Alanis Morissette live in London
- By Nick Hagan -
- Jul 02, 2012
Alanis Morissette's music may have mellowed in recent years, but the appeal of her trademark angry, confessional songwriting still burns brightly – at least enough to sell out Brixton Academy this evening.
Feisty feminist rant 'Woman Down' opens proceedings, Alanis taking the stage after her band have assembled to huge applause.
The predominantly female crowd receives every song rapturously – the strong ethos of transparency and bravery transmitted by Morissette's music clearly still has enormous cachet with women of all ages, and a fair few blokes too.
Hearing her big songs 15 years on, her impact on a certain brand of 90s radio rock is remarkably apparent.
An excellent rendition of 'You Learn' gets thrown in fairly early, and it's a technique that Alanis uses to her advantage, peppering her set with early smashes to cushion the newer material.
Breakout record 'Jagged Little Pill' may be one of the biggest albatrosses to ever loom over an artist, but Alanis wears it well, giving the fans exactly what they want. 'You Oughta Know' is still a seething kidney punch of a song, and shines live.
Upcoming eighth album 'Havoc and Bright Lights' is cherry picked for standout songs such as first single 'Guardian' and dark meditation 'Havoc'. Throughout, Alanis' voice is as clear and expressive as on record, backed up by a capable band who are clearly enjoying themselves.
Predictably 'Ironic' gets an enormous reaction, the eager crowd providing one of the most convincing sing-alongs I've ever heard.
For fans, it's evident Alanis is still wholly beloved, and while it doesn't push any boundaries as such her performance tonight makes it clear why.
By Nick Hagan. Blogs at nickhagan.tumblr.com/
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