Feast on Scraps [Enhanced, NTSC, Import]

When compared to tracks from her previous albums, "Jagged Little Pill" and "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie", "Feast on Scraps" features an obvious shift, both lyrically and musically. "Under Rug Swept", Alanis' February 2002 release was Alanis' first time flying solo in the studio, writing and producing all tracks alone, without the aid of producer Glen Ballard (most known for producing Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror"). The tracks showcase a more mainstream adult contemporary, rock/pop sound, when compared to tracks like "Unsent" from her 1998 release. With more distorted guitars and catchier melodies, Alanis had successfully changed her style. Of the 30-some songs that were written for "Under Rug Swept", 11 made the cut, and later in the year, 9 more were chosen for this release. The CD features some of my personal favorite Alanis tracks, including Bent 4 U, Sorry to Myself and Sister Blister.

The DVD features most of the 2002-08-13 stop of her "Towards Our Union Mended" tour at Ahoy in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Spliced in between the 21 track concert is various backstage footage and interviews from on the road. However, the major flaw, I feel, in the DVD is the fact that the whole show was not there! For half of the tracks, footage from various concerts were spliced together to form one song. Now, this wouldn't be a problem if quality was maintained, but it is definitely not the case! For many songs, such as 21 Things I Want in a Lover, Precious Illusions, Hand In My Pocket, among others, quality of the footage ranges from the worst audience/fan shot footage imaginable, to the professional, top of the line recording. In fact, for a few seconds during Precious Illusions, it shows a guitar technician doing a sound check before the show, singing along to part of the lyrics. It absolutely baffles me why Alanis would decided to do this, especially since the whole Rotterdam show (which was a brilliant performance) is somewhere in the vaults. The behind the scenes footage is amazing and very funny, and you get to see a side of Alanis that you wouldn't be able to see otherwise.

Other than the DVD splicing throughout the concert, this set is amazing, and is a crucial purchase for anyone who is a fan of Alanis Morissette.

1 Fear of Bliss - 3rd single
2 Sister Blister - 1st single
3 Unprodigal Daughter
4 So Unsexy
5 A Man
6 Twenty One Things
7 Precious Illusions
8 Flinch
9 Hands Clean - 2nd single
10 Simple Together - 4th single
11 Bent for You
12 You Owe Me Nothing
13 Surrendering - 5th single
14 Utopia

Anyway, back to Feast of Scraps. Overall, the CD itself is a B+ only because it feels short but it has about 5 classics on it. And Alanis could have added Awakening Americans and Symptoms on the cd, although that would have made a pretty somber track listing. Here is my grade system for the songs:

1. Fear Of Bliss (A+)
2. Bent 4 U (B)
3. Sorry To Myself (B)
4. Sister Blister (A+)
5. Offer (A)
6. Unprodigal Daughter (A)
7. Simple Together (A-)
8. Purgatorying (B)
9. Hands Clean (A)

The DVD is just a marvel to watch and at the end I was left wanting more. The tracks Alanis chose to portray in the DVD were odd choices but still very good. I have great respect for an artist who doesn't focus on their mainstream hitlist during concerts. The contents overall is quite hilarious and really an opener for people who thought Alanis was perpetually dark and serious. Some scenes are quite emotional as well. Overall, this package is ambrosia for her fans.