Music: Ani DiFranco performs at Orpheum

For those who have been complaining that there are no protest songs in pop music right now, ‘90s icon Ani DiFranco serves up a well-meaning but predictable specimen in the title song to her new studio album, “¿Which Side Are You On?” With a contribution from activist folkie Pete Seeger, a marching snare-drum beat and calls for an end to financial corruption, why not cut to the chase and cull the lyrics from an Occupy pamphlet instead? Her heart might be in the right place, but it’s better served by her nuanced, questioning mind in other songs. DiFranco makes a reasoned and witty argument for the benefits of “Promiscuity,” comparing it to globe-trotting. She sings, “Some of us like to stick close to home; and some of us are Columbus. What can I say?” The Orpheum, 842 S. Broadway, L.A. 8 p.m. Sat. $38-$45.50. laorpheum.com.