Alanis Morrissette turned 24 yesterday and got a rather rude — make that “nude” — surprise. A national magazine printed what was reportedly full frontal nude photograph of the singer taken when she was 19 years old and living in Toronto. Celebrity Sleuth featured Morrissette — who is featured on Dave Matthews’ chart-topping single “Don’t Drink The Water” — in a revealing soft-focus shot that the sleazy magazine purchased from an Australian tabloid. The nude photography is accompanied by a string of naughty copy, culled from the thousands of interviews the singer did when she was still a Canadian disco diva. Among other things, Alanis reveals that she lost her virginity at age 19, and boldly confesses, “I’ve come to terms with the fact that I am good in bed.”

Bed, apparently, is not the only thing Alanis is good at. Director Kevin Smith, the man responsible for Clerks , Chasing Amy , and now Dogma , is raving about Morrisette’s performance in his movie — which is only three days from wrapping. He raved to her unofficial (but very loyal) website, the Alanis Morrisette Netwerk , that “Yes — Alanis is in the movie (though what part she’s playing wild horses couldn’t drag out of me. . .As for my favorite Canadian/Human (Alanis) the planet. . .Well, how can I put this diplomatically. . .Fuck anyone that has temerity to diss her on this board. She turned in one of the best performances in the flick — not an easy feat, that, considering the high caliber of work turned in by everyone. And in addition to her thesping [sic] skills, she’s about the kindest, most pure soul I’ve ever met.” Whew! Our only question is: “When is that very pure soul going to release her long-delayed sophomore record?”

-Jaan Uhelszki

WELL, HE WOULD

To the Editor:

Loved the article [“Stairway to Kevin,” April 22]–definitely one of the top five I’ve ever read on us.

Many thanks, and congrats on a fine piece of journalism.

KEVIN SMITH
Director
via email