Whip-Smart | 
| Artist: Liz Phair
Label: Capitol
Category: Music
List Price: $11.98
Buy Used: $1.88
You Save: $10.10 (84%)
New (32) Used (27) Collectible (2) from $1.88
Rating:  65 reviews
Sales Rank: 88745
Format: Original Recording Reissued
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 54098
UPC: 724385409820
EAN: 0724385409820
ASIN: B000002SW1
Release Date: October 1, 1996
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | Chopsticks | | • | Supernova | | • | Support System | | • | X-Ray Man | | • | Shane | | • | Nashville | | • | Go West | | • | Cinco de Mayo | | • | Dogs of L.A. | | • | Whip-Smart | | • | Jealousy | | • | Crater Lake | | • | Alice Springs | | • | May Queen |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
After Exile in Guyville turned Liz Phair into an indie-rock pinup queen, rock critics and lo-fi aficionados everywhere awaited her follow-up with bated breath. Instead of making Guyville II, Phair sidestepped expectations by delivering Whip-smart, an album that replaced the shoestring intimacy of her debut with more traditional song arrangements and (gasp!) professional-sounding production. Though it lacks anything as memorable (and quotable) as Guyville's "Fuck and Run," the record has some notable high points, including the acerbic "Chopsticks," the lovely ballad "Nashville," and the perfect pop single "Supernova." In short, Whip-smart isn't the tremendous artistic statement Guyville was, but it's far more accessible--and quite enjoyable on its own terms. --Dan Epstein
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| Customer Reviews: Read 60 more reviews...
 Up on it's own pedestal November 3, 1999
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
The good thing about Liz Phair's CD's is that you can't justifiably compare them. Saying "It's not as good as Guyville" or whitechocolatespaceegg wouldn't work, simply because they are so different. Totally different styles. If you want another Guyville then you are not going to get it. If you want something different, a little quirky but heartfelt and very accessable then you'll like this CD. I like all of her songs best, depending on my mood. I admit I didn't like it that much when I first heard it cause the first Liz CD I had was whitechocolatespaceegg and secretly I wanted a different version of that. Suffice to say I didn't get it and after the shock wares off that this isn't what you expected, you can really begin to enjoy it in it's own right.
 Second to Guyville June 20, 2002
Frederick M. Segrest (Huntsville, AL United States)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
If you want to know what Liz Phair is all about, get Exile in Guyville, her first album. It is a lot more passionate and groundbreaking. This is also a great album, but it is more mainstream and repetitive than her last songs. "Supernova" is her MTV debut, so it is great but not exactly an inspired original. I love every second of Exile and there are a couple of songs I skip over on this one.
I think that I'm addicted.... December 22, 1998
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
This album is absolutely incredible. I first heard it about 3 years ago, and there has not been a period of time where I have listened to it less than once a week since. She seemed to have beared so much of her soul in making this album that it seriously makes her irresistable! I'm not sure if I'd say that this album is better than Exile or Whitechocolate but there is no way I could give it anything less than 5 stars. Liz, keep the albums coming....
4 * Sophomore CD Almost as Great as Her Debut! December 15, 2000
M. Allen Greenbaum (California)
11 out of 14 found this review helpful
After the spectacular acclaim for "Exile In Guyville," many critics wondered if Liz Phair had more left in her. The triumph of "Guyville" and her rep. as a somewhat less-than-imposing live performer almost began a Liz backlash in some places. I'm very happy to report that "Whip Smart" contains the same intelligence, intensity, and imagination of the first CD.I agree that it's just a cut below "Exile." For example, the opening "Chopsticks" seems almost obligatory... the stereotyped ingredients of a "LIZ PHAIR SONG" are there: The ennui, the frank sexuality, the droning guitars, the dropped last word. It works despite all these Phairisms, but it risks self-parody. On the next track though, Ms. Phair rocks with abandon, and the sound is exciting and intense. Throughout the CD, the technology is more advanced than "Exile." On Track 2 and 3, for example, background vocals bring more texture to the sound, but they don't sacrifice her minimalist, instrument-focused approach. "X-Ray Man" is superb storytelling a la Joni Mitchell with great 60's-style vocal overdubs and an instinct for just the right words: "You're an X-Ray man/whitewall tire. . .iodine tan/ cheap unpleasant desires." "Shane" is one of her most brilliant tracks on any album. It's a devastating parody of the leftist male poseur, indulging in Che fantasies to feel superior (and attract grrls), and then finding out he's gotten in over his head. "Go West" explores another familiar motif, the necessity of departures and the yearning, seeking allure of the road. A great tune, an instant soundtrack for the open road. The title track is simply puzzling, but "jealousy" is vintage Phair...honest, sexual, and personal. Her voice gets louder with the increasing intensity of jealousy expressed. The last three songs are an interesting juxtaposition to "Jealousy." She celebrates independent, sensitive but strong, and ultimately triumphant persona. "I want to throw my fears away . . .Well, look at me, I'm frightening my friends, you better roll me home, you better roll me home." This is a must-have for Phair fans, and for almost any fan of rock. Not quite as all-around excellent as "Exile," but this (and her next album) prove she's one of the best of the nineties. A superb album.
Rockin' -- I dig it :) February 12, 2006
miaki (Chicago, Illinois USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I find Liz's music to be good fun and entertaining. Since there are plenty of persons out there happy to be wordy about it, I'll keep this brief. Love it!
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