Lips: Music For Saying It

by Aaron Badgley Lips was the second of Jane Siberry's trilogy of concerts held monthly in New York City's Bottom Line Club in 1996. Due to financial problems and legal issues with her then-label Warner Brothers, this CD was released almost three years after the concert. The CD is available by itself or as part of the elaborate, beautifully packaged New York Trilogy, which also includes Tree and the previously issued Child (although it was the last of the three concerts, Child was the first to be issued, as a double CD in 1997 through Sheeba). This particular recording is brilliant in its oddness. Siberry is a bit unconventional with the live recording, as some of the songs just cut off, rather than cross-fading or even fading. This has a jarring effect and serves as a reminder that one is listening to a recording, rather than a concert. The songs are a mix of new and old (including cover versions of "Valley of the Dolls" and "I Will Survive"), all based around the theme of being able to express oneself before it is too late. Siberry also wrote her own reply to her famous "Mimi on the Beach" in the form of the song "Mimi Finally Speaks"; it's both funny and sad (Mimi isn't even her real name!), which basically sums up this CD, as truly funny moments like "Hotel Room 417" alternate with moving pieces like "Grace Hospital." This CD is a unique experience, due to the subject matter and the manner in which the songs are performed; there isn't a single dull moment to be had.