Got Alanis Morrisette's new CD "Flavors of Entanglement"at the library recently & it's 'in heavy rotation', as they say on Facebook.It deserves to be higher on the charts, as it's a rather powerful album exploring her feeligns after breaking up with actor Ryan Reynolds. The sound is varied and atmospheric. Lots of drums, some quiet songs mixed in with ballads & a couple that could be played in clubs for dancing. "Underneath" is probably the best known off this CD, but therest are worthy of attention. One of my favorites is "In Praise of the Vulnerable Man",a bouncy march in homage to sensitive men, an idea that is splendid, yet rare. "Not As We" is a plaintive comment on starting over as a singleton, not a couple and the fantastic "Torch" sounds like an ELP or Yes song full of strong emotion.
   As I was being swept away by the excellent CD, I felt abashed that I was listening to the product of someone's pain. I understand the motive of writing songs after a breakup or at any difficult point, but to turn it into a melodic testament that has universal appeal takes talent. It also takes courage to lay one's soul bare like that for the world to hear. To tell the person who is causing the pain just how it feels and to struggle with such personal trauma so openly. She hasn't cloaked it in pretty metaphors or mystery words, it's stark and hauntingly beautiful.