The Not So Daily Penguin

Friday, May 11, 2007 - Wearing My Musical Hat

I'm a Tori Amos fan. For my sins (proverbial), I've even seen her live.

I ordered her new album nearly a week ago and it arrived today. It's called American Doll Posse and thank goodness, she's back on form. TA sounds a lot like Kate Bush in her voice but in no way are her lyrics like Ms. Bush.

I mean Kate's a kickass songwriter but she never named a song called "Fat Slut" (track 8) or would name a song, "Yo George" (yes. It's about GW). Tori's latest offering's got rock 'n roll moments as well as her signature introspective songs.

It's a good thing she lives in the UK these days. Many songs cast a critical eye towards American culture and politics. Safe to say, Tori Amos is not in it for the money.

One outstanding track is Big Wheel which is a toe tapping pop song in the 70s vein. This would probably be a real crowd pleaser live. Another is Beauty of Speed, with sweeping vocals and Torific harmonies.

Like her previous album, Strange Little Girls, TA, has adopted multiple personas. One character is named Santa. With the blonde bob wig, Tori looks like a young Helen Mirren. Spooky. There are five characters and each track is sung "in character". This is rather conceptual but I think the concept is successful.

Welcome back Tori or whatever you call yourself. This album is most welcome.

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Former Londoner, now living in Durham, NC since 2002.

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