Indie queen in exile

Singer-songwriter Liz Phair took a beating from the music press for her new, more mainstream-friendly sound, but the ’90s queen of the independent music scene doesn’t seem to let that bring her down. Phair became the darling of music critics following the release of her 1993 album, Exile in Guyville. Critics praised her edgy, often X-rated, lyrics spoken from a liberated woman’s point of view. The provocative singer released two other albums, 1994’s Whip-Smart featuring the modern rock hit “Supernova” and 1998’s whitechocolatespaceegg. During this time, Phair got married, became a mother and settled into family life. But that all changed in 2003 when Phair divorced. A single mother ready to change her “indie” image with a self-titled album, Phair hired The Matrix songwriting team, known for their work with Avril Lavigne, to collaborate with her. The first single off the album, “Why Can’t I?” got considerable play on mainstream radio, but it also alienated some music critics and fans. Still, others saw it as an evolution for the talented singer-songwriter. Phair performs 9 p.m. May 29 at the Circus Maximus Showroom inside Caesar’s Tahoe, 55 Highway 50, Stateline. Tickets are $30-$40. Call (800) 648-3353.—Kelley Lang