Alas, a few short years later, Generation X faded into non-existence and a little girl from the American South put on a kilt, shook her money-maker and became the new prototype for successful women in music. Once "Hit me baby (One more time)" became a bona-fide hit, the strides made by women like Janis Joplin, Pat Benetar and the Riot Grrls became passé, and the manufactured pop diva took over. Why should a girl sing and play an instrument if she can wear skimpy outfits and lip-synch? Sadly, those of us out there who feel this whole Britney/J-Lo/Christina Aguilera thing is nothing but male fantasy masquerading as legitimate art don't have much to listen to on mainstream radio. Nor can we convince our 7 year old cousins and nieces that there is music other than Britney Spears. I am convinced that feminism and equality has fallen behind 20 years ever since the re-emergence of the writhing, vacuous pop star.

So this brings us to Alanis Morissette's newest CD, "Under Rug Swept", which boisterously tramples over the thin, see-through fabric which veils music today. Produced and written by Alanis herself, "Under Rug Swept" makes a statement that is refreshingly different than what else is on the radio. Musically, this album is her strongest yet. Her harmonies gleam with originality and intelligence, her guitar licks are simple yet effective and memorable (she and studio musicians Joel Shearer and Nick Lashley makes great use of wawa pedals and other toys), and her lyrics cut through and grab your attention with their brash honesty. Her trademark vocal "yelp" is also softer and used to paint a clear emotional picture that instantly draws all listeners in rather than ostracizing some.

The CD kicks off with "21 things i want in a lover"("are you uninhibited in bed? more than 3 times a week? up for being experimental?"), a guitar-driven tune that grabs your attention with it's powerful licks and in-your-face lyrics. The album really starts to rock with "narcissus", which can only be described as a well deserved character assassination on a selfish, self-absorbed ex-boyfriend- ("you go back to the women who will dance the dance…you go back to your friends who will lick your ass"). After the single "hands clean", an open letter to an older man who she had a clandestine under-age affair with years before, the gentle and haunting "flinch" descends like a cool, grey cloud. A tale of being haunted by someone from the past, ("how long, can a girl be tortured by you? and how long, before my dignity's reclaimed? and how long, can a girl be haunted by you…soon i'll grow up and i won't even flinch at your name.") it resonates with honesty and understated frustration with gorgeous acoustic guitars and pretty harmonies. These quiet moments, along with "that particular time", really display the depth of her songwriting and how much she has grown as a person and as a musician since her anger-fuelled debut.

Another tune that really strikes a chord is the soaring "so unsexy", a plaintive comment on how someone's indifference can bring out Alanis' insecurity and feelings of low self-esteem. "a man" is reminiscent of Tori Amos and is one of the low points on the CD, but "you owe me nothing in return" is beautifully crafted in a minor key, only to brighten into the major in the first phrase of the emotional crescendo in the bridge section. The CD ends with two strong tracks, "surrendering" and "utopia", the latter being her wish for a better world ("we would share and listen and support and welcome…be propelled by passion not invest in outcomes"). In this universe of hate and war, it's a simple, hopeful view that we as people can make a change for the better, talk out our problems, and make this a better place for everyone, male and female.

In conclusion, "Under Rug Swept" is a must have for Alanis fans, and a good addition to anyone's CD collection. If you are looking for a CD to give to a young girl, or need a vessel for catharsis, "Under Rug Swept" is a good choice. Even Alanis-haters will have to admit that her newest foray into musical expression is well crafted, catchy, and a breath of fresh air. Her musical prowess displays that it is possible for the general public to appreciate music that is written, produced and performed by a woman who is actually interested in creating something meaningful. Let's hope that the music industry realizes this reality and begins to get back to the business of making music, instead of cranking out half dressed dancers disguised as musicians. They're not fooling anyone with half an ear over the age of 12.

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