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List Price: $11.98 | | Label: Capitol
Salesrank: 8215
Released: October 1, 1996 |
| Our Price: $3.99 |
| Used Price: $1.65 |
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| Media: Audio CD |
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Whip-Smart Track Listing:
1. Chopsticks
2. Supernova
3. Support System
4. X-Ray Man
5. Shane
6. Nashville
7. Go West
8. Cinco De Mayo
9. Dogs Of L.A.
10. Whip-Smart
11. Jealousy
12. Crater Lake
13. Alice Springs
14. May Queen
Editorial Review:
After Exile in Guyville turned Liz Phair into an indie-rock pinup queen, rock critics and lo-fi aficionados everywhere awaited her follow-up with bated breath. Instead of making Guyville II, Phair sidestepped expectations by delivering Whip-smart, an album that replaced the shoestring intimacy of her debut with more traditional song arrangements and (gasp!) professional-sounding production. Though it lacks anything as memorable (and quotable) as Guyville's "Fuck and Run," the record has some notable high points, including the acerbic "Chopsticks," the lovely ballad "Nashville," and the perfect pop single "Supernova." In short, Whip-smart isn't the tremendous artistic statement Guyville was, but it's far more accessible--and quite enjoyable on its own terms. --Dan Epstein
Whip-Smart Reviews:
Whip-Smart 
2007-09-16 - I remember this from way back, but the songs aren't like I remember them to have been. I have to skip tracks alot to keep from going insane! All in all, there's still about 5 songs that I really love on the CD.
stands the test of time 
2007-06-19 - The song "Nashville" off this album still gives me goosebumps each time I hear it. Her voice overall sounds very cool on this album. "Whip Smart" is also a really fun track. I got this in late 1995 as a promo when I worked for a college paper and I still have it in my collection! It's probably the only CD that has survived that long, and I just downloaded it to my itunes -- no scratches, all these years later! thanks Liz! (cool album jacket too).
"And nobody sparkles like you..." 
2006-03-26 - I bought this album about three years ago and to this day whip-smart is still my favorite album. Liz Phair is a genius. Her song-writing is incredible, her voice a relentless pitbull, and her image, a true reniassance. All the songs I love, especially Nashville, Go West, and the album closer, May Queen.
A lot of people think she sold out with her later albums but hey a girl's gotta get paid. Exile in Guyville is considered her masterpiece, and i think it's a great album but for me, whip-smart is her masterpiece. Totally under-rated, this album has smart lyrics and great guitar playing. You can decide for yourself but Whip-smart is one cd that will never be used as a coaster.
Rockin' -- I dig it :)
2006-02-12 -
I find Liz's music to be good fun and entertaining. Since there are plenty of persons out there happy to be wordy about it, I'll keep this brief. Love it!
A More than Competent Follow-Up to an Indie Classic
2005-09-27 - Disciples of "Exile in Guyville" will agree with the four star rating, newcomers might say it's more of a 3.5 kinda party, but that's still not bad. In an interview, LP once cited a Pavement album as one of her faves. This is no wonder to me, since her first two albums mirrored the characteristics of her Matador contemporaries' first two albums as well. Both respective firsts were raw, instant classics with undeniable charm and unlimited potential. Both follow-ups realized that potential.
"Whip-Smart" shows that Liz's song writing abilities run deeper than which some may have given her credit. This album has it all: Austere melodies that dance on the fringe between polyphonic bliss and drab monotones (chopsticks most notably)but still stir up your insides. Pop-hooks that'll reel you in like a prized marlin (Supernova, Whip-Smart) and still manage to distinguish themselves from the garden variety which live on FM radio. And...all the smut you can handle. A LP tradition that's continued in rich fashion. You've gotta love her honesty if nothing else. This woman makes talking dirty sound smart.
Spanning a broad spectrum of musical landscapes, slick production (not too slick though), and anthemic vocal melodies, Whip-Smart leaves you wanting more, and wondering why Liz Phair never married Steve Malkmus (former Pavement frontman)
