Spark!

She's strange, sometimes uncomfortable, and almost always brilliant! A few months ago I wrote about my love for Tori Amos's music, along with how her videos are [usually] very creative. In fact, this very video was mentioned in that post. I feel that "Spark" from the 1998 album "From the Choirgirl Hotel" certainly fits into this category. Experimenting with many different electronic sounds on this release, the "Spark" video had a very defined storyline (although it's still a little confusing), which was something we'd not seen from Tori in previous videos.

Here is "Spark":

Tori's RAINN

Fans and non-fans alike can, for the most part, agree that Tori Amos is a fairly odd individual. Just watch some of her interviews and it's unarguable. Hey, I'm not doggin' it -- I am typically drawn to odd people! That's one of the reasons I think Tori's such an amazing artist. Despite her oddity even Tori's critics can't deny her positive contribution to the world. Specifically, her benefit foundation RAINN. If you aren't familiar with this extraordinary organization, it is The Rape, Abuse & Incest Nation. It facilitates programs that attempt to prevent sexual assault. It also aids victims of sexual assault and makes sure that attackers--those who have raped helpless victims--are not overlooked and are punished to the full extent of the law. Inside, you'll find statistics, counseling resources, prevention tips, news and more.

If you or someone you know have been a victim of rape don't let it go unnoticed. Please visit the RAINN website to find out more.

You can also contribute to the life of the foundation by visiting the RAINN online store. Here you can purchase gifts and merchandise, the proceeds of which are 100% given to the foundation.

Chameleon Extraordinaire

Any Tori Amos fan knows her music changes from year-to-year, album-to-album, and even song-to-song. Perhaps that's what makes her legions of fans so loyal: these changes keeps things new and interesting, and makes people wonder what's coming next. Wow, you know what? That's what a true artist does! Hmmm....

Similar to the changes coinciding with her music, Tori's image changes right along with it. This is one of the reasons I enjoy Tori Amos so much, as a contributor to the music world. Her physical being is merely an extension of her music; her image tells a story. I thought for this post it might be fun to take a retrospective look at Tori throughout the years, as well as this new album, "American Doll Posse".

American Doll Posse (2007):


Scarlet's Walk (2002):


To Venus and Back (1999):


From the Choirgirl Hotel (1998):


Boys For Pele (1996):


Under the Pink (1994):


Little Earthquakes (1992):

How I Met Tori Amos

Perhaps I've misled some folks by titling this post "How I Met Tori Amos." I've never actually met Tori; not in this physical world anyway. Many, many times in my dreams (in a non-psychotic way, of course). What I was trying to convey with the title is the first time I was ever introduced to Tori in the music world.

Oddly enough--and without embarassment--I first heard Tori's unique voice while I was in college, working part-time at the store Structure. Yes, go ahead and laugh. But I'm proud to say I was introduced to some pretty phat music while I worked there, thanks to the company who was contracted to provide the soundtrack for the store. I believe they were a company based out of Seattle. Anyhow, the song "Blue Skies" came on and I was absolutely hooked. Of course now I'm not only a huge fan of Tori but also BT. In my opinion, "Blue Skies" is a killer track, and is an interesting collaboration -- I don't think Tori's really ever appeared on such a song.

Unfortunately I don't have a sample of the song I can provide, but if you're a Tori fan I'm certain you're familiar with the song. So I'm curious to know what other folks think about this song. Here's a poll for you:

Tori the Video Queen

We can probably all agree we live in an age where music just wouldn't be the same without music videos. They draw us into the lives of the artist, help tell the story of the song (OK, well more often than not this isn't true), and simply entertain. Like Tori Amos's music, her accompanying videos--which are all available on Tori Amos - Video Collection: Fade to Red--can often be disturbingly interesting. Sometimes they have a unique story, often they are beautifully shot, and quite frequently they make no sense at all and are quirky.

So I thought I'd devote today's "Tori post" to her videos. Honestly, I have a two-way tie for my favorite:

Caught a Lite Sneeze:


Spark:

Tori Amos Spark
Uploaded by skinandbones

What's your favorite Tori Amos video? (This is for a produced video, not a concert or live performance.)

Today kicks off Tori week!

If you're a Tori Amos fan you know her long-awaited new album, "American Doll Posse," is being released this coming Tuesday (5/1). As written in a previous post I plan on being cooped-up in my apartment all week, enjoying the blissful sounds of the new material. Actually, the entire album is already available to hear on Tori's MySpace page, and it's quite good.

In honor of this new album, I am going to do my best to put up one post per day--for the entire week--devoted to Tori. Sound a little psycho? I don't really think so, I just want to try to do my best to promote the album, and help spread the word. I also want to hear about Tori stories from other folks, so if you've got one please tell me about it by leaving me a comment! And feel free to spread the word to other Tori fans you might know of...send them back over here to my blog!

Let's start the Tori chain!