Tori Amos - 'Tales Of A Librarian - A Collection' (Atlantic)
5/5
By: Samantha Hall
Described as her musical 'autobiography'. A collection of life-inspiring, moving, influential songs that have intricately explored feminism, faith and power; making her listeners question the meanings of such soul-altering ideas as corruption, deceit, belief and morality.
... Heavy. Tori Amos has taken the very rare opportunity to revisit her songs, personally and purposefully remastering eighteen, while adding two new delicate beauties in 'Angels' and the gently jesting 'Snow Cherries from France'.
It's a timely unveiling. At age five, Tori Amos was a child prodigy on speaking terms with Beethoven and in love with The Beatles. At eleven, she experienced a mid-life crisis, and at thirteen, began her professional career at the piano bars of Washington DC. Through her journey as a minister's rebellious daughter, to her rock chick days in LA to underground success in London to worldwide critical acclaim, this album represents all aspects of her life and her fascinating story in music for well over a decade.
And, for the most part, this mild revisit has entailed a secondary evaluation of each track's musical landscape, particularly the percussion and backing vocals. The result - that earlier compositions now sound even more contemporary and sophisticated, forging this album as an easier entry point for new listeners; the biggest difference truly is in the voices - now presented with further clarity and distinction... and, lest we forget, the originals were already intensely intimate.
Yet, some die-hards will not be content with the collection. This is an individual and self-gratifying reflection of Amos herself. Although it contains such renowned hits as 'Cornflake Girl', 'Crucify' and even the remixed, sordid 'Professional Widow'; though it misses such key loved tracks as the immense 'Raspberry Swirl' and 'Cruel'. Some may perceive this as derogatory, but we rather chose to see it is as refreshing - for once, a faithful, sincere expression of a powerful, complicated and fascinating woman's soul. By no means, yet another form of cashing in to get some extra pennies by releasing a meagre best of album.
Amos expresses herself artistically with such hedonism and reflective purity. She wretches up her loves and conflicting tortured experiences and ideas, and over-analyses and complicates them for our benefit, just as all human-beings do. But her reactionary and bluntly honest portrayals of a woman celebrating her body, soul, instincts and desires is a revolutionary one. Take it, absorb and kindle it in your heart. It's one of the most honest experiences anyone will ever offer to share with you.
Artists in this article: Tori Amos
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