Search - Alanis Morissette - VH1 Storytellers on DVD

A great performance

George Dionne | Cape Cod, MA | 05/18/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Good

If you're not familiar with the Storytellers program, it where VH1 gets well-known recording artists into an intimate setting with some of their biggest fans for a live performance. In between the songs the artists give a little insight to how the song came to be and field questions from the crowd. Alanis Morissette however, is uncomfortable with this format, but she's the first to tell you about it. She thinks she speaks a lot through her music. Alanis does give a little info on seven of her best known tracks. If I told you what she said there would be no reason for you to buy it. The performance takes place at the peak of Alanis' career, so all of her hits are included; "Hand in My Pocket", "You Learn", "Thank U", "Unsent", You Oughta Know", That I Would Be Good, and "Still".



The music arraignments are quite different and are mostly acoustic; this does not take away any of the integrity of the songs. The keyboardist tone really enhances the performances. So much so that I've found a new appreciation for "Thank U". It wasn't really a favorite of mine (maybe the video was). Alanis admits that she felt she had to get permission from the men she sings about on "Unsent" (I know I said I wouldn't tell, but what the heck). Another pleasant surprise was a plugged in version of "You Oughta Know". It seems everywhere Alanis goes, she performs that one acoustically.



The DVD is a little slim on extras, but you do get two performances that were never aired, "Uninvited" (my favorite Alanis song, and even more so with this performance) and "Head Over Feet" (the country version apparently). I don't think they were never aired for content, most likely time restrictions. As an added bonus, if you don't want to listen to the little stories that go along with the performances, there's an `All Music' feature that cuts it all out.



The Bad

Nothing notable.



The Verdict

A great performance by Alanis Morissette at the height of her popularity (she's still popular-don't get me wrong). Of course this DVD is most likely a promotional piece for her upcoming all acoustic Jagged Little Pill 10th Anniversary release scheduled for later this year.



Did You Know?"

A Great Treasure

Dru Sparks | 06/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first VH1 Storytellers DVD that I have purchased and I have to admit that I am with truth greatly pleased. The setting, the directing, the music and Alanis herself all give off this vibe that relaxes you and alleviates you of your stress. Alanis' beautiful and captivating voice makes me smile as well as cry. I found it to be a great treasure to watch her engage in conversations with the audience. It's really interesting to hear what she has to say, even though her songs speak for herself. Alanis with truth knows how to pull in an audience and she knows how to offer a great performance. I cannot wait to see her live someday in my life.



Set List:

Hand In My Pocket

You Learn

Thank U

Unsent

You Oughta Know

That I Would Be Good

Still

Uninvited

Head Over Feet"

Alanis is great - the DVD isn't

P. Leuenberger | Denver, CO United States | 04/03/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"The music of course is good and seeing Alanis interpreting her songs is inspiring for all of us that enjoy creativity and spontaneity. But the producer really did not do a good job. Regularly, he'll focus the camera on the audience, closing up on some man or woman, who is singing along as if she had been smoking marijuana (sorry guys). I understand that the camera may not be at all times on a close-up on Alanis, but instead it could be on the other musician's.

"

A great storyteller; A fantastic performer

Timothy T. Ward | 10/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is a must for Morissette fans, and lovers of rock music in general will also appreciate Morissette's brand of confessional writing mixed with the hard rock sounds and gentle melodies her band offers throughout the show. The whole backdrop and aura of this show is very intimate, also psychedelic as Morissette was involved in projecting an image of peace and spiritual harmony during this point of her career. The song list is a rich blend of radio hits off Jagged Little Pill with deep cuts from Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie. Some highlights include Alanis playing a flute solo in "That I Would Be Good," the greatest and most driving performance of "You Oughta Know" I've scene to date, and concluding with a brilliant performance of "Still"(Dogma)where Alanis reveals in storytelling format "This is my take on what God is." And if that isn't enough, the bonus features include performances of her classic "Head Over Feet," and then "Uninvited," which will leave viewers blown away and proves Morissette is one singer who knows how to rock."