Phair played the entirety of Guyville, the one exception being the addition of “May Queen” before Guyville’s final track due to technical difficulties with her guitarist. For “Flower,” two audience members who “attend every show, ever” were chosen to sing the backing vocals. The encore consisted of a new song, “Chopsticks,” “Supernova,” and “Polyester Bride.” Stage banter included the origins of “Canary” (wrote in her parents’ house while pretending to practice for music class), praise for Trey Anastasio’s guitar prowess, and the bailout plan.

Liz Phair performed Exile in Guyville true to the album, with very few flubs and better vocals. She seemed affectionate for the songs but at the same time mechanical in her performance. I’ve never seen an album played in its entirety, and the lack of spontaneity perhaps spoils part of the appeal of a concert. Besides “Fuck and Run” and “Mesmerizing,” two of my all-time favorite songs, I enjoyed Whip Smart’s “Supernova” in the encore more than anything else.

It’s easy to feel nostalgia for what seemed like a more simple time (Do Phair’s lyrics still seem edgy?). When the world seems like it’s on the fast track to hell, a sense of nostalgia for the nineties can feel overwhelming. Still, it’s hard to complain about the opportunity to see one of the most important indie rock albums of the previous decade recreated almost flawlessly.

-Chase Turner