Tori Amos has never been an artist for everybody. One of her first hits was a song a capella talking about the night she was raped. Another hit of her was a song where she asked god if he needed a girlfriend. Her biggest hit is a song that ends with "gimme peace, love and a hard cock" (but, obviously, the hit was the remix that didn't include that line, damn you Van Helden). "To Venus And Back" is a double album that may help you to appreciate Tori's music. The first disc includes 11 songs written in studio. There's the dark tecno of "Suede" and "Juárez", that will take you to the 1998 masterpiece "From The Choirgirl Hotel"; there's the fragile piano of "1000 oceans" and "Josephine", as examples of the power of her early songs; there's the experimentation of "Dátura" (and "Zero point", that unfortunately was not included in the album but can be found on the recopilation "A Piano"), that's a more evolved version of songs of "Boys For Pele". The second disc is Tori in concert. If Tori in studio is too weird for you, you must listen this little person having sex with a piano. Because Tori doesn't play the piano: she has sex with the piano. The connection between her fingers and the piano is pure emotion, pure libido. And if you can't notice it on the studio album, you will find it in the live album. The selection of the songs is very strange (there's only one song from "Choirgirl" and "Pele"), but surprisingly it works. The quality of sound is superb, the audience is not disturbing with the aplauses and the yelling, so you can listen every instrument. And the lyrics... Well, what can I say about the lyrics... "Father, I killed my monkey, I let it out to taste the sweet of Spring". The album starts with that line. What else can I say?Read full review
I was hesitant to add this double album to my Tori collection because I rarely enjoy live recordings. But since I can never get enough of Tori's unique sound, I went ahead and bought it. After all, at least one of the CD's contained all new music, and I could always discard the other. No need. Tori Amos turns out to be one of those rare artists that doesn't destroy their own music live! The songs are recognizable, but fresh, and there are absolutely no gaping holes where you so miss a certain part of a song that it ruins the rest for you. The new studio songs were signature Tori, studded with a few that you know are going to be passionate favorites, and the live CD was more than just listen-able. Nor was it just passable renditions of songs that you'd rather hear the other version of. They each had a fresh attraction of their own. Viva again, Tori.Read full review
I fell in love with Tori's music after I first heard her perform "Father Lucifer" on David Letterman. Boys for Pele is my favorite album, but Venus is my second. TVAB is one of T's deepest, darkest sonic worlds. She describes it as an exploration of the heart, and although one could get lost in her forest of metaphores, her vocals perfectly communicate her emotions. The live album does not disappoint, it's a livewire plugged directly into the Siren. "Sugar" and "Waitress" will be in your head for days. Put it on when you're alone or blast it as you cruise around town. Venus will become one of your closest girlfriends.
Lost this CD years ago and I was happy to find it again at a decent price. Good quality CD no scratches and no skipping. Happy with my purchase..
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Very nice to get
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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