Music Zeitgeist

October 5, 2008
Week Of Shows, Episode Nine

Liz Phair Performing Exile In Guyville in its Entirety - Again

Banished Castle Magic: Liz Phair performing Exile In Guyville. (photo by the author)

“Hello.”

“Hey, it’s me. Did I wake you? Your cell went straight to voicemail, so…”

“What time is it?”

“Not that late. I just got home from a show. I know your iPhone gets crappy service so I figured your landline…”

“It’s one, on a Sunday. That’s late. Everyone’s cell is off.”

“Sorry. I was hoping you were up.”

(stifling a yawn)

“I am now.”

“Well, I can call you back, it’s stupid anyway…”

“No, it’s okay. What’s up?”

“This work thing, for the site? This ‘Week Of Shows…’ I’m sort of stuck. I mean, I went to Liz Phair tonight but I already wrote about her a few months ago. It’s going to be lame if I write her up again.”

“So don’t.”

“I don’t want to… But I bought my ticket way before this go-to-shows-every-night-for-a-week thing came about. I had to go. I wasn’t planning on reviewing it. And I’ve already written twice about this band mr. Gnome? I don’t know. I guess I kind of painted myself into a corner. You’re always good at figuring this kind of stuff out.”

(muffled noises)

“You there? Hello?”

“Yeah, no, I’m here. Why don’t you just go to Relax and write about whatever bludgeon metal band is playing.”

“I guess I could. I’m beat, though. And my ears won’t stop ringing – I’ve been to nine shows in the last seven days. Not sure Relax is the way to go right now. Plus, by the time I get over there…”

“So don’t write anything. It’s been a week. No one will care.”

“I’m kind of committed.”

“Sure, now you’re into commitment.”

“Funny.”

“So, how was the show?”

“Oh. Really, really good. Better than San Francisco. Much.”

“Did she do the one about the plane?”

“’Stratford-On-Guy?’ Of course she did. She played all of Exile. That was the point of the show.”

“Gee, I’m so glad I answered the phone.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean that the way it came out. Anyway, ‘Stratford’ was one of the highlights. That and ‘Divorce Song.’ She did an incredible version of ‘Explain It To Me,’ too. Really moving, like she was contemplating it while she played. Tender.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty familiar with that one.”

“Right… I guess you told me that before, back when…”

(awkward silence)

“Sooo… Did she do the whole fake ‘I’m not prepared for this’ encore she did last time?”

“No, it was sort of cool. I mean, she did some of the same stuff… A couple new ones, which were okay, but then she totally killed it with ‘Supernova’ and finished with ‘Polyester Bride.’”

“Oh, that’s like my favorite!”

“I know, I know. I totally thought of you. That’s sort of why I called. I thought if you were up, maybe…”

“What?”

“You know, I just figured, if you were awake… It’s not that far.”

(more muffled noise)

“Wait, are you… Is there someone there?”

“What? No. That was my cat.”

“Your cat?”

“Look, I’m pretty tired. It was good to hear from you.”

“Well, maybe we could get together this week…”

“Yeah. You know, I’m sort of busy right now…work and stuff.”

“Okay, no, it’s cool. Just, um, when you get some time.”

“I’m glad you went to Liz. I’d be disappointed if you hadn’t.”

“You would have loved it. Listen, I wanted to tell you – ”

“Have a good night.”

“Wait – I wanted to say… I wish things had been different. I’ve been thinking, maybe we could… I miss you, you know? Hello. Hello?”

(dial tone)