl an inhaler
bb_matt wrote:
I think the Alanis comparison is fair. Two of the worst "artists" to inexplicably find their way onto the RP playlist (in my ever-so-humble opinion, of course).
. . . Ten years later, I retract my statement.
While I am not a fan of Alanis or Ani, there was no need to be so snarky. Apologies.
The alanis morisette school of lyricism - bend a great deal of conversational type sentences into melodies, quite annoyingly and badly.
Bulk it out with lots of 'oohh ayyaaa eeey' and deep breaths.
Next ...
Bulk it out with lots of 'oohh ayyaaa eeey' and deep breaths.
Next ...
I think the Alanis comparison is fair. Two of the worst "artists" to inexplicably find their way onto the RP playlist (in my ever-so-humble opinion, of course).
. . . Ten years later, I retract my statement.
While I am not a fan of Alanis or Ani, there was no need to be so snarky. Apologies.
The alanis morisette school of lyricism - bend a great deal of conversational type sentences into melodies, quite annoyingly and badly.
Bulk it out with lots of 'oohh ayyaaa eeey' and deep breaths.
Next ...
Bulk it out with lots of 'oohh ayyaaa eeey' and deep breaths.
Next ...
suesblues wrote:
I think it's a 90s female vocalist thing. It certainly quickly identified this song's timeframe for me!
I enjoy the lyrics, though.
naaah, annoying lyrics, and why does she keep catching her breath, it's not like shes singing fast or anything
I think it's a 90s female vocalist thing. It certainly quickly identified this song's timeframe for me!
I enjoy the lyrics, though.
This seems like a good time to take the dog for walk. All those of you who like Ani please do enjoy. The hound and I have to go have a look at the East River.
tuzticzka wrote:
Perhaps you mean the cover by Alana Davis which was a hit? It's in RP's library but was never played: https://www.radioparadise.com/?name=songinfo&song_id=20010
I'm just wondering from where I am recognizing the melody... Try to listen Fast car by Tracy Chapman :-) Its quite similar, but it sounds like some "remake" and Ani have made it by her way.
Perhaps you mean the cover by Alana Davis which was a hit? It's in RP's library but was never played: https://www.radioparadise.com/?name=songinfo&song_id=20010
This is one of my favorite songs, and I really like this version. It's an anthem for those who don't really fit in.
naaah, annoying lyrics, and why does she keep catching her breath, it's not like shes singing fast or anything
She is unbelievable live!
I think you may be recalling an Alanis Morisette tune - from what I read somewhere, if memory serves, many feel AM "ripped off" Ani.
tuzticzka wrote:
tuzticzka wrote:
I'm just wondering from where I am recognizing the melody... Try to listen Fast car by Tracy Chapman :-) Its quite similar, but it sounds like some "remake" and Ani have made it by her way.
I'm just wondering from where I am recognizing the melody... Try to listen Fast car by Tracy Chapman :-) Its quite similar, but it sounds like some "remake" and Ani have made it by her way.
Love this one.
And I'm beyond your peripheral vision
So you might want to turn your head
And I'm beyond your peripheral vision
So you might want to turn your head
Hypertalented. I always wonder which voice I would choose: Ani or Sinead?
I;ve never really like Ani that much. But this particular song, done live like this, is pretty darn good.
Amazed that so many rave about this pretentious annoyance. RP could take her and Natalie Merchant off with no loss.
love the lyrics, but like Alana Davis's version better.
You know, with Ani, it always seems like if I didn't get the invite to her "party", I'm out of the loop. She's just too hip for me, I guess.
can't beat these lyrics —- insight, truth, metaphor —- and i dig the delivery
an all time favorite......
and it just gets worse with age.
I love her live performances—she communicates her emotional tie to a song as well as anyone and does this consistently.
"I only wanted vanilla...."
Priceless version of this song. Passionate, brilliant.
squint your eyes and look closer
I'm not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster
I am thirty-two flavors and then some
and I'm beyond your peripheral vision
so you might want to turn your head
cause someday you're going to get hungry
and eat most of the words you just said
both my parents taught me about good will
and I have done well by their names
just the kindness I've lavished on strangers
is more than I can explain
still there's many who've turned out their porch lights
just so I would think they were not home
and hid in the dark of their windows
til I'd passed and left them alone
and god help you if you are an ugly girl
course too pretty is also your doom
cause everyone harbors a secret hatred
for the prettiest girl in the room
and god help you if you are a phoenix
and you dare to rise up from the ash
a thousand eyes will smolder with jealousy
while you are just flying past
I'm not trying to give my life meaning
by demeaning you
and I would like to state for the record
I did everything that I could do
I'm not saying that I'm a saint
I just don't want to live that way
no, I will never be a saint
but I will always say
squint your eyes and look closer
I'm not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster
I am thirty-two flavors and then some
And I'm beyond your peripheral vision
So you might want to turn your head
Cause someday you might find you're starving
and eating all of the words you said
squint your eyes and look closer
I'm not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster
I am thirty-two flavors and then some
and I'm beyond your peripheral vision
so you might want to turn your head
cause someday you're going to get hungry
and eat most of the words you just said
both my parents taught me about good will
and I have done well by their names
just the kindness I've lavished on strangers
is more than I can explain
still there's many who've turned out their porch lights
just so I would think they were not home
and hid in the dark of their windows
til I'd passed and left them alone
and god help you if you are an ugly girl
course too pretty is also your doom
cause everyone harbors a secret hatred
for the prettiest girl in the room
and god help you if you are a phoenix
and you dare to rise up from the ash
a thousand eyes will smolder with jealousy
while you are just flying past
I'm not trying to give my life meaning
by demeaning you
and I would like to state for the record
I did everything that I could do
I'm not saying that I'm a saint
I just don't want to live that way
no, I will never be a saint
but I will always say
squint your eyes and look closer
I'm not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster
I am thirty-two flavors and then some
And I'm beyond your peripheral vision
So you might want to turn your head
Cause someday you might find you're starving
and eating all of the words you said
amazing
Spaceship music... From another time and place that has not yet arrived...
I'm not a lesbian, or a woman but I do like that song.
spacemoose wrote:
Sounds too much like Alannis Morissette for my tastes.
You mean that the other way around. Ms. Morissette was still a child actor in Toronto when Difranco started recording.
Sounds too much like Alannis Morissette for my tastes.
You mean that the other way around. Ms. Morissette was still a child actor in Toronto when Difranco started recording.
pcicatar wrote:
Hey, I was one of those screaming teenage girls! I guess I should be proud that I was an early adopter, though, as I started going to her shows way back in 1996.
Ah, 1997 - Long time, no see. It reminds me why I stopped attending her concerts - The screaming teenage girls began outnumbering the burly screaming lesbians.
Hey, I was one of those screaming teenage girls! I guess I should be proud that I was an early adopter, though, as I started going to her shows way back in 1996.
I don't love all of her music, but knowing Ani Difranco's in the world makes me a little happier.
I like Ani's angrier tunes. She's got a beautiful/angry song called Untouchable Face that's absolutely fantatstic
RISE PHOENIX RISE!
Love it. Bill — don't pay any attention to those negative comments! ;)
Truly one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. I love this song and am so glad to have the music of Ani DiFranco in my life thanks to a tip from a Canadian friend of mine. Her lyrics are like poetry. This song, hello birmingham and her 9/11 poem self evident all stir deep emotion for me not that I don't enjoy loads more as well.
Oh not again!
She was just inflicted on us yesterday!
Ugh.
She was just inflicted on us yesterday!
Ugh.
spigolli wrote:
An acquired taste that I'll likely never acquire. Not a good start to my RP listening, I may just skip the rest of the day.
Oh, geez - a couple of drops of rain and you're gonna go back to bed? Sorta skewed logic there, kiddo.
Still - you have the choices, so if you choose to disregard a day of RP just because of one song, I hope you have a day's worth of much better stuff with which to substitute. (I hope you know I'm only teasing you!)
P.S. - Ms. Difranco has a lot better songs than this one (which got played to death on AM and FM radio, even here in the land of sand fleas and sagebrush.) I don't like this one much, either, but I do like some of her music.
An acquired taste that I'll likely never acquire. Not a good start to my RP listening, I may just skip the rest of the day.
Oh, geez - a couple of drops of rain and you're gonna go back to bed? Sorta skewed logic there, kiddo.
Still - you have the choices, so if you choose to disregard a day of RP just because of one song, I hope you have a day's worth of much better stuff with which to substitute. (I hope you know I'm only teasing you!) P.S. - Ms. Difranco has a lot better songs than this one (which got played to death on AM and FM radio, even here in the land of sand fleas and sagebrush.) I don't like this one much, either, but I do like some of her music.
spacemoose wrote:
Sounds too much like Alannis Morissette for my tastes.
Ohh, but so much more talented...
Sounds too much like Alannis Morissette for my tastes.
Ohh, but so much more talented...
coding_to_music wrote:
Sounds too much like Alannis Morissette for my tastes.
her best
Sounds too much like Alannis Morissette for my tastes.
her best
Her and Beth Orton should do a gig together...dueling heavy breathers.
damn, i love this.
From the Tori Amos School of Affected Singing.
handyrae wrote:
Nor this one. Can't say I hate Ani Difranco, but she just doesn't do it for me.
An acquired taste that I'll likely never acquire. Not a good start to my RP listening, I may just skip the rest of the day.
Nor this one. Can't say I hate Ani Difranco, but she just doesn't do it for me.
An acquired taste that I'll likely never acquire. Not a good start to my RP listening, I may just skip the rest of the day.
dogpound wrote:
not this chick.
Nor this one. Can't say I hate Ani Difranco, but she just doesn't do it for me.
not this chick.
Nor this one. Can't say I hate Ani Difranco, but she just doesn't do it for me.
More_Cowbell wrote:
Yea, that's what she is. No clue what you're talking about.
Alanis morissette is a total copycat!
Yea, that's what she is. No clue what you're talking about.
Ah, 1997 - Long time, no see. It reminds me why I stopped attending her concerts - The screaming teenage girls began outnumbering the burly screaming lesbians.
jules44 wrote:
not this chick.
I.....proudly....like it!
Certainly not her best song, but...it's a chick-thing!
Certainly not her best song, but...it's a chick-thing!
not this chick.
YUK!
Alanis morissette is a total copycat!
That_SOB wrote:
One man's ceiling is another man's floor. I'd like to know what your male counterpart to a "horny skank"
would be.
A typical male.
One man's ceiling is another man's floor. I'd like to know what your male counterpart to a "horny skank"
would be.
A typical male.
Now I remember why I gave this CD away.
That_SOB wrote:
One man's ceiling is another man's floor. I'd like to know what your male counterpart to a "horny skank"
would be. Your harsh and sexist.
A "John"?
One man's ceiling is another man's floor. I'd like to know what your male counterpart to a "horny skank"
would be. Your harsh and sexist.
A "John"?
Razz wrote:
One man's ceiling is another man's floor. I'd like to know what your male counterpart to a "horny skank"
would be. Your harsh and sexist.
Would be a great tune if she ditched hissing like a horny skank.
One man's ceiling is another man's floor. I'd like to know what your male counterpart to a "horny skank"
would be. Your harsh and sexist.
More Ani! :)
Don't listen to it man, FEEL it!
I.....proudly....like it!
Certainly not her best song, but...it's a chick-thing!
Certainly not her best song, but...it's a chick-thing!
scocam wrote:
I'm with you.
I've always wanted to like Ani Difranco but it's mindless music and song writing like this that always reminds me why I don't.
I'm with you.
and there she is...
all that gasping reminds me of the background chanting scene in Lebowski where he goes to see Maude - just before she flying overhead, splashing paint all over a canvas.
Some call it art. . . . .
Some call it art. . . . .
crockydile wrote:
Clippy says...
EEK! I hate paperclips!
Clippy says...
EEK! I hate paperclips!
I've always wanted to like Ani Difranco but it's mindless music and song writing like this that always reminds me why I don't.
Razz wrote:
This is a little harsh, but sort of describes my initial reaction ...
Would be a great tune if she ditched hissing like a horny skank.
This is a little harsh, but sort of describes my initial reaction ...
Would be a great tune if she ditched hissing like a horny skank.
pretty artless prose...............and the breathy warbling and twangy guitar ain't helpin neither!
j7 wrote:
She does dominate any stage. She started busking at age nine!
Awesome stage presence.
She does dominate any stage. She started busking at age nine!
ambrebalte wrote:
Hang out with me, I'll show ya the ropes. It takes a special song for me to rate it a 2. It has to really annoy me in a special way, but have some redeeming feature that rescues it from the trash heap completely. Many don't pass that test, but a few do.
My first 2 - Didn't think i would give such a low rate in RP. But well, I really dislike it. And yes, I didn't mute because I wanted to wait until the end of the song to see if it would be better. It wasn't.
Hang out with me, I'll show ya the ropes. It takes a special song for me to rate it a 2. It has to really annoy me in a special way, but have some redeeming feature that rescues it from the trash heap completely. Many don't pass that test, but a few do.
She's clearly talented and I like a lot of her lyrics, but her voice just bothers me. 
Hannio wrote:
She's like that in several studio recorded songs I've heard. It's her schtick.
I normally don't mind a little heavy breathing in songs eg. Sia "Breath me"...but Ani sounds cold or in pain here.
She's like that in several studio recorded songs I've heard. It's her schtick.
I normally don't mind a little heavy breathing in songs eg. Sia "Breath me"...but Ani sounds cold or in pain here.
jwb wrote:
Doesn't make ist better for me.
I wonder if everyone complaining about her breath sounds realizes this is a live recording, subject to possibly sub-optimal type and placement of microphones and other adversities.
Doesn't make ist better for me.
jwb wrote:
She's like that in several studio recorded songs I've heard. It's her schtick.
I wonder if everyone complaining about her breath sounds realizes this is a live recording, subject to possibly sub-optimal type and placement of microphones and other adversities.
She's like that in several studio recorded songs I've heard. It's her schtick.
Chicago here...spectacular tune...
I wonder if everyone complaining about her breath sounds realizes this is a live recording, subject to possibly sub-optimal type and placement of microphones and other adversities.
mmshock wrote:
Even more unfortunate to have been done twice now......
the hat trick
Even more unfortunate to have been done twice now......
the hat trick
My first 2 - Didn't think i would give such a low rate in RP. But well, I really dislike it. And yes, I didn't mute because I wanted to wait until the end of the song to see if it would be better. It wasn't.
greyfin10 wrote:
Really? The Difranco songs I've heard on here have been very navel-gazing and self-regarding, going into forensic detail about her 'relationship issues'. Which might chime well with listeners with similar 'issues' but are hardly "social and political treatments". The personal is the political sure, but that doesn't always mean that your boyfriend 'issues' are of wider social and political importance or, indeed, of interest to anyone else without such 'issues'. Or maybe she's written political stuff which hasn't been played on here. Or maybe I've just not done enough interpretation and deconstruction of her seemingly introspective and twee lyrics to see the underlying social and political commentary.
Difranco always makes me think of Friends, and it wouldn't surprise me if her songs were used in Friends episodes. As I loathed Friends, that's not a good thing from the Nottingham jury's viewpoint...
I may be wrong (and I'm sure people will correct me either way), but I've always thought people are so disposed to criticize her because of her strident social and political treatments in her songs.
Really? The Difranco songs I've heard on here have been very navel-gazing and self-regarding, going into forensic detail about her 'relationship issues'. Which might chime well with listeners with similar 'issues' but are hardly "social and political treatments". The personal is the political sure, but that doesn't always mean that your boyfriend 'issues' are of wider social and political importance or, indeed, of interest to anyone else without such 'issues'. Or maybe she's written political stuff which hasn't been played on here. Or maybe I've just not done enough interpretation and deconstruction of her seemingly introspective and twee lyrics to see the underlying social and political commentary.
Difranco always makes me think of Friends, and it wouldn't surprise me if her songs were used in Friends episodes. As I loathed Friends, that's not a good thing from the Nottingham jury's viewpoint...
The big loud breath between every other phrase and word, plus the tortured pronunciations drive me bonkers. So affected, I can barely listen. But I give her props for sincerity and political zeal.
not again
greyfin10 wrote:
I want to thank my wife for taking me to see this goddess live, November 2002 in Paradise, California, home of this radio station and a really sweet little 500 seat venue. She is amazing live. Her guitar is just slightly smaller than her and she plays the hell out of it.
Awesome stage presence.
I may be wrong (and I'm sure people will correct me either way), but I've always thought people are so disposed to criticize her because of her strident social and political treatments in her songs. I believe this because I felt exactly this way when I was first exposed to more than just "Untouchable Face". It took being forced to live with her music for several years (ex gf loved her) to see through the negatives of her anger and sarcasm. All that being said, on this side of that experience, I can see and appreciate her immense talent, even if I rarely seek it out deliberately.
LorraineV1 wrote:
LorraineV1 wrote:
Very suprised to see all the negative comments. Ani is one of my top 5, by far, and this song is beautiful. 
I want to thank my wife for taking me to see this goddess live, November 2002 in Paradise, California, home of this radio station and a really sweet little 500 seat venue. She is amazing live. Her guitar is just slightly smaller than her and she plays the hell out of it.
Awesome stage presence.
I may be wrong (and I'm sure people will correct me either way), but I've always thought people are so disposed to criticize her because of her strident social and political treatments in her songs. I believe this because I felt exactly this way when I was first exposed to more than just "Untouchable Face". It took being forced to live with her music for several years (ex gf loved her) to see through the negatives of her anger and sarcasm. All that being said, on this side of that experience, I can see and appreciate her immense talent, even if I rarely seek it out deliberately.
LorraineV1 wrote:
LorraineV1 wrote:
Very suprised to see all the negative comments. Ani is one of my top 5, by far, and this song is beautiful.
Very suprised to see all the negative comments. Ani is one of my top 5, by far, and this song is beautiful.
A girl I liked once burned me a copy of this album... I didn't especially care for the music, but I pretended well. ;)
Haven't heard an Ani song for at least a few years for various reasons; now I'm feeling all wistful.
Haven't heard an Ani song for at least a few years for various reasons; now I'm feeling all wistful.
Hannio wrote:
Even more unfortunate to have been done twice now......
Unfortunate juxtaposition of Ani right after Chrissy Hinde.
Even more unfortunate to have been done twice now......
dogpound wrote:
she's worse than that
32 flavors and they all suck. Hopefully, Baskin Robbins will hire her.
she's worse than that
32 flavors and they all suck. Hopefully, Baskin Robbins will hire her.
joerw wrote:
she's worse than that
Ani is gawd aweful
she's worse than that
I love Ani. 
Clippy says...
Ani is gawd aweful
groove
Unfortunate juxtaposition of Ani right after Chrissy Hinde.
ScopArch wrote:
Yeah, maybe she's better appreciate if you don't have to listen to her.
I was really never a fan of Ani!
Till I read some of her lyrics.
Till I read some of her lyrics.
Yeah, maybe she's better appreciate if you don't have to listen to her.
Saw her once in upstate NY and appreciate her artistry / angst, etc. She FEELS the music she performs...no doubt.
RBS76 wrote:
Totally agree w/you ScopArch.
Ani uses her guitar strings, the body of her guitar, her voice, her breath... basically, whatever she has available to her that makes sound when she is performing. She's not a traditional vocalist... she does what she feels and well, it WORKS. She is amazing, especially live.
I wonder... if we can't allow artists to do something "unusual/different" without accusing them of not following the rules or not being "properly trained" - how can an artist feel comfortable with trying anything new and different, anything that breaks the rules? How would new things ever come about?
The more you think, the less you create.
I agree with your points about her style and interpretation; they are her songs, her lyrics - she should be entitled to perform them as she wants to. I am not particularly a fan of Ms. DiFranco, and am not always "in the mood" to hear her singing style, but I can appreciate her talent and individuality. It seems like a lot of people base their criticisms of singers on absurd notions derived from "American Idol", with all this talk of singing "correctly" or "professionally".
One point of yours, which I disagree with though, is about Thinking somehow impeding Creativity. Thinking and creating are intrinsically tied together, at least to me they are.
Totally agree w/you ScopArch.
Ani uses her guitar strings, the body of her guitar, her voice, her breath... basically, whatever she has available to her that makes sound when she is performing. She's not a traditional vocalist... she does what she feels and well, it WORKS. She is amazing, especially live.
I wonder... if we can't allow artists to do something "unusual/different" without accusing them of not following the rules or not being "properly trained" - how can an artist feel comfortable with trying anything new and different, anything that breaks the rules? How would new things ever come about?
The more you think, the less you create.
I agree with your points about her style and interpretation; they are her songs, her lyrics - she should be entitled to perform them as she wants to. I am not particularly a fan of Ms. DiFranco, and am not always "in the mood" to hear her singing style, but I can appreciate her talent and individuality. It seems like a lot of people base their criticisms of singers on absurd notions derived from "American Idol", with all this talk of singing "correctly" or "professionally".
One point of yours, which I disagree with though, is about Thinking somehow impeding Creativity. Thinking and creating are intrinsically tied together, at least to me they are.
ScopArch wrote:
Well, Ms. Professional Singer, Ani is an Artist. Her delivery is just part of her technique. The art is in her music and lyrics, all of which she creates! Can you do that?
Sheesh!
Totally agree w/you ScopArch.
Ani uses her guitar strings, the body of her guitar, her voice, her breath... basically, whatever she has available to her that makes sound when she is performing. She's not a traditional vocalist... she does what she feels and well, it WORKS. She is amazing, especially live.
I wonder... if we can't allow artists to do something "unusual/different" without accusing them of not following the rules or not being "properly trained" - how can an artist feel comfortable with trying anything new and different, anything that breaks the rules? How would new things ever come about?
The more you think, the less you create.
Well, Ms. Professional Singer, Ani is an Artist. Her delivery is just part of her technique. The art is in her music and lyrics, all of which she creates! Can you do that?
Sheesh!
Totally agree w/you ScopArch.
Ani uses her guitar strings, the body of her guitar, her voice, her breath... basically, whatever she has available to her that makes sound when she is performing. She's not a traditional vocalist... she does what she feels and well, it WORKS. She is amazing, especially live.
I wonder... if we can't allow artists to do something "unusual/different" without accusing them of not following the rules or not being "properly trained" - how can an artist feel comfortable with trying anything new and different, anything that breaks the rules? How would new things ever come about?
The more you think, the less you create.
She is forever evolving, thinking, sharing, and gasping for air.
Wilmshurst wrote:
Definitely!
I realize in order to sing (i.e. a tonal exhale) one needs to inhale, but sheesh.
Definitely! Gednabb wrote:
I'm a professional singer—-and yes, one can and should breathe slowly and quietly through the nose if possible, not gasp.
These phrases are quick for her, but she can also take very small sips of air—that controls the technique better anyway. Full lungs are not necessary to sing a line, and are counter productive.
I like the song!
I wonder sometimes how many rock singers ever bothered with voice lessons.
Well, Ms. Professional Singer, Ani is an Artist. Her delivery is just part of her technique. The art is in her music and lyrics, all of which she creates! Can you do that?
Sheesh!
I'm a professional singer—-and yes, one can and should breathe slowly and quietly through the nose if possible, not gasp.
These phrases are quick for her, but she can also take very small sips of air—that controls the technique better anyway. Full lungs are not necessary to sing a line, and are counter productive.
I like the song!
I wonder sometimes how many rock singers ever bothered with voice lessons.
Well, Ms. Professional Singer, Ani is an Artist. Her delivery is just part of her technique. The art is in her music and lyrics, all of which she creates! Can you do that?
Sheesh!
lovemydog wrote:
She gasps like that because it's how she recites her poetry. It is what you would call "artistic interpretation". Since she wrote the song, she can sing it however she wants. So there.
Yea but she is still irritating as hell.
She gasps like that because it's how she recites her poetry. It is what you would call "artistic interpretation". Since she wrote the song, she can sing it however she wants. So there.
Yea but she is still irritating as hell.
Gednabb wrote:
I'm a professional singer—-and yes, one can and should breathe slowly and quietly through the nose if possible, not gasp.
These phrases are quick for her, but she can also take very small sips of air—that controls the technique better anyway. Full lungs are not necessary to sing a line, and are counter productive.
I like the song!
I wonder sometimes how many rock singers ever bothered with voice lessons.
She gasps like that because it's how she recites her poetry. It is what you would call "artistic interpretation". Since she wrote the song, she can sing it however she wants. So there.
I'm a professional singer—-and yes, one can and should breathe slowly and quietly through the nose if possible, not gasp.
These phrases are quick for her, but she can also take very small sips of air—that controls the technique better anyway. Full lungs are not necessary to sing a line, and are counter productive.
I like the song!
I wonder sometimes how many rock singers ever bothered with voice lessons.
She gasps like that because it's how she recites her poetry. It is what you would call "artistic interpretation". Since she wrote the song, she can sing it however she wants. So there.
I was really never a fan of Ani!
Till I read some of her lyrics.
Till I read some of her lyrics.
My sister got me into Ani, and while I am a fair weather fan, I love her live CD. This song is very calm, and you can always tell she is having a good time with the audience.
There are several reasons to like Ani Difranco, not the least of which is that she is an incredibly talented artist (and being a beautiful girl doesn't hurt her any, from my perspective).
But my favorite reason to like Ani is that she introduced me (and millions of other people) to my beloved Utah Phillips. Although we lost him late last year, Utah reignited my joi de vivre back in the mid-90s, and he got me back on track as to what life's potential really can be.
So, thank you Ms. Difranco. From the bottom of my heart.
But my favorite reason to like Ani is that she introduced me (and millions of other people) to my beloved Utah Phillips. Although we lost him late last year, Utah reignited my joi de vivre back in the mid-90s, and he got me back on track as to what life's potential really can be.
So, thank you Ms. Difranco. From the bottom of my heart.
Gryn wrote:
Ani's intellect is far above the negative commenters here. They hate what they can never become.. Which is "Amazing."
Word.
Ani's intellect is far above the negative commenters here. They hate what they can never become.. Which is "Amazing."
Word.
I'm not a fan of talking songs.
Wilmshurst wrote:
I'm a professional singer—-and yes, one can and should breathe slowly and quietly through the nose if possible, not gasp.
These phrases are quick for her, but she can also take very small sips of air—that controls the technique better anyway. Full lungs are not necessary to sing a line, and are counter productive.
I like the song!
I wonder sometimes how many rock singers ever bothered with voice lessons.
I realize in order to sing (i.e. a tonal exhale) one needs to inhale, but sheesh.
I'm a professional singer—-and yes, one can and should breathe slowly and quietly through the nose if possible, not gasp.
These phrases are quick for her, but she can also take very small sips of air—that controls the technique better anyway. Full lungs are not necessary to sing a line, and are counter productive.
I like the song!
I wonder sometimes how many rock singers ever bothered with voice lessons.
zakfoy wrote:
notremotely wrote:
YES! I much prefer the Alana Davis version, which was the 1st version of this song I had ever heard. This Ani one absolutely pales in comparison for me now.
Maybe if the situation were reversed, I'd feel that the AD version had sucked the "authenticity" out of the AdF one or something.
Okay, I'll check the Alana Davis one out, but c'mon, really as good as Ani? It'll be an astounding song if so...
How did you miss it? Eleven years ago every 'lite fm' station in the world played it every thirty minutes. It's definitely more commercial and turned Davis in to a bit of a two-hit wonder.
notremotely wrote:
YES! I much prefer the Alana Davis version, which was the 1st version of this song I had ever heard. This Ani one absolutely pales in comparison for me now.
Maybe if the situation were reversed, I'd feel that the AD version had sucked the "authenticity" out of the AdF one or something.
Okay, I'll check the Alana Davis one out, but c'mon, really as good as Ani? It'll be an astounding song if so...
How did you miss it? Eleven years ago every 'lite fm' station in the world played it every thirty minutes. It's definitely more commercial and turned Davis in to a bit of a two-hit wonder.
notremotely wrote:
YES! I much prefer the Alana Davis version, which was the 1st version of this song I had ever heard. This Ani one absolutely pales in comparison for me now.
Maybe if the situation were reversed, I'd feel that the AD version had sucked the "authenticity" out of the AdF one or something.
Okay, I'll check the Alana Davis one out, but c'mon, really as good as Ani? It'll be an astounding song if so...
I realize in order to sing (i.e. a tonal exhale) one needs to inhale, but sheesh.