Up Up Up Up Up Up

Released in 1999, 'Up Up Up Up Up Up' marks a pivotal moment in Ani DiFranco's discography where her signature 'folk-punk' style integrated deep elements of jazz, funk, and soul. Following the massive success of 'Little Plastic Castle', this album saw DiFranco leaning into a collaborative band dynamic, featuring Julie Wolf on keys and Jason Mercer on bass. The production is notably warmer and more analog than her mid-90s output, characterized by the prominent use of the Wurlitzer organ and a more relaxed tempo. Lyrically, the album balances sharp-tongued political critiques like ''Tis of Thee' and 'Trickle Down' with deeply personal reflections on family and forgiveness, most notably on 'Angry Any More'. The album is also famous for its experimental closing track, 'Hat Shaped Hat', which stretches over twelve minutes and showcases the band's improvisational chemistry. It remains a fan favorite for its soulful atmosphere and its bridge between her acoustic roots and her later, more experimental work.