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Morissette lives up to hype, image

 
Published Jan. 20, 1996|Updated Sept. 15, 2005

It's been a long time since I've seen a new performer galvanize a crowd like Alanis Morissette.

Sure, you expect someone who has sold upward of 4-million records to generate some audience sparks on tour _ especially when they pass up 18,000-seat venues for smaller, more intimate spaces like the 2,300-seat Bob Carr Performance Arts Center.

Still, the 21-year-old pop wunderkind's Friday night show moved fans to heights beyond what you would expect from a typical MTV star. Taking the stage to the powerful pseudo-funk of her latest smash, All I Really Want, Morissette got the kind of hysterical ovation usually reserved for members of the Beatles and assorted Rolling Stones.

Decked out in a simple purple top and leather pants, Morissette attacked her song lyrics with fire and flair, pausing only occasionally to thank the crowd for caring.

Though many have criticized material like the offhand groove Hand In My Pocket and earnest rocker Right Through You as overly emotional and dramatic, the tunes gain new depth live _ striking an emotional chord with the audience while rocking their ears.

Of course, it helps to have a crack four-piece backing band at your disposal, and Morissette's group re-created her album's complex grooves with energy and expertise _ bolstered by ex-Red Hot Chili Pepper Jesse Tobias on guitar.

With just one album _ the blockbuster Jagged Little Pill _ it seemed Morissette wouldn't have much of a show to offer. But she surprised fans by pulling out several newly written tunes.

What would have been the climatic show closer for any other performer became the jumping off point for three encores, capped by Morissette herself jumping on to the drum riser and belting cymbals with her percussionist.

Say what you will about this newest queen of the pop-music prom _ when it comes to delivering a live show, Morissette's Jagged Little Pill works wonders.