A Piano: The Collection

Today's the release day for that other Holy Grail, Tori Amos' 'A Piano: The Collection.' This is a five-disc boxed set spanning Tori's entire solo career. While it's true that I've collected every single and CD from Ms. Amos that I could possibly find in the last fourteen years, this set also includes previously unreleased tracks and alternate remixes of many of the songs, including a definitive version of 'Little Earthquakes.'

Hmm. Seems Lucas is not the only one who likes to tool with his previously brilliant and perfect work. ;) I'm a fan of the original works, generally, but I can appreciate remastering things and making things sound a bit...'better.' The 'Little Earthquakes' CD, while being a masterpiece musically, is poorly mixed. I pondered if it was just that I had actually worn out the CD, the way we used to wear out albums and cassette tapes. But since CDs do not degrade or fade with time, I realized that it's just the way the CD was mixed. So, here's hoping the newer mix is louder, at least. And three of my favorite songs (previously B sides) are now a part of that album, as was originally intended: 'Upside Down,' 'Take to the Sky,' and 'Sweet Dreams.'

Every B side is included in this set, I believe, except for some live versions of songs from the regular albums. And the 'new' songs seem to be Tori Amos in classic form, based on what I've heard so far. Most interesting, for me, of course, are the complete notes for every song. I've been waiting for an explanation to some of these songs for years! haha The funny thing is, Bean and I always say: Even when Tori explains what a song means, a lot of the time we still don't understand the explanation. ha

For Tori Amos die-hards, this set is a must. And it comes in a nifty box shaped like piano keys. For the casual or new fan, pick up 'Little Earthquakes' and 'Scarlet's Walk,' for God's sake! Your life is not complete without them. ;)

I don't believe I've done a list regarding Tori Amos songs, here. That's probably impossible to do. But then, so was the character list, so I'll give it a shot.

The Best of Tori Amos

1) Crucify: "Nothing I do is good enough for you..."
My favorite song of all time, and one that completely takes me off of this planet every time I hear it, musically and lyrically. I'm not sure what dimension I go to, but it's a happy place. There might be elves there. This song spoke to me immediately because of the frustration and heartache behind it, and the hope at the end of it.

2) Girl: "She's been everybody else's girl; maybe one day she'll be her own..."
Coming from a past of codependent behavior and obsessive relationships with people and things, I never felt I was my own person, until a few years ago when I entered therapy. This song hits the nail on the head for those feelings of inadequacy, just as 'Crucify' did.

3) Tear in Your Hand: "Maybe she's just pieces of me you've never seen.."
There are always parts of us we hide, for one reason or another. Until I learned to put it all down on paper, I hid a lot of who I was, from everyone. There's a reason I'm quiet and reserved in 'real life' (as opposed to here, in writing, where I'll share my whole soul with complete strangers). Mostly, it had to do with self-esteem, something I never understood or had much of a concept of (through no fault of anyone, except myself). Anyway, this song just flows so nicely, and even though it's about a breakup, I always read it as something deeper, about the breakup of one's loving side. If that makes any sense.

4) Take to the Sky: "I just want a little passion, to hold me in the dark...I know I got some magik buried deep in my heart..."
Songs about liberation and passion are always favorites. This is such a catchy tune, coupled with the perfect lyrics, that it's always a crowd favorite. If you've ever felt you were trapped in a situation, and wanted a great change, this song's for you. And the lyrics are crystal clear. :)

5) Upside Down: "But you see I'm tangled up..."
With a flowing melody and another great metaphor, this once-B side has always been a fave of mine, and Tori's, according to what she's said in interviews. It was meant for 'Little Earthquakes,' and seems to have finally found its place.

6) Past the Mission: "Past the mission...I smell the roses..."
The combination of the bass piano, Trent Reznor's duet vocals, and Tori's dark theme make this song what I like to call a 'dark classic.' There's something very otherworldly about this song; indeed, it's about Jesus and Mary Magdalene, and in the end, is very hopeful (that's what the roses represent). The melody itself is what gets me; very soulful.

7) Sugar: "And I know, and you know...I don't know me..very well..."
The live version of this song with the band is so good, Bean and I listen to it back to back, repeatedly, to calm us down sometimes. Another B side that is better than most album tracks. If you get the chance (blessing!) to see this in concert, you know what I mean when I say it transcends.

8) Space Dog: "Somewhere someone must know the ending..."
I have no idea what this song's about. I'll admit it. But the tune is so incredible, I have to love it. Tori said once that it was about the people we make into public figures. Like, Space Dog, a fictional character, could be someone people look up to, because people are weird like that. I guess. Truly, the lyrics are so fabulous and nonsensical that I gave up trying to understand years ago. But it's still a great song; one of her best.

9) Caught a Lite Sneeze: "I need a big loan from the girl zone..."
Tori was getting over the breakup of a serious relationship (10 years!), and it showed, on this CD, 'Boys for Pele.' It was all about reuniting with your inner girlfriend. As a feminist, I like such themes, naturally. But more than that, it was about dealing with a loss and a major change in life. Tori deals with these things flawlessly, something I envy and admire.

10) Hey Jupiter: "And I thought I wouldn't have to be, with you, a magazine..."
I love the complete and utter sadness in this song. It was also evident when she performed this on SNL, and in the video. As I always say, I'm drawn to sadness and want to erase it for any person I see who suffers. Which of course, would be all of us. If you have to suffer, though, it helps if you set your suffering to a beautiful piano melody and breathtaking vocals.

11) Spark: "Doubting if there's a woman in there somewhere..."
The only thing more painful than losing a relationship would be losing a child, which happened to Tori three times. And yet she still smiles. Her unbelievable strength is her most endearing quality, among many incredible qualities. But the question she poses is: "How many Fates turn around in the overtime?" And Fate was kind, at last: Tori's daughter Natashya is now six.

12) Northern Lad: "Girl you've got to know when it's time to turn the page...."
The stark piano and a brilliant showcase of her vocals makes this song one of those transcendant types. I could listen to her voice all day. I think at some point, I have. :)

13) Bliss: "Maybe we're a bliss of another kind..."
Tori's strained relationship with her father is examined here, and in the end we understand that as much as she might fight certain beliefs in regards to her father (mainly, The Church), she's a part of him, and can't deny it. I put this song in there with what I call one of her 'dark' songs, because she uses the bass piano keys a lot, and it makes the song feel dark in tone. Dark=Great. :)

14) Concertina: "I run into your thought from across the room..."
Lest anyone think Tori is all 'dark' and 'weird,' I give you 'Concertina.' This song sounds and feels like it was written in the clouds themselves, it's so light and airy. It's the keyboard that makes it so. Plus, this song has some of my favorite metaphorical lyrics. "You're the fiercest calm I've been in..." Indeed.

15) 1,000 Oceans: "If I'm floating in the darkness, well..."
Hmm. Seems I like the dark and sad songs the best. Well? They came from her heart; that's why I like them. Anyone can yap about being happy; very few can capture the darker emotions. This song was about the death of her husband's father, and is the best song about loss ever written. It'll be the song I play when my parents pass, and it'll be the song that helps me heal. It's such a beautiful song, musically and vocally, that I wish Tori would put out a pure instrumental version, so that we could bypass the emotion in the lyrics sometimes. But as with all of her music, the two go hand in hand. There's no avoiding death; I'm just glad some of us know how to inspire the rest of us to heal.

16) A Sorta Fairytale: "Like a good book I can't put this day back..."
Nobody captures the breakup quite like Tori! This is a very upbeat song, based on the actual melody, but with bittersweet lyrics about a relationship gone. When she gets to the "You lost me" part, her voice gets scratchy, sounding better than it ever has.

17) Taxi Ride: "I'm glad you're on my side...still..."
We begged and begged to hear this live, and finally did, on what was her best tour, the Scarlet's Walk Tour. This was also her best album to date. This tribute to her late friend Kevin Aucoin never leaves me sad, but instead leaves me feeling he was honored, and remembered.

18) Virginia: "But as always the thing that he loves he will change from her..."
It's the piano, and a great vocal moment near the end of the song where she shows great range, that draw me to this one. Well, the fact that it's about my home state (as well as an actual person) helps. :)

19) Sweet the Sting: "Love let me breathe, breathe you in...Melt the confusion.. until there is you - union..."
That's the relationship I want, right there. True Union. This song makes me want to do things I shouldn't really print (It's a very sensual song). ;)

20) The Power of Orange Knickers: "Can somebody tell me now who is this terrorist?
This little pill in my hand that keeps the pain laughin'....."
Duets suit Tori well. Her voice blends nicely with Damien Rice in this rant against different types of terrorism (all American-bred).

I could go on, I'm sure.
Tori Amos is the woman I wish I was: strong, brilliant, talented, and kind.
And oh yeah. Those Faeries? I'd trust them, if I were you.

:)

Have a great day!