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Concert Review
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Concert Review
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The September 1, 1999 edition of the Boston Herald reviewed Tori's concert in Boston/Mansfield, MA on August 31, 1999.
Powerhouse pair work well together Wednesday, September 1, 1999
Alanis Morissette and Tori Amos, at Tweeter Center, Mansfield, last night.
Tori Amos and Alanis Morissette on tour together? A few years ago promoters
might've nixed this complementary, dual female tour. But in this post-Lilith world
the powerhouse pairing of these two distinct singer-songwriters filled the Tweeter
Center to near capacity last night.
Isn't it ironic?
The distaff duo, on what they've dubbed the "5 Weeks" tour, each played
seventy-five minute sets, with Amos graciously ceding the top slot to her younger
friend.
The shorter sets were the perfect length to appreciate the stunning strengths of
both women without getting bogged down in what can be their annoying
affectations.
Amos set the tone with a superb, rollicking show that began with an agitated
"God." Her addition of a backing trio continues to make for engaging, funky
performances.
"Cornflake Girl" was marked by ominous bass lines and furious piano key strokes
while a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Angie" was filled with longing and hurt.
While Amos' piano bench thrashings came off as seductive and inviting,
Morissette's restless stalking of the stage and spasmodic choreography seem more
inward looking.
Both clearly enjoy living inside their grooves, however.
Morissette began warmly with the playful harmonica warbles of "Hand in My
Pocket" before moving into the churning wah-wah licks of "All I Really Want."
"You Oughta Know" was recast with sinuous bass and tense guitar work that made
the song more a crimson fury than wildly desperate.
A new song "Still," from Morissette's upcoming film "Dogma" in which she
portrays God, was notable for its lyrics.
Morissette wrote it from her character's point of view and its magnanimity of
perspective showed a real eloquence and appreciation for individual spirituality.
That feeling carried into the majesty of piano anthem "Uninvited" and the
gracious night closer "Thank You."
by Sarah Rodman
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