The genre of "Funstyle," the latest release from alternative-rock veteran Liz Phair, is impossible to identify. Simply put, it's a hodgepodge of musical miscellany that pushes both limits and buttons. Like that ingredient-filled casserole you indulge in every now and then, the sheer variety of flavors can be a bit overwhelming, yet the dish is ultimately a nice diversion from the ordinary.
With "Funstyle," Phair refuses to adhere to conventionality, opting for originality over the cliched and stale material so many of her contemporaries create.
Phair began her career in the early '90s, recording songs as Girly Sound for her first album, "Exile in Guyville" (1993). The album earned her critical acclaim and recognition in the indie-rock community, and served as a jumping-off point for notice from publications like Rolling Stone.
After her third album with Matador Records, Phair switched labels and received a fair dose of criticism for "selling out." Now with her sixth LP, Phair has moved on to Rocket Science Records and returned to her wacky, Girly Sound origins.
From the first track, it's clear that "Funstyle" is definitely a wayward venture from Phair's previous style. The leadoff track, "Smoke," begins with a strange assortment of different voices that are speaking instead of singing. It's more of a story than a song, with a catchy, almost western-twang refrain.
Many of her tracks include this use of speech amid a background of beats and melodies. On "Bollywood," Phair essentially raps the lyrics while an Indian rhythm is layered behind her words. Similarly, on "Beat Is Up" and "U Hate It," she incorporates different narratives patched together like a collage, overlapping and underlying one another.
The voices Phair includes in her songs aren't merely there for effect. They often serve as a feisty, light-hearted commentary on deeper issues, particularly to present Phair's opinions on the music industry. In "Smoke," listeners are hit with a barrage of people questioning, "Hey Liz, what's in the box?" as she replies calmly, "It's my little voice of self-doubt."
She explains her qualms about the success of the album, which she later brushes off in "U Hate It." The intro begins, "‘Hey so I got the new Liz track/Have you heard it? Do you like it?'/‘No, I hate it,'" to which she blatantly responds, "No wonder that you hate it, 'cause it's all about you/Funny you should say that, 'cause it hates you, too." Her snarky disposition and in-your-face attitude make her songs more meaningful and highly entertaining.
Yet not every element of her album is as experimental or unorthodox as the rest. "You Should Know Me" is a light, poignant ballad about a relationship: a much more reserved rendition than many of her others. "Satisfied" is another love-themed composition, melodic and ear-pleasing, which highlights Phair's vocals instead of her personality.
Her fifth track, "My My," is a funk-driven tune, dominated by bass and trumpet instrumentals. While still reflecting her edgy persona with lyrics like, "Could've been a good girl, but I'm not/Little attitude is what I got," it's more appealing to the mainstream music listener than her previous tracks. "And He Slayed Her" is, despite its ominous title, a feel-good piece accentuated by tambourine and piano notes alongside echoing vocals.
"Funstyle" does require a couple of plays for a listener to get accustomed to it. Yet after the initial shock subsides, the audience will appreciate Phair's adventurous endeavor and eclectic fusion of sound. Although the album contains no real common thread and the songs don't necessarily coalesce well, it's a relief to hear something that defies modern musical standards and moves away from the norm. Even after being in the business for almost 20 years, Phair still knows how to keep it fresh with "Funstyle."
