September 16, 2003
-
so I read something envigorating before taking the boy to school…
we were talking about how a lot of liz phair fans hate this new album.
I have to admit, I had to put my ear to the grindstone to get over the initial
“what the fuck is this? AVRIL??”
but I really ended up liking it.
and as dylan said, “but mom, I GREW UP on liz phair.”
and as I was pulling away from the parking lot, this song came on
and it just pulled the good tears right outa me.
Firewalker
Liz Phair
My hopes are like embers lying around inside a firebed and
Your mind is a firewalker, it steps on them like they are dead but
I can grow
In spite of all you know
You might not recognize me tomorrow
Yes I can change
In spite of all they say
Become something strange and beautiful
Like joy, like joy
Me, I’m like a wild flame that catches on whatever’s near but
Your mind is a firewalker, it sets its course and never veers but
I can grow
In spite of all you know
You might not recognize me tomorrow
Yes I can change
In spite of all they say
Become something strange and beautiful
Like joy, like joy
Take offers from every side and give my attentions about anywhere well
Do I recognize my actions, I look like I’m so unaware like
I don’t care
But I can grow
In spite of all you know
You might not recognize me tomorrow
Yes I can change
In spite of all they say
Become something strange and beautiful
Like joy, like joy
)
Comments (12)
good stuff!
McB went to high school with Liz and HATES her. Which probably means she was mean to him back in her cheerleader days.
oooooo, I have cheerleader issues! yikes!
when I was in college, the cheerleaders, ahem, subverted THREE of my boyfriends. shit! think it was personal? you bet.
Oh I love Liz, I’ve stayed away from her new album for fear that I may dislike it.
James already hates her and is trying to haul me to the dark side with him… maybe I’m on the dark side… whatever. Great lyrics.
“Exile in Guyville” is by far and away my favorite album ever crafted by any recording artist out there. You see, she never had a lotta talent to begin with. Her playing seemed to fall short, and her singing was never anything special, but her lyrics…now there’s the kicker. She said what no other woman (or man) in the early 90s had the balls to admit. And what followed was the most raw, honest, and provocative album well…ever. Using what she had, she turned that “crummy” voice and playing into a polished garage sound that worked beautifully and I cannot stop listening to. At this point, I probably could sing the lyrics backwards in Latin I know them so well.
So, what happens after your debut album is absolute genius? (even VH1 put it on their list of the top 100 albums ever)
All of your proceeding albums suck. “Whip Smart” her followed up to Exile, was really fun, and had some great moments, but was less edgey than Exile. Then came “Whitechocolatespaceegg.” This album lacked any content that could be considered interesting, and lacked that great “thrown together” style of her first two albums. Which brings us to 2003. In a press conference held prior to the release of “Liz Phair”, she came right out and said ”I want to be famous…no matter what.” Now wait a minute…does she realize the HUGE fanbase she has from her prior work? Wouldn’t one think that you would want to keep to a good thing and try to improve upon “Exile in Guyville”? Guess not. So she gathered The Matrix, the folks that wrote Avril’s latest album, and produced a super slick pop record that reflects non of her prior work or talent. The album, I admit, has its catchy moments in tracks like “Extrordinary” “Rock Me” and “Bionic Eyes” but as a whole, its well…kind of an insult.
I’ll love Liz no matter what, as her first album was beyond excellent, but I honestly don’t think a 35 year old woman is going to “eat up the charts” singing a generic pop song.
-Seth
Wow, the comment above mine sort of captures everything I was thinking. But I do like the song you mentioned.
hmm…
Perhaps she’s saying that she’s happy now?
I must admit the only Liz song I ever heard was “Supernova”, I thought it was cute-but at the time I was busy drinking myself into my own oblivion and seducing my GM at work…
-M
i’ve honestly never heard a liz phair song.
my mom was a cheerleader, though, so i have that much.
I haven’t heard her new stuff. I’ll have to check it out. But it’s Avril-ish, huh? Hmmm, depending on what that means, it could be a good or bad thing. I liked the stuff she did before. I’ll look into this. Thanks for sharing.
Woohoo! Congrats on the job! Hope you like it and things go well
I’ve stayed away from her new stuff for the reason I’m not really into that type of music, but I liked her old stuff because I am into THAT kind of music… I’m used to bands that I like selling out though… some have come back around (david bowie, tori amos) but I think some are lost for ever (janes addiction’s new album is poopish).
eh, music. I can’t get angry at them for putting out things that suck. I just won’t listen. I don’t blame artists for wanting to be big famous wealthy rock stars, hell I’d do it. but I do miss that raw meaty stuff that comes from the heart before they do make it.