you for a while

An article based on a phone interview with Tori Amos was printed in the Salt Lake Tribune last week in anticipation of her show last Thursday.

This interviewer/writer (by the name of David Burger) appears to have a very good surface knowledge of Tori and her career. Bummer…I won’t get to trash this guy like I did Victoria Macci (the Izzy-hater, ADP-not-understander who reviewed Tori’s Fort Myers show). He referred to her ill-fated Y Kant Tori read days and described her transition into the realm of solo work with Little Earthquakes, showcasing her more famous covers from that era: Smells Like Teen Spirit and Angie. I did cringe, however, when he compared Tori’s piano stylings to “fellow redhead” Jerry Lee Lewis. But, whatev. Comparisons are a journalists crutch and they use them when the can. I understand this.

Mr. Burger described American Doll Posse, a largely political vendetta, as quite a bit different from her other more personal albums. Strange Little Girls must not have crossed his radar, but other than that, points to him for the more accurate comparison. The interview was heavy on the “minister’s daughter” theme, and Tori was quoted as saying, ““As a good minister’s daughter, you have to fight ideology with ideology…Words can be more powerful than any weapon.”

True that, and this must have been exceptionally difficult for her to do in the religious hotbed that is Utah. Tori disagreed when Mr. Burger pointed this out, saying that she had family in the area and could trace her roots back here to some extent. She felt at home here because of this connection. Besides, she said…”I have Young Republicans coming to my shows. I open my door to them. It’s not about a party, it’s about consciousness.” In other words, Tori ain’t scared

As we all know, Tori has not necessarily been showcasing American Doll Posse songs in her setlists. Some shows have actually been quite Little Earthquakes heavy (like Louisville), while others may be all about some Scarlet’s Walk. Tori came right out and admitted this during her interview, saying that she does not consider “older” songs as old, but rather as good friends that continue to walk with her and talk with her wherever she goes.

Mr. Burger gave Yoav some love in this interview, too, allowing the musician to discuss his thoughts on his own unique musical stylings. Turns out, Yoav thinks of himself less as a musician and more of a “DJ with an acoustic guitar.” I like this guy. I hope he does well and comes out with an album soon!

Anyway, back to this journalist’s comparison technique: It turns out that Tori Amos was playing the same night in Salt Lake as fellow pianist Billy Joel. He asked Tori if she was intimidated by this “competition.” Of course, Tori shrugged, saying that if she had the night off, she’d most def be jammin’ at the Billy Joel concert.

Source.

Filed under: Press/Articles on November 26th, 2007