Any woman who suffered from a broken heart in the mid-nineties is familiar with the music of Alanis Morissette. Her breakthrough single “You Oughta Know” from the album “Jagged Little Pill” became the anthem of scorned women everywhere. But Alanis is so much more than that and has become one of the most successful female artists ever with over 60 million albums sold. Her latest release “Live At Montreaux 2012” is her first live offering in ten years. The DVD features Morissette’s entire set from her third appearance at the world renowned festival and showcases songs from her latest album “Havoc and Bright Lights” as well as a range of hits covering the span of her career.
If you’re looking for elaborate staging and a light show, you won’t find it here. But what you will find is the poetic singer surrounded by a group of world class musicians doing what she does best, baring her soul to the audience. Her distinctive vocals and songwriting talents are the centerpiece of the action as she runs through newer songs like “Guardian” and older hits like “Head Over Feet” and “You Learn.” Alanis keeps the chitchat to a minimum and instead lets her songs speak for her instead. She closes her set out with an extended jam on “Numb,” allowing the focus to shift to her talented band and the exquisite guitar work of Julian Coryell. Her encore includes “Hand In My Pocket” with some nifty harmonica work and “Uninvited,” which is absolutely magnificent live, before coming out for one final song, “Thank U.”
“Live at Montreux 2012” is a must have for fans of Morissette and live music in general. The film really captures the essence of Alanis. Singer, songwriter, musician, and vocalist, Morissette does it all and does it extremely well. This is one you won’t want to miss.
