Bits And Pieces II
by Stiffy Biceptz

Liz Phair was an Alternative darling about a decade ago. She had a couple of credible albums, notably Whip Smart, which featured a favorite track of mine, Supernova. After getting through a host of personal and professional struggles, she’s back. Her single “Why can’t I...” is doing very well on the top 40 stations, and is a very cool track. Some claim she has sold out, but I disagree. Liz is as cool as ever. Who cares if it’s Top 40 as long as it’s good.
 
As all of you know, Stiffy is a big fan of singles. I am therefore thrilled to see the emergence of legal downloadable music sites, particularly iTunes by Apple. This is exactly the kind of thing both consumers and performers will benefit from. The first tracks I downloaded were “Why Can’t I” (Liz Phair), “Got Your Money” (O.D.B.), “There’s Gotta Be More…”(Stacey Orrico), “What’s Luv” (Fat Joe), and “All The Things She Said” (T.A.T.U). There were a few more, but it’s none of your business. On iTunes, there were some significant gaps, especially concerning some classic alternative favorites like the Wonder Stuff. I hope within time these will be filled.
 
I feel sorry for Britney Spears. I think she’s heading for a major crash and burn the likes of which the pop world has rarely seen. Her new album is so amazingly contrived, so manufactured, so vapid it would make Milli Vanilli blush with embarrassment. And the worst part is Britney doesn’t seem to know it is already long over. She is nothing but an empty marketing vessel, without brains, heart, soul or integrity. How did Madonna let herself get mixed up with Britney? Christina or Pink would be much more logical choices as heirs to her pop throne.
 
Tough choice of shows on December 6th. The Buzzcocks will be playing in Philly, and just like the Damned a year ago, they are the kind of first-wave English punks who you just have to experience live if the opportunity arises. Free Parking might just have to helicopter between the Buzzcocks and Dramarama. Fortunately, our copter has a full onboard fitness center, so Jacko won’t lose his pump.
 
And congrats to Jacko who has FINALLY retired his title of “Most Eligible Bachelor From A New Jersey Based Fitness Oriented Band”. A thousand more metermaids will be forever lonely. At least Lenny Hip is still available...
 

©2003 Stiffy Biceptz