Tori Amos advice

[aMUSEd]

thats why theres mp3 downloads and friends to borrow cds from (both illegal>? maybe one day)

test it out, borrow a friends, download an mp3, if you likee, get the cd.

i try and have an open mind, which is why i dont need the opinions of others to decide what music i should or shouldnt like because of some status quo or supposed "Style" copping".

Which is what I'm doing (as I said at the start). Advice from others is just so I have a starting point - she's made a lot and I have neither the time or money to buy and listen to them all so I need to narrow it down a bit. Nothing wrong with asking people who know more about her music than I do. I'm not asking them to tell me what to think or like - I will make up my own mind but hopefully in a more informed way.

[Lunch Money]

If I never talked to other people about their opinions on music, or the artists they've discovered, or followed up on anyone's recommendations, I can't even imagine how my tastes or my collection would have evolved.

Obviously we all make discoveries on our own-- I found The Rheostatics, who turned out to be my favourite and most influential all-time band, on my own. I also got into vocal jazz after watching "Corrina, Corrina", a not-so-great movie which had parts focusing on the main characters' mutual love of such jazz.

We're all creative, free-thinking individuals here (OK, most of us). Nobody ever said they "needed" another person's opinion; however, we are all a lot richer for sharing our personal insights and recommendations.

Really, if you can't see that sharing opinions and asking for recommendations is a PART of open-mindedness, and NOT contrary to it, then you really HAVE missed the point.

Greg

[blixa]

Has she done anything as spooky as 'the Dreaming' (KB's best in my opinion) or that concept side of the 'Hounds of Love' record?

I don't mean that sounds like that, but that is kind of 'out there' and uncommercial like that???

the dreaming is my favorite record of kate's, too. it's beyond stunning and so varied. hmm. here is hoping that kate will finally release another record this year... and if it's even only a tenth as good as the dreaming, it's gonna be sweet.

anyway, the closest to the dreaming record is tori's Boys for Pele. Pele is a superb record and a favorite amongst fans, but it takes a long time to get into the record. tori plays a harpsichord on several songs.... and many songs are very... well... improvised and stark-colored.

[aMUSEd]

Has she done anything as spooky as 'the Dreaming' (KB's best in my opinion) or that concept side of the 'Hounds of Love' record?

I don't mean that sounds like that, but that is kind of 'out there' and uncommercial like that???

the dreaming is my favorite record of kate's, too. it's beyond stunning and so varied. hmm. here is hoping that kate will finally release another record this year... and if it's even only a tenth as good as the dreaming, it's gonna be sweet.

anyway, the closest to the dreaming record is tori's Boys for Pele. Pele is a superb record and a favorite amongst fans, but it takes a long time to get into the record. tori plays a harpsichord on several songs.... and many songs are very... well... improvised and stark-colored.

I couldn't agree more - I've long rated that album as Kate's best myself too. The Night of the Swallow makes me cry

If Pele is anywhere near as good I'll have to check it out so thanks for the recommendation.

and Greg - thanks for understanding.

The whole point is that I do value other people's opinions and even if I find it hard to see how good Tori Amos is myself most of the time the fact that others whose opinions I respect rate her highly and my recent discovery of a song of her's that is also "beyond stunning" gives me some hope there might be more I will like. Or at least to give her a decent listen. It's a gross misunderstanding to see this as trying to "follow the herd".

[Jaeson Merrill]

there is nothing wrong with anyone listening to others' opinions about an artist, its the reason i listen to at least 75 percent of the music i do.

however, when its put like "is it cool to like this band? " then it gets really lame.....

sorry if i was harsh, amused.. just sick of seeing that go on..

[Lunch Money]

Thankfully nobody was asking if it was cool to like Tori. Phew!

Greg

[opiadream]

So I thought the best and perhaps fairest way to learn more about her material would be to ask her fans

Not really. The fairest way would be to buy her CD's and judge for yourself.
Why does it matter what fans think of her.
Obviously they are going to like which you dont as a starting point. So there inst really much we can do to convince you (not that we want to) is there?

Just go buy a CD.

pay for the CD then find out if you like it after the money is spent?
mmmmm
no thanks

[opiadream]

One more thought... I was just listening to the "Ladies of the Canyon" album again, and was reminded that Kate Bush is so obviously stealing from Joni Mitchell I guess I'll have to burn my KB CDs now...

so basically your saying you can't tell the difference between influence and rip-off

[Jaeson Merrill]

Thankfully nobody was asking if it was cool to like Tori. Phew!

actually, it was pretty much like that.

wondering if its " O K " to like her cause she supposedly sounds like someone else "EEK" amidst rumours and shady lyrics.

trendy indeed.

[opiadream]

supposedly

thats a good one

[Jaeson Merrill]

thats not the point

[jzero]

Agreed.

Which is what I was trying to say in my rant, but it's quite possible that nobody bothered to read it.

Greg

I read it, Lunch Money. I agreed with it very strongly. I just didn't have more to contribute, it was so thorough. Just so you know you're not alone, I'll chime in.

Tori Amos is phenominal on a good day. Merely excellent on a poor one. My very first reaction was "sounds like K. Bush". After a little more exposure to her music I long ago concluded that she's far more disturbed / interesting than Kate is (and I like Kate Bush). Tori does seem to dislike men, though. Can't say I blame her from her traumatic experiences.

For me, Tori Amos is the embodiment of the smart, passionate artist. Her fierce intensity cries out everywhere in her music. I know she's not for everyone... but for me, I can't think of a female musician that I respect or enjoy listening to more.

[Lunch Money]

Jaeson: I can see where you might have gotten that, so I apologize for my snarkiness. I just think that you're wrong about those of us who have been part of the conversation. Again, sorry for the tone.

jzero: Thanks, man, that makes my day; and I agree wholeheartedly with your own points. She seems to like one or two men, though, including Mr. Reznor. As for her passion, you only need listen without bias and it's there. Her studio recordings generally sound off the cuff (Under the Pink being a bit more produced for whatever reason), and if you see her live, there can be no doubting her passion and integrity. You don't play and sing like that just to make money.

Good vibes to all!

Greg

[Jaeson Merrill]

Lunch:

I assure you that, just as i have an open mind with music, i also do with people

I took no offense and i hope my tone was interpreted correctly as well.

its hard when your on the net all you have is:

and

[aMUSEd]

Thankfully nobody was asking if it was cool to like Tori. Phew!

actually, it was pretty much like that.

wondering if its " O K " to like her cause she supposedly sounds like someone else "EEK" amidst rumours and shady lyrics.

trendy indeed.

I fail to see how you can continue with this misunderstanding of this thread. I don't give a toss about what's cool or trendy and never have. I just felt maybe I wasn't giving her a chance because of my strong impression she was ripping off one of my favourite artists so I asked people whose opinions about music I respect for their views and suggestions of tracks that might help to challenge my biases.