The Commodification of Cool | Phanta | Le Tigre

Phanta, a song by Le Tigre, is an energetic and provocative track that defies easy interpretation. On its surface, the song appears to be a critique of modern society's obsession with celebrity culture and the ways in which we consume information about others' lives. The lyrics are peppered with references to pop culture icons like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, as well as mentions of reality TV shows and gossip magazines.

However, upon closer listening, it becomes clear that Phanta is also a commentary on the commodification of art and the ways in which creative expression can be co-opted by corporate interests. The song's chorus, with its repetition of the phrase "Phanta, phanta, phantastic," can be seen as a send-up of the way in which artists are reduced to mere commodities, packaged and sold for consumer consumption.

The lyrics also touch on themes of identity and performance, with lead singer Kathleen Hanna delivering a scathing critique of the ways in which individuals are forced to present themselves in order to succeed in modern society. The song's use of humor and irony serves to underscore these points, highlighting the absurdity of our societal expectations and the ways in which we conform to them.

Throughout Phanta, Le Tigre's signature blend of punk, rock, and electronic music provides a propulsive backdrop for Hanna's biting lyrics. The result is a song that is both a powerful critique of contemporary culture and a celebration of the power of art to challenge and subvert societal norms.