How to Build a Better Monster

"Extraordinary"? A review of Liz Phair's latest

Liz Phair's recently released self-titled album has been met with fan disapproval. On this album, the indie-rock goddess shifts in the direction of pop, taking a stab at a new style of music, one that has caused so-called fans to label her a sell-out. However, despite Miss Phair's new direction, her latest has a lot to offer... even if it's hard to figure out what exactly it's offering.

Musically, this album has a little bit for everyone. Die-hard Phair fanatics will be pleased that, despite being produced by The Matrix, the album maintains a solid share of rock. Gritty guitar abounds, helping the artist to maintain her title as the reigning queen of alt-rock. However, new fans who may have picked up on the new radio-friendly Liz will be pleased by its pop melodies. There's a whole lot of synthesizer action going on here, folks, so even N'Sync teenies may end up purchasing this record.

As well-established as she is in the music industry, there's no doubt that Phair should be confident in her work and life. Songs like "Extraordinary," the opening track of the album, reveal her self-esteem. "I'm just your oridinary, average, everyday sane/psycho super-goddess," she sings with a sense of irony. The rest of the album reveals the same confidence Phair has in herself, and with her sexuality as well.

If anything will deter pop-minded fans from Liz Phair, it's her lyrics. Despite the upbeat, perky melodies found on this album, there's a sassy, explicit side of Liz at work in the lyrics. Songs such as "H.W.C.," an ode to a certain reproductive fluid, abbreviated on the back of the album for modesty's sake, will take many by surprise. Vulgar as the lyrics may come across, this tune is made infectious by the catchy guitar, compliments of singer/songwriter Pete Yorn, who guested on the track.

However, being so controversial comes with its risks. At times, Phair's lyrics come across as, well, sophomoric. She takes an edgy subject and dumbs it down to ridiculous rhyme or poor observation. In the song "Favorite," she ruins simile for all well-versed poets by comparing an ex-flame to her favorite pair of underwear. It's an awkward comparison as anyone can hear by listening to the song. Just imagine the look of shock on her former lover's face as he listened to the song for the first time: "Liz, is that all I am to you? I remind you of faded, worn undies?" Gee, thanks, honey.

Although the album includes some of these more embarrassing moments in lyric-writing history, it's still a good album. There's a lot at work in the arrangement, which makes it an album sure to please any music-lover, regardless of his or her typical genre interests.