Customer Reviews

Feast on Scraps

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

2002 was the year that Alanis Morissette dug through the vaults of her "Under Rug Swept" studio sessions and prepared 9 b-sides to release on this CD and DVD set. "Feast on Scraps" is Alanis' Christmas 2002 release and consists of 9 previously unreleased tracks (that is, internationally since some tracks were previously released in different regions on CD singles) and a DVD containing footage from her Towards our Union Mended tour.

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.

I was very upset with Alanis after finding out that she ditched Fear of Bliss and Sister Blister off the URS CD. While I admire her integrity and evolution, it was upsetting that fans and non-fans were deprived of such gems. What I think the URS CD track list should have been:

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.

I place the CD in my CD Player. I understand that the songs on this album are the ones that didn't make Under Rug Swept. I'm greeted with Fear Of Bliss. One song after another, I realize why these songs aren't on Under Rug Swept. That was a happy more upbeat album, and these songs were dark, brooding, angry. In other words, nothing like that album.
Regardless, this is some of her best work. Songs like Bent 4 U and Sister Blister belonged on Under Rug Swept. They could have been huge hits and restored Alanis to superstar status. At least in my opinion. All of them are great. I love Hands Clean in acoustic form.
After listening to the CD, I don't break the momentum and I immediately put on the DVD. I sit spellbound for the next 2 hours as we see Alanis entertain the people of Rotterdam with her biggest hits. She has a magnetic stage presence, running around and throwing her head every which way, her hair flying around. In between each song, we get a peek into Alanis's everyday life. Interesting and fun moments include Alanis breaking down and crying during her recording "Surrendering," Alanis making a very dirty acceptance "speech" while hanging out with friends, and whether she's acting like a robot or talking in a Cockney accent, Alanis is funny, intelligent, and she looks like she'd be a good friend to anyone. It invites you in and makes you feel that way.
I'm not even gonna complain about the sound because a: I don't care and b: if people are gonna drop a star because the quality is bad sometimes, they have no business owning this album.

This album is better than her recent major release "so called chaos" - I fell in love with some of the songs instantly. "Bent For you" is right out of my own life - as usual with alanis lyrics.... so pogniant and perfectly arranged.

This album is one of the best albums Alanis had ever heard. I think that she should make more music like this. Under Rug Swept is percocious and this album is so good! I think it is brilliant every aspect of it is great. The DVD is great and Alanis is brilliant like always!

Buy It Now! I force you to!

it is FANTASTIC! Enough said. Awesome concert footage and whole cd of juicy songs that are definetely worthy of their own album that didn't get put on 2002's Under Rug Swept.

If you're into Alanis, you'll love this DVD/CD set.

Every once in a while when songwriters find their hands full of unreleased ditties and uncatalogued material, a B-sides album comes out. The term B-sides comes from back in the vinyl days when you bought a single 7-inch record. The A-side would have the hit and there would be another track on the other side that didn't quite make the album.

Alanis Morrisette, one of the century's best songwriters, released the fittingly titled "Feast On Scraps" compilation of some of the songs that failed to make the cut on previous albums with a DVD disc documenting her last tour and studio adventures.

The songs on this disc might sound familiar, as they have been heavily played in Morrisette's tours and have found their way onto bonus material on singles or MP3s. However, these versions are studio-constructed and sound just like an album.

The set opens with "Fear Of Bliss," hitting hard from the start with a gritty sound and indicating Morrisette's lyrical genius. The heavy-wording continues on "Bent 4 U" and the softer self-examination of "Sorry to Myself."

The nine tracks include an acoustic version of the hit "Hands Clean" ending the set, but it sounds odd as songs like "Purgatorying" and "Sister Blister" are heavier Morrisette numbers. The standout track is "Unprodigal Daughter."

If you are not an avid fan of Morrisette's, then this CD is not recommended. "Feast On Scraps" does not contain any catchy lullabies or sing-along rock tunes.

The DVD disc contains live performances of Morrisette's hits such as "Ironic," "Head Over Feet" and "Uninvited." The disc also takes us behind the scenes with interviews and on-the-road antics plus an emotionally draining session of Morrisette's songwriting, an interesting documentary with lots of songs that will bring back memories.

"Feast On Scraps" is only recommended to the die-hard Morrisette fans as the audio section of it concentrates less on making hits and more on making good music. But no matter what Morrisette releases, it is probably better than the cookie-cutter of Michelle Branch or the sanitized punk of fellow Canadian Avril Lavigne.

ALANIS MORISSETTE - FEAST ON SCRAPS

When I first bought this cd I wasn't exactly sure of what I was going to get. Most CD/DVD collections don't have the greatest content on the DVD Portion. Boy was I wrong. This DVD is an all you can eat buffet and then some! What an awesome offering from Alanis.
As for the CD it is absolutely great. There are, however a few, just a tiny few low moments on the audio disc.
1. FEAR OF BLISS : This song is really oddly constructed yet it is so very interesting. You don't know what to expect next. And what a gift that is to a songwriter, keeping their audience on their seats. You might have to give this song a few listens before it grows on you but I'm confident it will! 5/5
2. BENT FOR YOU : Superb! This song definitely should have been included on "Under Rug Swept". Alanis' voice does tend to get a little screechy on this track that might annoy some but nonetheless a great song. Kind of has a "Jagged Little Pill" feel to it. 5/5
3. SORRY TO MYSELF : This song is the gem of this record. It's absolutely flawless. This would have been a hit single I'm sure of it! 5/5
4. SISTER BLISTER : This is, no doubt, THE ROCK SONG of this cd. Yet again, what smash hit this song would've been. This song has such an exciting edge to it with an exploding chorus. Way to go Alanis! 5/5
5. OFFER : This is one of those tiny low points that I was talking about. While the lyrics are nice and all, this song really has a dull sound to it and is frankly, quite boring. 3/5
6. UNPRODIGAL DAUGHTER : What a great build up to the chorus in this song. You just know from the beginning that something grand is about to happen. And it does! What a catchy song, even her diction has a certain hook here. The only down side to this track is that in parts, the music drowns out Alanis' voice. 4/5
7. SIMPLE TOGETHER : This is a better ballad than "Offer". It's actually quite a pretty tune. It just seems to lack that something special that Alanis has in most of her other songs. 4/5
8. PURGATORYING : Another tiny low point on the record is this song. While the intro is intriguing, the song just gets annoying. The interlude kind of reminds me what she did with "Still". Again, there's no immediate connection with this song. 3/5
9. HANDS CLEAN(ACOUSTIC) : This is just a must have for any Alanis fan. It's absolutely excellent. Just Alanis and an acoustic guitar. Breathtaking. 5/5

Overall this cd is well worth your money. The audio disc is almost completely enjoyable save a couple of moments and the DVD portion is to die for. It's amazing!

Discover Alanis as if you were on tour with her. I love the DVD.It's more than I was expected. All her best songs are played on several stages over Europe.You will appreciate how good Alanis and her band are LIVE, how she is natural and down to earth she appears in the interviews and backstage scenes.No bigheaded stars here ! Just a real person who enjoys life and who is thankful for it.You can criticize the sound of some parts on the DVD but in my opinion, it's just done great.It exactly shows how the sound can be different whether you are on stage,in the crowd,in an open air festival,in Roma, in Israel...
I will say BRAVO for the scraps :) 5 stars for the DVD.About the CD,don't think a minute they are certainly bad not to have been added to "Under Rug Swept" because listen ! Sister Blister roxxx and Unprodigal Daughter, Purgatorying are very good songs.
You will also find an acoustic version of HANDS CLEAN ...LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT !!! Alanis rules !

As Alanis was having thoughts of her 'Fear of Bliss' being 'Bent For You,' her groves of fans, she was saying, I am 'Sorry to Myself' for not meeting with 'Sister Blister' but her 'Offer' to the 'Unprodigal Daughter' had her feeling that we would be 'Simple Together' if only we weren't 'Purgatorying' ourselves in our heart of hearts but we do have our 'Hands Clean' in the final analysis!

"Feast on Scraps" the CD is the ultimate accoutrement to the "Under Rug Swept" release earlier in 2002. As Alanis admits, the songs on the CD are many of those that they wished they could've squeezed onto the "Under Rug Swept" release but they were too many for that release and were generally of a different ambience than the other songs on that CD. While these songs "do" have a different feeling than those of the earlier CD, they're none the less quite enjoyable and are quite exceptional additions to her library of emotionally deep and intellectually beautiful lyrics and music. Alanis has been and continues to be a powerful voice in an industry where many artists put out good music but few put out music of this caliber! The acoustic rendition of "Hands Clean," while being a carry over from her MTV Unplugged release is still a beautiful addition to the CD!

"Feast on Scraps" the Enhanced DVD is an astonishing look at Alanis Morissette during a live concert and behind the scenes either in preparation of that concert or in interviews. The concert portions are, to say the least, incredible as she and her band clearly display that they are a very good live band! The interview or just playing around portions of this DVD are quite fascinating as you can quickly see that Alanis "is" the intelligent, thoughtful and funny person in reality that comes out so clearly in her music. What's more interesting are the portions in which you see her during the song writing process and you can clearly see where the depth of emotions she engrains into her songs comes out during that process.

You can put either the CD or DVD into your computer and it will link you to her website or the Feast on Scraps website and you'll be able to see some additional items that didn't make it on the DVD or CD. The CD also includes some enhanced features for your computer's DVD player as well!

Overall, this is another exceptional and highly enjoyable release by Alanis Morissette that I highly recommend to any and all fans of her work. Hopefully her next release isn't too far down the road of life... {ssintrepid}