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Florence Reece, the wife of Harlan County, Kentucky union organizer Sam Reece, penned the classic protest tune “Which Side Are You On?” back in 1931 and it’s never lost a touch of relevance in all the ensuing years and likely never will given the state of human nature. Pete Seeger recorded the most famous version, which you can sample on his greatest hits album from 1967, and now contemporary folkie Ani DiFranco updates the tune in a bit of perfect timing to coalesce with the Occupy Movement. It’s a rousing version with marchlike beats, punchy horns and DiFranco’s pleading vocals for people to join the fight for justice. It’s also an inclusive call to arms, reaching out to everyone as DiFranco chants, “come on people of privilege… it’s time to join the fight.” “¿Which Side Are You On?” is also the title of DiFranco’s upcoming album, releasing this coming 17 January on Righteous Babe Records.
