Keith Daniels: Liz Phair

When you talk to her, it's very hard not to be impressed by her intelligence. I didn't find her intimidating as someone warned me I would, but you do get the feeling that, although she is being pleasant, she's already thought every thought you'll ever have and is just humoring you.

I have to admit, though, that this interview gave me the shakes. I was up until 5am the night before worrying about it. Firstly, I have tremendous respect for most of Liz Phair's work, and secondly I knew you guys would have my head if I didn't walk the line correctly between asking hard questions and being nice to her. I think I did alright, though. Hope so.

[Edited on Oct 27, 2003 by Keith]

I have to admit, I don't like the new album nearly as much as I like Exile/Whipsmart. But, dammit, I love Liz. She always has something worthwhile to say and never fails to say it eloquently.

Great interview

Aww, Keith, you let her off easy! As you know, I dig Liz and I have been the biggest defender of the new album on this site. I agree with what you said above, she is VERY thought-out and very savvy. She knew what she was doing when she decided to work with The Matrix and I think, as you pointed out in your fine interview, it has been "mission accomplished." I'm betting the next album will be more of a middle ground between the current record and the last two, in terms of overt commercialization. Anyway, another fine job, Keith. Keep up the good work.

now im really looking forward to seeing liz phair live monday nov. 10th in cincinnati. i cant wait!!!

.

[Edited on Oct 27, 2003 by stockula]

I take it that I'm the one person who really disliked the new album? I'm not saying "Liz sucks!" or anything, I just thought it was incredibly overrated and lacked much of her earlier artistic touch. Pop can still be art, but art is not what I heard when I listened to this album. It just felt like she was making it to be successful without regard for quality. Maybe I'm wrong, feel free to dispute.

Your questions were probably one of the more balanced things I've read about the new record so far. And yes, she is one of the most intimidating really short people I've ever met. I worked a show where she completely unfairly chewed out a crew member, and nobody had the guts to tell her she was in the wrong.

Oh, and a small factual error- she went to Oberlin, not Overland. But they sound the same, so it's okay.

Wow, I think the article was great. I love Liz. She rocks my socks. I would have liked to hear a little more about her personal life these days, however.
I loved all her albums, but I must say after Exile In Guyville, Whitechocolatespaceegg is/was my all time Fave.

I'm sorry to say, but, I saw Liz Phair open for the Flaming Lips, and she played one of the sloppiest, boring sets I've ever had to sit through. She may have been something worth respecting a while back, but now she's been popified! There's no indie left in her.

ya-ah!, I dare her to do War Pigs like the Lips, Ha!; no way in hell; plus she sold her soul to Wal-Mart!
uh-yuk!!!

Fuck, that was a random post after three and a half years. Also, see how nice I used to be (see top of page).