“6’1″ by Liz Phair
Elaina: Oh man. I love this album and it was hard to choose just one song. Liz Phair is from Chicago (actually the Northern suburbs) and recorded the album while living in Wicker Park, which is known more now for bros in bars than indie rock. I listened to this album a lot in junior high. Not only were the lyrics inappropriate for me at the time, but many of them went over my head. Regardless, I connected a lot to this album and Liz Phair’s early work, which I find pleasantly ironic now that I’ve read and learned what this album represented for 90s era feminists and female rock at the time of release.
5songpjct: This time in rock was so male dominated, I remember identifying more with PJ Harvey, Liz Phair, and Hole. It was great to have these voices, Liz Phair in particular. “Fuck and Run” was one of my favorite songs. Listening again to the lyrics now that you know what she is talking about in 6’1, what sticks with you the most?
Elaina: “Fuck and Run” is also a great song. I love her play on height and physical stature–”and I kept standing 6 feet 1 instead of 5 foot 2.” I think that this theme of women taking up physical space in society and culture instead of being pushed aside and shrinking to men–whether that’s through their voices in music and literature or just pushing back on “manspreading”–has gotten a lot more attention over the last few years, but Liz Phair was the first voice I heard growing up reclaiming that power and independence. It’s such an incredible album. She’s playing the entire album in a small bar in Chicago this summer as part of the 25 year anniversary tour (sold out in seconds sadly).
5songpjct: Side note: I think “Exile in Guyville” is such a great album name.
Elaina: I agree! She is going to Riot Fest. I need to see her once.
NEXT UP…the voice of the sad reality