Frank Kogan

I think you can "read" Paris as...well, deep, but also unironic and unwink-nudge (at least in the sense that I think you're using those words...there's certainly irony and winking and nudging, but I think those qualities enrich the listening experience). Check out this post on Mincetapes -- which I also linked to over on Poptimists -- for some excellent analysis.

I think it would be difficult to argue for the badness of Paris's songs, and that even if someone did I would probably disagree (depending on which song, what was being said about it, etc.), having made that sort of judgment myself already. Arguing for the badness of Paris herself -- and, more specifically, discussing why Paris's badness is something that diminishes the possibility of enjoying the album regardless of how good it is -- would be great. I think that most people who have major problems with the album aren't just trying to argue that it sounds bad (although a few are, not many), and that whether or not it sounds any good is beside the point -- or beside a point that they'd rather be making, but I haven't heard or read anyone really make this point coherently yet so I'm not sure what it is.