Living in Clip cover

Living in Clip

Ani DiFranco · 1997

126 min · 31 tracks · folk rock

A raw and intimate collection of live performances that blends confessional lyrics with spirited folk rock instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Gravel Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    32 Flavors — This track distills DiFranco's signature blend of personal narrative and social commentary, using food metaphors to explore identity and perception.
  • →
    Untouchable Face — The poignant storytelling in this song captures the complex emotions of unrequited love, making it a standout for its relatable vulnerability.
  • →
    Willing to Fight — This anthem showcases DiFranco's fierce commitment to activism, blending personal resolve with collective struggle, emblematic of her overall artistry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

A compelling live album that captures DiFranco's raw energy and lyrical depth, appealing to both new and longtime fans.

What we noticed

  • DiFranco's guitar work is prominent, often using intricate fingerpicking patterns that complement her vocal delivery.
  • Several tracks include audience interaction, with DiFranco responding to cheers and comments, which adds to the intimacy of the recording.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with emotional peaks
  • immersive storytelling through raw performances
  • dynamic journey of personal struggles
  • intimate moments for deep reflection
  • engaging spoken word interludes

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • dislike lengthy, evolving compositions

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Introduced Ani DiFranco to a larger audience, marking her rise in prominence.
Career context
Released on April 22, 1997, 'Living in Clip' marked Ani DiFranco's rise to prominence following her earlier albums, showcasing her unique voice in the indie music scene. This live album captures a pivotal moment in her career as she transitioned from underground success to broader recognition, solidifying her status as a powerful political and feminist voice in music.
Stylistic neighbors
Dar Williams· Tori Amos· Michelle Shocked

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Whatever 1:46
  • 2 Wherever 0:06
  • 3 Gravel Start here 4:11
  • 4 Willing to Fight 4:12
  • 5 Shy 4:26
  • 6 Joyful Girl 4:28
  • 7 Hide and Seek 4:34
  • 8 Napoleon 4:54
  • 9 I’m No Heroine 4:16
  • 10 Amazing Grace 6:17
  • 11 Anticipate 3:48
  • 12 Tiptoe 0:37
  • 13 Sorry I Am 4:46
  • 14 The Slant / The Diner 8:22
  • 15 32 Flavors 4:42
  • 16 Out of Range 4:36

Disc 2

  • 1 Untouchable Face 3:36
  • 2 Shameless 4:35
  • 3 Distracted 1:08
  • 4 Adam and Eve 5:36
  • 5 Fire Door 4:03
  • 6 Both Hands 4:52
  • 7 Out of Habit 3:40
  • 8 Every State Line 3:55
  • 9 Not So Soft 4:00
  • 10 Travel Tips 1:05
  • 11 Wrong With Me 1:57
  • 12 In or Out 3:22
  • 13 We’re All Gonna Blow 2:41
  • 14 Letter to a John 3:58
  • 15 Overlap 11:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata