Liz Phair & Frankie Cosmos = Girl Power, No Apologies

BERNI SARAZINE

Liz Phair and Frankie Cosmos played the Palace Theatre in St. Paul on September 16. The opener, Frankie Cosmos, features Greta Kline, the daughter of Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline. A past band member Gabby Smith (of Gabby’s World) is supporting her for this tour; Sleater-Kinney, who played here less than a month ago supporting My Chemical Romance, rejoined the tour in future cities. Greta’s style has been described as “bedroom pop.” I found it endearing, emotional, and honest. The harmonies between Greta and Gabby were a euphoric treat. If you enjoy meaningful lyrics, harmonies, and a stripped down sound, I beseech you to listen to “Sappho, Fool, and Too Dark!” You won’t regret it.

Liz Phair and her touring band hit the stage with a bang as they blasted Supernova out to the crowd. She played 11 of the 18 songs found on her debut album “Exile from Guyville” (1993), Phair’s debut album. “Exile from Guyville” was the No. 1 critic’s choice that year from both Village Voice and Spin magazine. Phair played some of my favorites including “Mesmerizing,” “Divorce Song,” “Extraordinary,” and “Flower” (IYKYK). The delighted crowd was singing along to the choruses and bopping away. Liz Phair closed the show with her biggest hit, “Why Can’t I?,” a song many people know because it was featured on the soundtracks of both the 2004 movie “13 Going on 30” and the FOX television show “The O.C.” Phair has at least four other songs featured on movie soundtracks.

I thoroughly enjoyed this show. I have always felt Liz Phair’s songs are empowering. After Frankie Cosmos’ set and some research, I can report that they are honest and vulnerable. Both Phair and Kline write music that connects diverse experiences, offering a welcoming space through fearless candor about love and life.