Phair

While Madonna has lost all connection to reality (trying to show how you understand the troubles of the average woman by discussing how hard it is only having two nannies seems to indicate a lack of any common ground), Liz epitomizes the real woman. Strong, intelligent, conflicted, attached and independent, she speaks a language that everyday people can easily understand. Phair is musically very solid, every track catchy and memorable with a sense of humour. Infusing the songs with her personality, it doesn't have the feel of having been test marketed to death like so many albums do these days.

There is a strong and confident sexuality to Phair's music, and she's fairly explicit with it. She makes no apologies and there is no hint of artifice in her expressions.Her debut, Exile in Guyville, was favorably compared to the Rolling Stones' Exile on Main Street, and her subsequent albums have proven her to be an artist with conviction and staying power. Her style is indie rock at it's best, with raw guitars and raw emotions powering memorable melodies and old school rock hooks. I've always thought that music was supposed to be about heart, and it strikes me as odd that an artist who is all heart and no pretense stands out as unusual.

Hot spots: Why Can't I, Rock Me, My Favorite Underwear, It's A War, You're In Love With Me.