Alanis Morissette's new album, Flavors of Entanglement, is fast approaching its June 2 release date, and with it comes the inevitable promo material. Apollo has already filled us in on the album's substance and good reviews. So instead, let's be totally superficial for a moment and judge a CD by its cover. Behold:

I can't be the only one who was immediately reminded of Alanis' breakout album, Jagged Little Pill, right? A gauzy, abstract background with a girl in the right-hand corner. Well, it sold 30 million copies that first time, so why not give it another go?

But let's move on. The next series of shots are a classic example of too much filter, not enough filter. First, the gossamer series. She looks lovely, all ethereal and soft-focus. Also, I think I see London, I see France, if you know what I mean. … continue reading

How many of you had a wonderful Valentine's Day with a special love? Aw, good for you. While you're still hooked on the feeling and high on believing, revisit our celebration of love songs and have a nice weekend.

Now, how many of you got dumped yesterday, right on the buttocks? If so, you have plenty of company. According to canada.com, six million people break up on Valentine's Day. And even more break up in the two weeks leading up to February 14.

OK, I know that doesn't help much. But the fact is that most, if not all, of us have had a bad breakup that devastated us or royally pissed us off — or both. And that's the beauty of breakup songs. They're written by people who have been stepped on, lied to, cheated on and treated like dirt. So no matter how alone you feel, you always have musical company. In fact, let's help out Alice with the track scribe suggested for the breakup scene with Tasha. (For you young'uns, this is The 5th Dimension.)

My favorite breakup songs tend to be of the angry variety. I confess, every Valentine's Day I commemorate a Very Special Breakup by singing "I'm the Only One" along with Melissa, at the top of my lungs.

Ah, the sweet pill of bitterness. You never forget your first cheater.

Another good top-of-your-lungs number is an oldie, but goodie, from Nancy Sinatra. Are ya ready, boots? Start walkin'. … continue reading

Here's a little fact: At this moment, I own four movies. That's it. When shipping household items for a move overseas costs roughly, as I recall, $20,000 a kilo, shoes take precedence over entertainment. I did slip a few movies I'd miss into my airplane carry-on, though, and happily pulled them down on my head from the overhead compartment with every plane change. One of the few to make it was Dogma. I would sit through an entire movie starring Ben Affleck to catch a glimpse of only one woman: Alanis Morissette.

And here's some excellent news for those of you who feel the same way. Morissette's new album, Flavors of Entanglement, is due to be released this spring. It's generating buzz for the quality of the lyrics and for her songwriting — of course. I mean, not for nothing did she earn a lifetime achievement award at age 33. (Speaking of achievement, if you haven't seen her take on “My Humps,” go watch it. Like, now. You won't be sorry.)

I have high hopes for the new album. Maybe it was my angsty impressionable teenage years, but none of her subsequent albums have held the attraction for me of Jagged Little Pill. But so far, I like what I've heard about the new album. Take the video for “Underneath,” one of the singles. I found it sort of moving. … continue reading

On Monday, organizers announced that Alanis Morissette will be inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. The honors will be bestowed at a ceremony on March 7, during Canadian Music Week.

Morissette will also receive a lifetime achievement award at the event. Yes, lifetime, even though she's only 33 years old. Does this mean they want her to retire?

I don't think I understand halls of fame generally. Are they meant to recognize fame itself, or talent? And does it make any sense that Alanis is getting inducted the same year as Gordon Lightfoot? That guy has been around forever, reading minds and taking care at sundown. He probably should have been honored (or honoured) long ago; it's not like he had a sudden burst of fame in 2007. (But he is still touring.) … continue reading

Morissette accolades aside, I'm glad to know about Canadian Music Week.