Sarah Mclachlan: Fumbling Towards Ecstasy Live

Generation X's divine miss "m," Sarah McLachan has emerged as one of the finest singer/songwriters on the contemporary music scene, and although she's been placed in the "alternative" bin, her music which roams across country, Celtic, and choral borders (just to name a few c's) defies easy categorization. Shot in Montreal, the Fumbling Towards Ecstasy Live video combines 11 songs in concert (including the current hits "Possession," "Plenty," and "Good Enough", 4 live studio performances (including a soulful rendition of the Tom Waits' classic "Ol' 55"), and an interwoven informal interview in which McLachlan talks about her family, writing music, and touring. Having been to a recent Sarah McLachlan concert myself, I confess to a teensy weensy bit of bias here. But, with a platinum album, a recent Grammy nomination, and a ton of critical kudos, Sarah McLachlan doesn't really need an extra plug from me. Of course, the best stuff always gets around by strong word of mouth: I was sold on McLachlan by an enthusiastic sales clerk; in turn, I gave her CD's to friends at Christmas, and so on. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (R. Pitman)