Liz Phair: Freestyle

CD: Freestyle (2010, Rocket Science Ventures)

by M. Alberto Rivera

This 2 set is CD is classic Liz Phair. The first disc, Funstyle, is electric. It shimmers and sways with sweet production, changing stylistically from campy bollywood rave-ups to rock.

“U Hate It is a distinct nod to Tori Amos, if Tori ever showed a wicked sense of humor.

The second disc, the acoustic Girlysound is the dangerous disc. Full of hissing microphones and piss poor acoustics, this sounds as though it was recorded on a four track recorder in her family’s living room; after school, but before her parents got home from work.

In White Babies” she sings about a “Black Market White Baby Dealer”, clearly someone on a mission. And later the child’s told how they resemble different family members.

Phair says what’s on her mind without mincing words. But she doesn’t reveal all she’s thinking as so many confessional songwriters want to do. On My My she laments, “I could have been a good girl/But I’m not.” We should all be thankful on this point as she is infinitely more interesting as a result.

Catch up with Liz Phair on any of the following:

Official Site

Myspace