Liz’s first official single was released shortly after the release of her debut album, Exile in Guyville as a 7″ through the Minty Fresh label in late 1993.
Originally, “Carnivore” was titled (or at least referred to as) “Beast of Spring,” and it was to be her contribution to a series of singles called Working Holiday! for the Simple Machine record label. Liz, however, found herself struggling to write a song that satisfied her and to meet the label’s deadline.
Ultimately, she wasn’t able to contribute the track in time and was replaced in the series.
Later, Liz would offer the song, now titled “Carnivore” (and the acoustic version, “Carnivore (Raw)”) as an exclusive single for Minty Fresh label, which was then just starting.
Minty Fresh released the single on two different 7″ releases—one on pink/blue vinyl, the other on red vinyl.
Both versions of “Carnivore” were eventually released on CD for the first time on the Get Yer La-La’s Out compilation in 1996.
Carnivore
Released: October 1993
Label: Minty Fresh (mf-4)
Format: Vinyl 7″
Country: US
Availability: Somewhat Rare
Written by Liz Phair
A-side recorded at Orange Recording, Chicago.
Bass: Mick Vaughn
Drums: Marshall Dawson
Produced by Marshall Dawson
Guitar, vocals by Liz Phair
B-side recorded at Warzone Recorders, Chicago.
Engineer: Carlisle V. Christie III
Engineer Asst: Steve Levy
Produced by Jim Powers
Guitar, vocals by Liz Phair
Art Direction, Design: Jim Powers, Klevgard Design
Lacquer Cut By: L Nix
Photography: Yael Routenberg
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 01 – Side A (Eat Side) | Carnivore | 2:27 |
| 02 – Side B (Meat Side) | Carnivore (Raw) | 2:24 |
Liz and I met when she was recording Exile in Guyville at Brad Wood’s Idful Studios. I stopped by and Brad played some rough tracks from the record. They were some of the most immediate and engaging songs I could recall ever hearing. Months later, when the label (Minty Fresh) was starting, Liz graciously offered us an exclusive track for a 7″. It was extremely helpful in broadening awareness about Minty Fresh and it’s still gratifying to have the work of one of our favorite songwriters on the label. Yea, Liz. ‘Carnivore (Raw)’ is essentially a demo. We hung a mic over Liz’s guitar amp, gave her a vocal mic, and then Liz played through the song a couple of times. Raw, indeed.
Jim Powers
Lyrics
Carnivore
You told me maybe a thousand times
a smart girl would’ve recognized
there isn’t any business in the street
But some nights daddy, I catch you wrapped uptight like a sleeping bag
You’re softly twisting a pinata suspended out of reach
But I know with one good slap I could
take care of that
But who wants to lose the beast of spring?
I guess it started off slow
But it’s picking up speed
And it’s gaining on me like a carnivore
And daylight catches me by surprise
Almost every night
And kicks my way another hole to sleep
I guess it started off slow
But it’s picking up speed
And it’s gaining on me like a carnivore
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