25th anniversary pressing of Liz Phair's critically acclaimed 1993 debut, Exile In Guyville. The 1993 project from the influential singer-songwriter continues to appear on many "best of" lists, and its "emotionally forthright" lyrics and feminist tenor (whether intended or not), as well as the appropriately moody lo-fi sound, explain why. Phair has mentioned that Exile.. is a song-to-song response to The Rolling Stones' Exile On Main St., and it is interesting to observe the pacing/sequencing of the album to the 1972 LP from Mick Jagger & gang: "Flower," contains lines like "I want to be your blowjob queen" and corresponds to "Let It Loose," the Stones' call-to-action tune for the uptight set. Although a few other moments warrant call backs to ...On Main St., the connection to the classic record is just a small part of what makes ...Guyville great; check out "6'1"," "Never Said" "F**k and Run," or "Divorce Song," and see how Phair pairs her monotone, almost deadpan voice with stripped down guitar riffs and brittle rhythms. Through 18 tracks, she delivers a classic, unapologetic album that tightly balances defiance & vulnerability in exploring sex, love, power, and more.

• black double vinyl pressing
• remastered by Emily Lazar
• original release year: 1993
• music label: Matador 2018

reviewed by rei kwondo 06/2018