Under Rug Swept Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Alanis Morissette's latest effort "Under Rug Swept" brings her progression as an artist full circle. Starting with the feminine angst driven and post-teen disenchantment of Jagged Little Pill; continuing with the sagacious, inspiring, alluring, and authenticity of Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie; and progressing with "Under Rug Swept," an album where Alanis puts on a sensual and human interaction hat.
21 Things displays a sort of sensual passion that works attractively with Alanis. The loud guitar and bluntly said prerequisites and check-list orientated requirements are both tongue-and-cheek and revealing, as the listener sees a bit more of Alanis's moral composition.
Narcissus is a critical track that is a musical masterpiece. It's written in the format of carping little notes to various "boys," such as "egotist boy" and "narcissus boy." The lyrical quality is amazing and complements the stunning arrangement perfectly. A perfect balance between rock and easy listening.
Hands Clean is the first and current single and an intriguing one that everyone has been trying to interpret. Some say it's a recollection of Alanis's life in the recording business; while most simply deem it as an interesting synopsis of a relationship plucked out of the plethora of alluring associations Alanis has had over her mere 27 years. Hands Clean is a remarkably strong piece that shows that Alanis can produce a hit without having it backed with loud drums and a roaring guitar. The bridge: "what part of our history's reinvented and under rug swept? / what part of your memory is selective and tends to forget?" will sweep your breath away.
Flinch, the longest track on the album at just over six minutes, is a breathtakingly simple song that affects the listener as only previous songs like "Front Row" could. Although Alanis choose a more country theme for the song, I found myself really enjoying it. Describing a relationship and its effects, Flinch is an amazing song backed with stunning lyrics. Self-disbelief and the effects of rejection are somewhat new topics for Alanis, but she discusses them remarkably well and doesn't sound querulous or too melancholy while she does.
So Unsexy is definitely geared to be a single, yet is a very good song that almost makes you feel sorry of Alanis's seemingly lack of self-belief and confidence during the certain incidence she describes, but I think we've all felt it at some time.
Track 6, Precious Illusions, is yet another song geared to be a single, but happens to be the best song "Under Rug Swept" offers. Alanis looks back, describing the illusions she keeps about life and accomplishment, and it's a highly authentic, relatable, and applicable song that many of us can relate to.
Track 7, That Particular Time, is an absolutely amazing, low key piece that demands eventual notice with its stunning, gentle piano and Alanis's heart wrenching vocals, comparative to "Your Congratulations." Alanis describes a "time" where the relationship she was in presented her with quite a desperate emotional quandary and she comments on the partner who acted as a catalyst to this quandary.
A Man is the only other rock track on the album, but occupies its position will a soaring melody and powerful delivery. Its lyrics exhibit Alanis's ability to play different roles in her music. (Other rock tracks are featured on the Hands Clean import singles.)
You Owe Me Nothing in Return describes what Alanis expects in reciprocation from her partner and is accompanied with magnificent instrumentation that couples with the lyrics to create an unbelievable song. The content of the song is that of almost of a dismissive, selfless Alanis that may contradict some of her earlier ideals showcased in such songs as "Pollyanna Flower," but then Alanis could always be infusing the song with a little esoteric deciphering as well.
Surrendering is a brilliant track that once again talks about human interactions on a personal level but does so with attention paid to the other person and the role that Alanis plays in his life. With Alanis breathy vocals, it makes for an exciting track.
Utopia describes Alanis's "ideal" situation and is beautiful, peaceful, and has stunning multi-layering of voices, which really highlights the simplistic beauty of Alanis's voice.
At eleven tracks, this cd isn't particularly long and is rather isolated in its focus. The constant references to relationships and their affects may be a bit of an adjustment from the passion and earnest questioning/gradual affirmation of "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie," but the songs have grand melodies and easily learned lyrics. Alanis shows that she's still sensual, even if she wore the hat of sage beautifully and grandly. Her voice is different on the various tracks, sometimes more "Supposed" and sometimes more "Jagged," and excitingly enough, something new. She also produced the entire album and wrote it (with lyrics that tend to demand decryption and feature a stellar use of the English language). For Alanis's continued progression as an artist and constant creativity, Under Rug Swept easily merits 5 stars in my book.
Track listing: 1. 21 Things I want in a Lover (3:28) 2. Narcissus (3:38) 3. Hands Clean (4:31) 4. Flinch (6:03) 5. So Unsexy (5:08) 6. Precious Illusions (4:11) 7. That Particular Time (4:21) 8. A Man (4:33) 9. You Owe Me Nothing in Return (4:57) 10. Surrendering (4:35) 11. Utopia (5:00) Total Time- 50:25 ~Includes link to website containing a letter from Alanis and bonus materials

Click Here to see more reviews about: Under Rug Swept

Her first studio album in four years, the much-anticipatedUnder Rug Swept reveals a phenomenal success story of awoman who has become a truly major force in rock. Guestsincludes Flea & Meshell Ndegeocello. Maverick Records. Features enhanced material including videos. 2002.

Click here for more information about Under Rug Swept

Jagged Little Pill Acoustic Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"Re-recording these songs ten years later has been such a great opportunity to honor them in a way I could not do 10 years ago," observes singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette in the liner notes to "Jagged Little Pill Acoustic," an album of sparse, low-key interpretations of the 13 songs that comprised "Jagged Little Pill," her 1995 debut album that thrust the then 21 year-old Canadian siren into the vanguard of the alternative music scene and mid-90's pop culture. The record went on to sell 30,000,000 copies worldwide; the highest-selling album ever by a female artist.
It is an interesting concept; a tribute album to one's one album, but the end result is better than one might think. "Acoustic" serves as a sharp reminder of what everyone loved about Morissette a decade ago when she first surfaced on worldwide radar, and with Glen Ballard again filling the role as the album's producer, the results sound true to the original.
Indeed, her "angry" vocal performances in songs such as "Right Through You" or "You Oughta Know," which gained her instant notoriety as her debut single, are considerably more restrained now. And while some may at first dismiss the idea of hearing these songs sung without their original ferocity, they are still worth the time.
"You Oughta Know" is the clearest indication that Morissette was able to change the direction of some of the material, as if to challenge the interpretation listeners immediately had to the song. To be sure, the original was carried along by raw anger, and appropriately so. Nevertheless, she has always maintained that she herself finds the song as being more sad than angry, and this time her vocals sound distinctly more vulnerable.
On other tracks, such as the classics "Hand In My Pocket," "Head Over Feet," "You Learn" and "Ironic," she sounds far more world-weary than the 21-year old sprite of yore, channeling healthy doses of humor and optimism, coming across far more relaxed and buoyant. The latter track has even been given a bit of update, as she finds irony not in meeting the "beautiful wife" of the man of her dreams, but instead his "beautiful husband." Perhaps more ironic is that only now does that line reflect true irony.
Some things have not changed significantly, however. Her frustration with the hypocrisy of the Catholic church still rings just as loudly as ever in "Forgiven," and "Not the Doctor," where she breaks free of a man who is overwhelmingly high-maintenance, rings more vital than ever from her confident delivery and aggressive production. Also, "Perfect," sung from the perspective of an overly expectant parent, rips the heart out just as the original did.
"I'll live through you/I'll make you what I never was/If you're the best/Then maybe so am I/Compared to him/Compared to her/I'm doin' this for your own damn good/You'll make up for what I blew/What's the problem/Why are you cryin'?"
Furthermore, the cathartic self-help of "Mary Jane" and "All I Really Want" sound refreshed and sincere, even in the hands of someone who has clearly moved on from such feelings of frustration and self-loathing. The head-on criticism of an ex-flame's unabashed apathy in "Wake Up," however, still sounds as urgent and retains the creepy undertone of the original, proving just how universal the message of the song is.
"You sit and you wait to receive/There's an obvious attraction/To the path of least resistance in your life/There's an obvious aversion no amount of my insistence/Could make you try tonight/Cause it's easy not to/So much easier not to/And what goes around never comes around to you."
Ultimately, "Acoustic" will only be appreciated by fans of Morissette and those who still cherish the glory that is the original "Jagged Little Pill." Nevertheless, it is a warm, inviting reworking that contains a great deal of its predecessor's magic, while also being appropriate to play during dinnertime and rush hour traffic.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Jagged Little Pill Acoustic

The biggest-selling album by a female artist in history, Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill is 16 times platinum and Billboard's Top Pop Album of the 90's. Now, celebrating its 10th anniversary, Morissette and producer/co-writer have recorded the entire album in an acoustic version. Jagged Little Pill Acoustic (enhanced with exclusive content) features the songs in their original order and adds previously unreleased video footage from that era. Jagged Little Pill Acoustic is just what the doctor ordered.

Click here for more information about Jagged Little Pill Acoustic

Flavors Of Entanglement Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The best thing about Alanis Morissette is that she wears her heart on her sleeve through her music, and new album "Flavors of Entanglement" is no exception. She realizes there is strength in vulnerability, and with that knowledge shares her growth as an individual as well as a musician.
The pearls of wisdom beyond her years typical of Morissette abound in this new collection, but thanks in large part to producer Guy Sigsworth these songs have more edge and grit than anything she's released since the '90s. These songs sway, caress, mesmerize and most definitely rock. Those seeking a return of the so-called "angry" Alanis from 1995's "Jagged Little Pill" will probably never come any closer to it than this new record, but this time around she is older and wiser, and the songs are stronger for it.
Morissette is able to be thoroughly autobiographical yet remain accessible. She will easily resonate here with those struggling to cope with death, whatever kind of death that may be. She has mentioned repeatedly in interviews hitting "rock bottom" upon demise of her engagement to actor Ryan Reynolds and how that informed "Flavors..." The album certainly reflects death - in this case, death of a relationship. Never hiding her bruises, she nevertheless moves forward toward the light at the end of the tunnel.
Rockers like the righteous "Citizen of the Planet" (My frontier is on an airplane/My prisons: homes for rehabilitating) and "Versions of Violence" rub shoulders easily with sunny melodies like "In Praise of the Vulnerable" and melancholy ballads like "Not As We," but despite the variety there are no particular standouts amid the album's slim 11 tracks, and that is a benefit here; "Flavors..." is thoroughly an album in the classic `70s sense. These songs, while certainly able to stand alone, unravel in succession, letting Morissette narrate a story. Because of this, a selection like lead single "Underneath" with its radio-friendly production and insightful lyrics ("Spotlight on these seeds of simpler reasons/This core, born into form, starts in my living room") sits comfortably aside the angry, swirling "Straitjacket" ("One day I'll introduce myself and you'll see you've not met me.")
This album may have been a long time in coming, but lyrics like these from the urgent, chest-pumping "Moratorium," which snap and jerk amid Sigsworth's spellbinding production, prove it was worth the wait:
"I declare a moratorium on things relationship/I declare a respite from the toils of liaison/I do need a breather from the flavors of entanglement/I declare a full time-out from all things commitment."
The loss she chronicles reaches its apex on the downcast, revelatory "Torch" ("I never thought I'd have to lay down my torch for you") but simmers down on "Giggling Again For No Reason," where she clears her head with a spontaneous drive out of LA to breathe in the California sunset and feel the ocean against her skin. "I can feel the bones are smiling in my body," she sings. "I can see the meltings of inhibition." Sigsworth's sparkling production and the rapturous melody fit the song like a glove, making it an ideal summer tune.
Though she's giggling again, she can't turn off the "Tapes" in her head that fill her with inaccurate, unfair self-appraisals ("`I am someone easy to leave/Even easier to forget'/A voice, if inaccurate") that continue to foster her insecurities. Nevertheless, on the disc's hearty conclusion, the bittersweet, rousing "Incomplete," she proudly owns her flaws and the humanity they underscore with a new outlook on life:
"I have been running so sweaty my whole life urgent for a finish line/I have been missing the rapture this whole time of being forever incomplete."
Morissette continually proves herself to be the underappreciated poet laureate of this generation's contemporary singer/songwriters for this generation. She has a sharp insight into the human condition that is uniquely hers. By inviting listeners along on her journey of self-discovery she helps them gain insight into themselves as well, all the while entertaining. She is certainly a force to reckon with. The few extra dollars are worth investing for this deluxe edition, which comes with 5 leftover compositions from the album's sessions. The bitter, self-critical "The Guy Who Leaves" sizzles with tingly electronic beats and swirls amid Morissette's urgents vocals, while "Orchid" and "Madness" are both understated, poignant, positively beautiful ballads. Bittersweet coming-of-age tale "Limbo No More" has a profoundly moving orchestral arrangement, while the joyous, folksy "On the Tequila" is set to turn more than a few heads. It is not for lack of quality but simply because they do not fit the scheme of the album that these songs are bonus cuts. The above average fan will certainly find them worthwhile.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Flavors Of Entanglement

The first studio album from Alanis Morissette since 2004, Flavors Of Entanglement fuses the organic and the techno-prompted by producer Guy Sigsworth (Madonna, Björk). Incorporating beats, loops and synthesizers, the album was designed, says Morissette, so listeners can "dance your face off." Balancing introspective confession and delirious joy, the global and the personal, Flavors Of Entanglement is a tasty new musical feast from one of pop’s most intriguing artists.

Click here for more information about Flavors Of Entanglement

Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When Alanis Morissette released her breakthrough album in 1995, "Jagged Little Pill," practically the whole world stopped and watched this angst-ridden vixen whine to us. The album, in other words, was a phenomenal success. It sold near to 30 million units worldwide, and topped the UK album charts for 21 weeks over the course of two years while spawning some massive international hit singles. Three years passed between the release of this masterpiece, and expectations were extremely high for the follow up. It arrived in November 1998, and was titled "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie."
So did it impress the public? Well, no. The album sold a mere 7 million copies - a significant drop from the previous release, but the fact remains that here we have a truly classic record. While Jagged Little Pill often lashed out in an angry state, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie is more about reconciliation - with her lovers, friends, parents, and with herself.
The album opens with the amazing two songs "Front Row" and "Baba." The former is an excellent opener, and an album highlight. The song has a catchy beat and some very thought-provoking lyrics, with a brilliant chorus which really hightens your spirits. The latter is an even better song, in which Alanis sings about the stupid cult followings that gather to connect with so-called higher spirits and other-worldy beings. "I've seen them coming to line up from Switzerland and America," she sings in an angry vocal attack. The beat is crunky and rusty, and this gives off an old and grand rock feel. The final minute of the song consists of Alanis wailing "Ave Maria" constantly, to stunning effect. "Thank U," the album's lead single, is one of Alanis' personal favourites. Alanis thanks things in her life that have being a constant form of intelligence and support. "Thank you India, thank you terror, thank you disillusionment" sings Alanis while a breath-taking beat swirls in the background. "Are You Still Mad" is a wonderful acoustic song in which Alanis' vocals shine brightly, as she tells an ex-lover to get over his complaining. In "Sympathetic Character," Alanis rips her heart out and smears it all over a canvas, creating an instantly classic indie anthem. The song has some very strange twists and lyrics, coupled with excellent and unique beats.
"That I Would Be Good" is the album's chill-out track. Alanis talks about how she would react if she lost all her fame and wealth. Her vocals are again on top form, and a wind instrument plays the song out in fine form. "The Couch" is five and a half minutes of pure brilliance. The song is performed in a stream-of-consciousness style, and this can be seen on the lyrics on the inside of the sleeve. Eight paragraphs of lyrical bliss about her father dominate the song, and the beat grows ever more dominant with each of the paragraphs. The lyrics are just perfect, and the tribal beat is truly spooky at times. Amazing - the best song on the album.
"Can't Not" and "UR" are yet more gems. The former is a mid-tempo composition with yet more excellent lyrics and wonderful sounds - on this song, the beat sounds like two pieces of wood bashing together slowly. Strange, yes. Awful, no. In the latter Alanis chills out, letting us in on her feelings about a particular person. "I Was Hoping" is another stream-of-consciousness style song in which Alanis sings in a fast vocal tone. Her vocals are good, and she sings them fast as if she is trying to force them out. Very good and original. "One" is another fantastic song. "I am the biggest hypocrite, I've been undeniably jealous" cries Alanis in a voice filled with emotion. The beat is sad and sorrowful, and this adds further to the dark and moody feel to the album.
"Would Not Come" is a wonderful song. Alanis' vocals seem very forced in an evil cackling tone. "If I make a lot of tinsel then people will want to, if I am hardened no fear of further abandonment," she sings before a wonderful chorus, which is followed up by a stunningly catchy rock solo. "Unsent" is the most original and unique song on the album. Alanis sings to five ex-lovers separately (Matthew/Jonathan/Terrance/Marcus/Lou) about all the good times they shared, and some of the bad. It's done wonderfully, and you get something new out of it everytime you listen to it. "So Pure" is the shortest cut on the album, and it's an excellent psychedelic song whipped into a flurry of funky beats and unique lyrics.
"Joining You" is, without a word of a lie, undoubtedly one of the best songs you will ever hear. Alanis sings about a close friend who committed suicide, and Alanis is saying that she would be joining them if they were both our bodies/futures/culture/leaders etc. The verses are low and depressing, but the chorus is an uplifting masterpiece. It sounds strange, but it's not. "Heart Of The House" is yet another excellent song. Alanis sings of her past with her much-loved mother in an extremely high pitched vocal tone, especially on the chorus where some words are hard to understand because of her emotions. "Your Congratulations" is the final song on the album, and what a disappointment. Seventeen songs, and sixteen are all stunning, amazing, wonderful works of art - but this last song? No!
OVERALL GRADE: 10/10
Jagged Little Pill still remains my favourite Alanis album (and my favourite record ever), but Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie comes a very close second. When I first listened to this album, I really did hate it, but after I had listened about five times, I knew it was a brilliant album and one of my favourite albums ever. People say that if you loved 'Jagged' you'll hate 'Supposed,' but I really don't. Both albums are classics, and no one can deny that. Alanis is one of the greatest female artists ever, and she has had such an impact on my life. Just think of all these talentless Alanis-wannabes around today like Avril Lavigne and compare them to Alanis, the true queen of rock. The difference shines brighter than any other comparison in the music industry.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie

Supposed Former Infatuation JunkieAlanis MorissetteLabel: Maverick Release Date: 11/3/1998 1 Front Row - 4:132 Baba - 4:293 Thank U - 4:184 Are You Still Mad - 4:045 Sympathetic Character - 5:136 That I Would Be Good - 4:167 The Couch - 5:248 Can't Not - 4:359 UR - 3:3110 I Was Hoping - 3:5111 One - 4:4012 Would Not Come - 4:0513 Unsent - 4:1014 So Pure - 2:5015 Joining You - 4:2416 Heart of the House - 3:4617 Your Congratulations - 3:54

Click here for more information about Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie

Alanis Morissette - Feast on Scraps (DVD & Enhanced CD) (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was so excited when I heard that Alanis was releasing a DVD from her latest tour. However, I was so disappointed with the DVD that I wished I could get my money back. "Feast on Scraps" basically gives the viewer a "Feast" of "Scraps" of video clips with bad quality sound and video. There is even disclaimer on the back of the DVD which says "This DVD contains home movies or other program material that amy include poor sound quality, including noise, dropouts or other distortions. This is not a defect of the DVD disc but represents the sound of the original recording".Horrible DVD. Sad, but true :(

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alanis Morissette - Feast on Scraps (DVD & Enhanced CD) (2002)

Click here for more information about Alanis Morissette - Feast on Scraps (DVD & Enhanced CD) (2002)