2x****
In the classic soft-loud progression, Pathos-heavy "Chopsticks" is the supposed to be the sensitive ballad, played over chopsticks of course, because who the fuck am I that I actually have to write; while MTV hit "Supernova"****, the ode to the good fuck, still has that cool, gritty rhythm guitar and big rock hooks. Following the focused rocker, "Support System" loses some cool riffs in an overly-complex melodic scheme and timing; the sound is unique, but too meandering and random to be catchy, as is "Shane", which buries the vocals under the buzzing guitar until the haunting "you got to have fear in your heart" coda. "X-Ray Man" and "Jealousy" are like the observational comics of Whip Smart, describing the guys as overtly predatory, and the insecurity of the author discovering his past, while "Cinco De Mayo" is a decent impression of the Rolling Stones circa 1971. Most of the second half of the album is similarly upbeat, but less interesting except for "Dogs Of L.A.", which again is too wandering to be catchy. "Nashville"**** is the first time on the album Liz really sings, a welcome change from all the mumbling; the dreamy guitar sound and progression are evocative and resigned. The verses of "Whip Smart" are trying to make some point, and then the dumb sing-songy "when they do the double-dutch that's them dancing" chorus seems pointless and repetitive. There are a collection of instances with some good hooks, but the first half is still the better half.
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