November 28, 1999
MTV UNPLUGGED
By DAVE VEITCH

MTV UNPLUGGED
Alanis Morissette
(Maverick/Warner-CDW47589)

This live performance confirms what many have suspected -- that down deep this supposed alt-rock superstar is really a '90s version of the confessional singer-songwriter, more Carole King than Courtney Love, making music for the type of folks who still enjoy wearing sandals, lighting candles, sipping herbal tea and staring at their navels.

This, in no way, is a criticism.

On MTV Unplugged, Morissette's powerful, expressive voice and her diary-entry lyrics are perfectly complemented by a homey, comforting quilt of acoustic guitars, real drums, strings and organ. The definitive versions of You Learn, Head Over Feet and That I Would Be Good are here; only the angry You Oughta Know begs for a jolt of electric guitar.

As an added bonus, Morissette's set includes three previously unavailable originals, including longtime live favourite No Pressure Over Cappuccino (about her twin brother); an excellent cover of The Police's King of Pain that fits her like as glove; and a rendition of her hit Uninvited that was only available on the City of Angels soundtrack.

MTV Unplugged was likely intended to tide fans over until the next studio album but, as it turns out, it's the most natural and enjoyable record of Morissette's career.

Talk about ironic.

Track Listing 1. You Learn
2. Joining You
3. No Pressure Over Cappuccino
4. That I Would Be Good
5. Head Over Feet
6. Princes Familiar
7.I Was Hoping
8. Ironic
9. These R The Thoughts
10.King Of Pain
11. You Oughta Know
12. Uninvited

TOTAL TIME: 53:43

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