Liz Phair (pictured) made me both happy and sad today. Why? Well, her label is rereleasing her groundbreaking 1993 album Exile in Guyville on June 25th — apparently the album is out of print, a fact I find pretty hard to fathom — and Liz is going to perform all of Guyville in New York in late June, to be followed by dates in San Francisco and her hometown, Chicago. Now, it’s sad because the repressing is (ostensibly) to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the album’s initial release (and, no doubt, a nice way to profitably air out the Phair archives), and that my memories of that album involve too many brews in a seedy college bar, screaming singing along to "F— and Run," reminding me yet again how old I am. (If you know of a cure for the "everything is making me feel old" feeling, please let me know, because it’s making nostalgia a real drag.) Oh, and how Phair and her music have changed so drastically since (but let’s not dwell on that now, shall we?).
Age be damned, I’m pretty psyched for the show, if I can con my way in, or if occasionally PopWatch contributor Samantha Xu can. (To quote her: "I’m so excited for it, I’m trying not to pee my pants.") In the interim, if there’s something else that makes you just as stoked as Samantha (current TV shows/movies/music/books/games/websites), let’s have it for the Must List. In the comments below, list up to three, and include your e-mail address so we can contact you if we decide to use your submission in the magazine. Deadline is tomorrow, Thursday, May 22, at 10 a.m. ET.
1. Cash Cab on Discovery Channel! Ben Bailey is the greatest!
2. theonion.com
3. stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com
1. gawker.com, especially gawker stalker. it’s a smart and witty blog that not only provides awesome commentary into everything pop culture, but allows me to see all the celebrities that have been roaming nyc recently
I don’t think this a fair post. You say her music has “changed,” which implies that it’s a bad thing, and that we shouldn’t bother talking about it. Why don’t you explain HOW her music has changed? Why don’t you explain exactly what it is about her newer music that bothers you so much? Artists inevitably evolve, and the self-titled album “Liz Phair” has more energy and melody and variety than all of “Whip Smart” combined. “Exile” was a once-in-a-lifetime album, and to endorse that but dismiss any other Phair album because it’s not “Exile” is so limited. It seems like you have more fondness for yourself at 20 than you do for the actual music.
1. Tim and Eric Awesome Record, Great Songs!! Relive all the greatest musical moments from seasons 1 and 2! There’s “Doo dah doo doo”, “Salame”, “Come Over”, and “Dirty Socks.” There’s even a cover of “Wipe my Butt” by the Shins!!!!
Really into female singer/songwriters at the moment…
1. Katy Perry – I Kissed A Girl (hilarious on so many levels, but so catchy and danceworthy)
2. Sandi Thom – The Devil’s Beat (her first CD was a nice balance of pop/folk/rock and judging by this song it looks like she’ll top herself)
3. Nicole Atkins – Maybe Tonight (the song is so theatrical and great and the video is a great accompaniment to that)
Flight of the Conchords – “Ladies of the World” video on YouTube:
and
“Moonlight” episodes on itunes. Watch a few episodes and get hooked. Then visit http://moonlight-united.com/ to find out what you can do to show your support!
Must See: Phantom Planet’s “Do the Panic” video. Inspired by old Sam Raimi movies, this fun video has what every indy rock junkie wants. A catchy track, zombies and even groovy visuals.
See it at
GIRLS LIKE US…the book about singer/songwriters Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon. Although I have been a fan of each, I’m not sure I would’ve picked up an individual bio on any of the three. But combining their stories into one book was a pretty good idea. Good job, Sheila Weller!
The web comedy series Jesus People from the indie comedy network (on youtube) is the smartest thing I’ve seen since the second season of The Office. Do yourself a favor…
1. Freddy Rodriguez as Gio on Ugly Betty has been a revelation in the past couple of weeks. He’s turned me from a Benry to a Getty shipper in just one moment–”I want to be THE guy!”
2. Death Cab for Cutie, “Narrow Stairs”–new #1 album from this indie band ROCKS!
Top Chef- Chicago. The tension between Spike and Dale is too great to resist
Flight of the Conchords cd
Lost Seaon Finale- promises to be brilliant.
It’s a little obvious but Grand Theft Auto IV – That game’s such a blast!
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. A whole lot better than the first one.
1. HBO shows on iTunes. Swearengen goes where I go now.
2. Death Cab’s new album. Too good.
3. DOLLHOUSE & FRINGE trailers on the net this week. At least one of these is coming in the fall. Cannot wait!
Jesus People is really good. I am a big fan of The Larry Sanders show and it really reminds of that kinda feel. Good job!