Liz Phair's latest worth the money

Liz Phair's latest worth the money

By Ed Samour
I write a lot of cryptic e-mail
ATLANTA
November 6, 1998

Artist: Liz Phair
Album: Whitechoclatespaceegg
Studio: Capital
Tracks: 16
Genre: Modern Rock
Rating: 3.5 / 5.0

Keeping true to the traditions set with her first major release Exile to Guyville, elements of Liz Phair's scandalous lyricism lurk within the songs of her latest release Whitechocolatespaceegg. It's hard to imagine how out of order Exile to Guyville was when it was first released in 1992 when Liz broke onto the music scene.

Beginning her career with songs such as "Fuck and Run," Liz Phair led women in rock in their crusade break from their protective conservative circle and wrote songs dealing with real world, occasionally controversial issues. Times and customs however have changed since her first release.

With women's move towards musical independence (think Lilith Fair), those times of utter controversy have dissipated. Now a wife and mother, Liz Phair explores more down to earth issues in Whitechoclatespaceegg.

With this in mind the entire premise of the album becomes evident, a lot of her songs deal with her own self and family. The notable ones amongst these are "Polyester Bride," "Baby Got Going," "Uncle Alvarez," "Only Son," and "Girl's Room."

Each of these songs brings an air of Phair to our ears. The first single off the album, "Polyester Bride" is a sweet catchy tune about Phair's relationship with bartending is simply great, definitely the best on the album.

The wavy drum machine at the start of "Headache" makes it a very interesting song. Another numbers like "Ride" with a fast paced melody definitely stands out on the album.

What makes this album good isn't the drum machines or catchy lyrics, but something much more. On the first listen, it's clear that this album is nothing like you've experienced in Liz Phair's career. With this album Liz steers way clear from her Lilith Fair cohorts. Liz Phair's truly folk-lorish/rock-and-roll nature are truly a unique combination.

Each of the sixteen tracks on this album has a different air to it; the ride of the CD is akin to an amusement park roller coaster. Liz Phair takes you fast to slow to fast again, mixing it up for her listeners.

This Technique is unique, and something that was definitely appreciated by this reviewer.

I wouldn't go as far as saying that this album is perfect. It does have its weak spots: specifically the title track, which is one that is always fast-forwarded simply because it doesn't seem to fit into place among her other songs. At other times the album just doesn't seem to fit the mood. Although this album does have its weak points, they don't outweigh its good parts, at least in this critic's point of view. It is truly a unique album, something worth checking out.

Copyright © 1998 by Gregory S. Scherrer, Editor and by the Student Publications Board

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