To mark the launch of Spinner Canada, we're doing an in-depth series on the Canadian indie music scene that has, in recent years, taken the world by storm. In Part I we explore the foundation laid in the 1980s and '90s while Part II examines this decade's explosion and Part III will look towards the next wave.

Oh, Canada: An Intro

It may be easily forgotten in our current Age of Feist, but the turn of the 21st century was not kind to Canada's international musical reputation. The fledgling maple music industry had found its footing in the late '80s and early '90s with bands like Sloan, Tragically Hip and Blue Rodeo. But unlike Alanis, Sarah and Celine, these great Canadian indie/alternative hopes couldn't quite make it across the border.

The prevailing opinion, both nationally and abroad, was that Canada would remain relegated to vapid pop production. But in basements and lofts around the nation's biggest cities – Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver – bands such as Broken Social Scene, the New Pornographers, the Dears, the Stills, Stars and Arcade Fire were laying down the foundation for the musical maelstrom that was to come.

"Lots of chocolate and Alanis [Morissette] is helping." --Jennifer Love Hewitt

The singer/actress explained coping mechanisms for getting over her recent split with fiance Ross McCall.




Download Alanis Morissette Songs

When word spread that Alanis Morissette's bitter breakup anthem 'You Oughta Know' was about her former lover, 'Full House' actor Dave Coulier, we didn't want to believe it. John Stamos, maybe. But Uncle Joey Gladstone? With those cute cartoon voices and that spot-on 'Popeye' impersonation? The same Uncle Joey who played a quirky science professor (Mr. Egghead) to his best friend/college buddy's daughter's (little Stephanie Tanner) science class? Whose only dream was a little room in which to practice his stand-up routine that would one day eventually land him on the Star Search stage? No way. Morissette has stayed mum about the song's subject since its release in 1995. Coulier, however, is fessin' up.

• Bjork has canceled another gig, this one to be held today at Sheffield's City Hall, due to throat problems.

• Pearl Jam raised $3 million for the Robin Hood Foundation on Tuesday night with their 26-song performance at New York's Beacon Theatre.
  

• Alanis Morissette is holding a contest on MySpace Karaoke where fans are asked to cover one of four pre-selected songs from her new album, 'Flavors of Entanglement.'
  

• One Day as a Lion -- the new project from Rage Against the Machine frontman Zach De La Rocha and former Mars Volta drummer Jon Theodore -- will release their self-titled debut on July 22.

Rock 'n' roll has always been a great way to get girls -- or boys, regardless of your gender. Here are rock's most out-loud-and-proudest moments.

Alanis' Same-'Sex' Smooch

In 2004, Alanis Morissette's character locked lips with Carrie Bradshaw on an episode of 'Sex and the City,' further popularizing the girl crush among straight women. "It was fun," Morissette, who has described herself as bisexual, said. "I loosely call it acting, 'cause I feel like I was just in this environment privileged to see how these three people work together and interacted."

• Scarlett Johansson and fellow actor Ryan Reynolds are engaged, the actress-turned-singer's publicist confirmed on Monday. The two have been dating since Spring 2007. Reynolds was previously engaged to Alanis Morissette.

• Las Vegas' Vegoose festival will not be held this year. Jonathan Mayers, president of Superfly Presents, the festival's co-producer, confirmed the news, saying the event may resurface in another form. Vegoose made its debut in 2005.
  

• Aimee Mann has added several dates to her North American summer tour in support of her forthcoming album, '@#%&! Smilers.' The jaunt kicks off on June 2 in L.A., and is currently scheduled to wrap on September 3 in Nashville. More dates are expected to be announced.

• The Offspring have made available the first single from their upcoming album available for free MP3 download. Fans can get the tune, titled 'Hammerhead,' at www.offspring.com.

"I see the profundity of ['My Humps''] lyrics. You do have to make him work, work, work. You do. S--- is true." -- Alanis Morissette

The 'Ironic' singer insisted to Spinner that her 'My Humps' cover was devoid of irony.