VH1 Storytellers: Alanis Morissette DVD Review:

VH1 Storytellers is one of the greatest creations that fans of music have seen in a log time. Since not all of us are able to go to the concerts of the bands we love, or if we do it ends up being in a large stadium and we are lucky to be able to see the performers on the large screens above the stage, VH1 has provided an intimate performance we can view from the comfort of our own homes. Storytellers also has the unique element in that they encourage the performers to speak about their music a great deal in between songs.

This DVD includes the July 26th, 1999 Alanis Morissette episode, in a coffee house environment. Morissette jump starts the evening with a jazzy rendition of Hand in My Pocket, moving on to even more soulful acoustic performances. Although Canadian born artist Morissette forced her way onto the music scene with an aggressive Jagged Little Pill, her music as well as her persona has seemed to have changed over the years, and her Storytellers performance is insightful and calming. The explanations behind her songs lend to insight about her pain and feelings during the time, and her performance seems less angry and more emotional.

The concert is set up with low lighting and a small audience, all seated on the ground with pillows. There are candles lit and the atmosphere is so intimate it often feels as though you are there experiencing her performance live. The camera is choreographed well with the music, bringing us in even closer during moments of extreme intimacy. Only the occasional footage of an obsessed fan singing along and shaking their head to the music can bring the concert down slightly.

In between songs there is even an occasional question from the audience, but at times it ends up being more gushing than any insightful question. The highlights are the moments Morissette chooses to speak about something on her own.

There are also two additional tracks under the special features, and a music only option for those uninterested in the inspiration of the songs.



Ryan Izay