Somewhere to begin.

There would be no logical way to talk about the music scene in the 1990s, without mentioning the great impact Alanis Morissette had on it. It would be impossible to refer to my generation and not speak of her as its unequivocal voice. Her lyrics have inspired many, becoming the very eloquent and intellectual soundtrack to our lives.

The Canadian-born poet started her journey at a very young age under a different musical direction. She was labeled the Debbie Gibson of Canada, after a couple of nationally-released pop/dance albums. The then underage singer went in search for something different. It was in that time of her life when she met famed producer/songwriter Glen Ballard, and as they say, the rest is history.

In 1995, Morissette wrote her first internationally-released major label album. “Jagged Little Pill” became the right vehicle for her. It possessed a type of strength and crudely raw emotion which made millions pay attention. Her rock/grunge edge, personal lyrics and powerful vocals swallowed the music world. The album represented a kind of innate quality that makes great records even more breath-taking. It was no surprise that after the anger-filled “You Oughta Know” and the introspective “Ironic,” her career took a life of its own. “Jagged Little Pill” produced six hit songs and what would become a lifelong fan-base.

Nobody could have predicted the monsoon that would soon occur. The album made Morissette a household name and a global star. Her face was everywhere and her name, as different as it was, was on everybody’s lips. Then the inevitable happened, it was time to write and record a second album. An album that for which she needed to do some soul searching.

She embarked on a trip to India, in search of some spiritual exploration and discovery. That journey helped her finalize an album, which saw herself pushing every button. “Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie” hit shelves on Nov. 3, 1998. The album was a 17-track compilation of dark and revealing songs. It had a more post-grunge sound than her debut. In all its magnitude it spanned hit songs such as“Thank U” and “Unsent.”

Towards the end of the decade and the beginning of what was to come, she released an album for MTV’s Unplugged series. Shortly after Morissette started work on her first record of the new millennium. “Under Rug Swept,” released in early 2002, was in many aspects mellower than her previous efforts and yet still as poignant. Unfortunately, it did not perform as spectacularly as her two previous albums. Although, it did include seven successful singles including “Hands Clean,” “Precious Illusions” and “So Unsexy.”

By 2004 she found a somewhat different approach to her work. “So-Called Chaos” was released in May of 2004 and represented an eclectic collection of happier pop/rock tunes and issue-resolving lyrics. Half the record seemed inspired by her recent engagement to actor Ryan Reynolds (i.e. “Everything,” “Knees of My Bees”). While the other set of songs had a more nostalgic and resolving nature (i.e. “This Grudge,” “Not All Me”).

The album got a lukewarm reception from many critics and even some fans. It left many wondering why what was described as her “most accessible album since ‘Jagged Little Pill’” was under-performing. The record contained three singles (“Everything,” “Out Is Through” and “Eight Simple Steps”) and an impressive world tour. In 2005, she re-issued her debut album. “Jagged Little Pill Acoustic” reflected the growth she had experienced in the past decade, as she reworked every song to give them a more intimate and updated approach. That same year she released a greatest hits titled “The Collection.” Both seemed to give her catalog a new life.

Unfortunately things changed for Morissette, personally when her engagement with Reynolds ended. This turn of events inspired in her the kind of growth that can only come from chaos.

“Flavors Of Entanglement” was met with aspiring hope in 2008. Praised by critics and fans alike, the album was a return to form. It functioned as a vessel which seemed to help through her anger, heartbroken state and was yet hopeful for the future. It functioned as an exorcism of her demons, while still maintaining a sense of pride and strength. The album was a mixture of hard-hitting guitar walls (i.e. “Citizen of the Planet,” “Versions of Violence”), synthesizers (i.e. “Underneath,” “Straitjacket”) and carefully crafted piano melodies (i.e. “Not As We”). It was an effort which contained every aspect of the then 33-year-old. To some it was perceived as a big “thank you” to her devoted fans and a welcomed therapeutic endeavor for her soul.

All of this history and tenacity brings us to today. Morissette is preparing to release her latest project, perfectly titled “Havoc and Bright Lights.” Set to hit stores on Aug. 28, the album promises to be her best yet. The lead single “Guardian” which seems to target her relationships with her new born child and her happy marriage. The song explores the depths of human relationships and the role she plays in them. It must be noted that this is the role she plays in our lives as well. The forever guardian of our sanity and humanity.

The actress, philanthropist, writer, musician, lyricist and singer is back in our headphones and our hearts. Our longing for her voice and eloquent riddles will be fulfilled as soon as the first note plays. It is hard to imagine a life without her music, or a path without her words. She has helped us grow and explore, imagine and love. Whether it is her hand in exorcising our demons or her whispers igniting our souls. All we can do is hope for a lifetime of more music, encounters and the protection she provides.

Former President George W. Bush is going to publish a book about policies for economic growth! This must be a fucking joke! Seriously?! REALLY?! The GOP is hilarious! 

Reason #1098723807 why I’m a stinking Liberal/Democrat.

Watch this first.

Today we received some of the greatest news in quite some time. After the despicable turn of events yesterday in North Carolina, President Barack Obama has done something no other has done.

I am more than proud that he is our President and that four years ago I voted for him. I am elated by the measure of his support and the bravery of his stance. The battle will still be hard and tedious, but having such a strong ally changes everything.

Today became such a great day for me and for our Nation. It means that not only does it get better, but it got better. It will continue to get better as well.

We won’t know how this will affect the Presidential Elections this November. All we can tell is that it has all changed. All bets are off. Pres. Obama has done something so brave and shamelessly amazing. He took his time to “evolve” and fully grasp the magnitude of this, and came to the conclusion which any decent human being should get to.

I realize this is incredibly biased. Yet this is not just another “issue”, this is huge, this deals with the treatment of our citizens. It is time to fight even harder for equality and with the President by our side we shall win.

Prior to today I was going to vote for the Obama/Biden ticket. Today nothing has changed. I knew this was bound to happen some day. I am glad that it did today, six months before the election when so much is at stake. 

This President is a role model to every single American, regardless of race, sexual orientation or situation you can achieve greatness. You will reach the stars and change the world.

4 more for 44!