TORI AMOS - STRANGE LITTLE GIRLS (eastwest)
Reviewer - Michael Osborn
This talented performer has never been afraid to speak of intensely personal experiences through her songs.
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For this new album, Amos puts down her pen and concentrates on cover versions. Written by men, she has contrived to bring a woman's perspective to bear on their music and experiences.
Eminem, Neil Young, Tom Waits and the music of The Beatles and Depeche Mode are some of the male artists who have been reinterpreted by Tori Amos.
That track that attracts immediate attention is Eminem's 97 Bonnie & Clyde, which broods quietly. The sinister narrative has simple instrumentation, in which Amos gives a voice to the slain wife.ннннннннннннн
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Depeche Mode's Enjoy The Silence is transformed from its original electro-pop with just Amos's voice and piano. The tune's stark metamorphosis is very effective and unlike many covers, couldn't have been altered more.
Another old classic to be reworked is 10cc's I'm Not In Love. A spooky backdrop makes it sound so different from the swirling optimism of the "big boys don't cry" original.нн
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And Bob Geldof's snarling of I Don't Like Mondays is negated by Amos.ннннн
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Always innovative and original, Amos does not fail to please with this intriguing collection. Her skills as a vocalist and musician are very strong, and she puts her stamp all over this.
