Alanis Morissette - Flavors Of Entanglement
|
List Price: Our Price: $7.59 You Save: $14.39 (65%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $4.13 (click here) Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for Flavors Of Entanglement
Free Music Review: 'Flavors' That Satisfy
Hit: 5 Stars
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.
Free Music Review: Absolutely Brilliant
Hit: 5 Stars
When I first heard that Alanis was teaming up with Guy Sigsworth (of Bjork and Frou Frou notoriety), I had some misgivings. The style Sigsworth always brings to the table didn't seem to me like it would mesh with Alanis's lyrical and melodic sensibilities. Fortunately for me and the rest of Alanis's fan base (whether hysterical or casual), these two creative minds work extremely well together.
Listening through the album for the first time, I was caught off-guard by many of the sounds and melodic choices. It was entertaining and delightful, but some songs seemed a bit awkward and misplaced. After the album's close, though, those "misplaced" songs had managed to slip their way into my unconscious and before I'd even had the chance to play the album a second time, I was already humming their choruses.
If you're used to the way Alanis has approached songwriting in the past, "Flavors of Entanglement" may put you off, but once you allow yourself to accept that people grow and styles change, give it a fresh listen, and you'll be overwhelmed with the brilliant musicality and lyrical stylings throughought.
A quick rundown of the best tracks on the album:
"Citizen of the Planet" starts out familiarly (go back and listen to "So-Called Chaos" from the album of the same name), but the song takes a strikingly different direction and accomplishes something its predecessor didn't: strong, emotive vocals coupled with a powerful accompaniment that doesn't leave you hungering for something more substantial.
"Versions of Violence" is ideal for those who like their music with more of an edge. An unexpectedly brilliant foray into "rougher" territory.
"Tapes" catches you off-guard. A ballad that jumps from evoking the anguish of unhappiness to that feeling you get when you border on angry (at yourself) from all the non-stop negative thinking that most of us fall prey. A beautiful expression.
"Incomplete" is incredible. One of those feel-good Alanis songs that everyone seems to forget about in favor of dwelling on her anger. The hopeful lyrics are echoed PERFECTLY in Guy Sigsworth's production of the song. This is one of those songs I was unsure of my first time around. I wake up at night and can hear it playing in my head.
The second disc of the deluxe edition contains five gems. If you have followed Alanis's career, you know that her B-sides are never "filler." These songs are all great. "Limbo No More" is the best of the five. "On the Tequila" is probably the silliest song I've heard in a long time. Please note that when I say it's silly, I don't mean it's silly in a way that's off-putting. It's the kind of silly that makes you put it on repeat while driving down the highway with friends. Just complete and utter fun. No deep meaning or emotional expression; a total mood lifter.
To summarize, this album is not just for new or old fans of Alanis. It's for anyone who enjoys a great musical experience. Sweeping melodies and heartfelt, honest lyrics from someone who's not afraid to say, "Okay, on that day, I was happy, but then over here I was totally crappy." (Those are not actual lyrics, by the way.) No way I would give this album fewer than five stars.
Free Music Review: Alanis Morissette At Her Very Best
Hit: 5 Stars
What an amazing alblum. I was a little apprehensive at first, hearing that it was more of an electronic alblum, but wow, was I ever impressed. The CD starts out with the hard rocking "Citizen of the Planet". Set to middle eastern beats, and hard crunching fake guitars, this is the perfect opening song to the CD. "Underneath", the first promotional single, is amazing. A perfect, radio-friendly pop rock song about communication gaps in relationships, primarily about her and actor Ryan Reynolds. If you missed Alanis Morissette's filthy mouth on her last couple of CD's, well, listen to song number 3, "Straightjacket". Infused with a disco, dance feeling, it's a great song to listen to while you're getting ready to go out, or driving to the club. "Versions of Violence" is a great song about fighting with your lover, and the long term affects that abuse can have after the fight is over. "Moratorium" is among the best on this CD. Listen carefully to the bridge in this song...."Aaah to breath/Stop looking outside/Stop searching in corners of rooms/Not my business or timing/Aaaah"....so beautiful, and haunting. Very dark song. "Torch" is by far the saddest song on this CD. It is definately about her break up with Ryan Reynolds, and can totally bring a tear to your eye. It's a wonderful ballad, and Alanis at her best. "Giggling Again For No Reason" is another great dance/pop/rock song. The song is about the start of a new beginning for Alanis after her breakup. Listen over, and over to the triple harmonizing that Alanis does on the line "And I'm smiling for no reason"....you'll love it. "Tapes" is very dark, and very emotional. It deals with dealing with low self-esteem, and how depressing one can feel after a breakup. Alanis sang this song live during most of her North American tour, and it was mind blowing. The last song, "Incomplete" ends the CD on a happy note with Alanis looking towards a bright future, and reassuring herself that things will be ok, almost a sequel to "That I Would Be Good" from "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie", but with more of a upbeat rock feel to it. With the bonus song, check out "Orchid", the hard rocking "Guy Who Leaves", "Madness", and the best "On the Tequila". In my opinion, all these B-Side songs should have been on the actual CD. They are all brilliant. "On the Tequila" should have been released as a single, and if so, "Flavors of Entanglement" would have been a multi-platnium seller. I highly recommend this CD if you have ever been an Alanis fan. One of the few women in rock who actually rock out.
----Christopher Sorick
Omaha, Nebraska
Free Music Review: Alanis is back better than ever
Hit: 5 Stars
I've been a fan of Alanis' music since her debut and Flavors of Entanglement is her best work in years. The album kicks off with "Citizen of the Planet", which is about her journeys through heavy guitars, strings, and a mideastern sounding beat. Musically, this is the only song that is very old school Alanis and could've fit well with her other albums. "Straightjacket" is the first standout track as she accuses an Ex about how he perceives her through a electronic heavy club beat. This song is very catchy and has hit single written all over it. "Versions of Violence" and "Moratorium" are dark and techno influenced as there are less guitars and more beats, effects, strings, and loops. Reminds me of something that Amy Lee of Evanescence would put out. There are also some sad songs on the album, which deals with her break up with Ex fiance, Ryan Reynolds. "Not As We" is the first to address the heartbreak as Alanis sings beautifully over a faint piano. Lyrically, it is the strongest on the album and would make a great single. "Torch" and my favorite, "Tapes" are very beautiful as well. There are also some happy upbeat songs like "Giggling Again For No Reason", which is very fun and has a pop/rock feel to it. It's a great song to play during the summer while "Incomplete" closes the album on a hopeful note. The only weak spot is "In Praise of the Vulnerable Man", a song about her new found love. It's not terrible but musically, it's a bit repetetive compared to the other songs.
On Disc Two, there are 5 songs that did not make it onto the main album but they are just as great. "Madness" and "Limbo No More" are two beautiful piano ballads with strings while "Orchid" is a uptempo ballad and has a very beautiful melody. "The Guy Who Leaves" has a very catchy chorus mixed with dark electronica sounds that fit perfectly along with Alanis' strong vocals. Both "Orchid" and "The Guy Who Leaves" would've fit right at home on the album. The final song "On the Tequila" is very fun and chill out as Alanis sings about having fun with friends while giving a nod to her favorite alcoholic beverage.
Flavors of Entanglement is a great album and Guy Sigsworth did a great job of marrying Alanis' confessional lyrics with electronica music. Alanis and Guy created something very special and fresh here, and I just hope the public will see that as well.
About the Deluxe Edition: The two discs are in a standard 2cd jewel case, housed in a cardboard slip cover. It also contains a expanded booklet.
Free Music Review: The Evolution of Alanis . . .
Hit: 5 Stars
After 4 years of absence, Alanis returns with a surprisingly good album. I have been waiting for this album to come out since last September. I have to say that i'm impressed with 'Flavors'. Alanis tackles a new sound with the help of Guy Sigsworth (responsible for Madonna's 'What it feels like for a Girl'). Despite the new sound like in 'Straitjacket', Alanis still retains her classic style such as on 'Not as We'. These songs are filled with raw emotion and personal lyrics that makes it easy to relate to them. There are also some songs that may relate to her breakup from Ryan Reynolds. For example, Moratorium tells of Alanis' desire to take a break from relationships ("I've never known freedom from intertwining"). Songs such as Citizen of the Planet and Versions of Violence show a darkish sound similar to tracks on 'Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie'. There are also tracks that lean a little more towards the pop/dance genre (Giggling). Alanis & Guy really experiment with different 'Flavors' to create this album and the songs really show this. What's also great about this album is that there are bonus tracks which are just as good as the songs that made the final cut. 'Limbo No More' is very emotional while 'On The Tequila' is a fun catchy song. Also check out '20/20', another bonus found on the 'Underneath' cd-single. It has a similar message as 'Moratorium'. Overall, this album is great. I can't stop listening to it. I highly recommend this to fans and new listeners. 'Flavors' has a fresh sound and much different from the last two albums. Her past albums still influence this album which makes it even better. Good job Alanis!
Key Tracks: Citizen of the Planet, Underneath, Straitjacket, Not As We, Moratorium, Giggling, Tapes, Incomplete, Limbo No More, Orchid