|
SCRATCH Zine
|
|
|
SCRATCH Zine
|
There is a good review of "from the choirgirl hotel" in the June 1998 issue of SCRATCH Magazine, a local punk zine. It was written by megan tesch (the MEGANATRIX), who also sent me the review.
from the choirgirl hotel
What is it that we consider punk rock? Is it the distorted guitars? Is it doing the unexpected? Is it making music that means something or fights for something? Is it being yourself,despite society's stereotypes? Well, then Tori Amos is a punk rocker. She fits my ideal of what punk is suppose to be. Although, she may not look the part, she definitely can play it. Tori Amos makes music that means something, not only to herself but to her fans as well. From the beginning, Tori has been rebelling against the root of rebellion: Religion, and she hasn't stopped. Tori's latest offering FTCGH, is brilliant without sacrificing any integrity. Once agian she has called on all the forces to join in on her latest effort. This album is so different from her previous work it's either hard to swallow or eagerly welcomed. Distorted guitars, east indian drum beats and her faithful piano, surround the whole album. Through tragedy comes some of Tori's best music and she's not afraid to share it. That unashamed,relentless,and often uncompromising talent is not only refreshing but well needed in this world of sugar coated female rock. Not many artists will cut their wrist so you can watch them bleed. Nor, are there many artists who write music from the heart despite what their critics have to say. Furthermore, I dont know of many female musicians who actually rock live. This is where Tori is at her best. Tori doesn't care if you dont like her. I dont care either. However, what is the reason we make music in the first place, creative expression or public admiration? FTCGH is plush and complex. You have to crawl into the songs to learn how to walk away from them with some kind of understanding. Tori Amos is blunt and sometimes very evil. I mean the girl said she gave Jesus a blow job. Now that's punk rock. That's a smack in the face of society who for some reaason holds female musicians at different standards. Punk rock is rebeling for freedom of expression. It's fighting for what you believe. It's a fight to be yourself for the sheer fact of being who you are. Sure Tori Amos may not come to mind as the next punk rock invasion, but she definately is a force to be reckoned with. If believing in what you do isn't considered punk rock, than I don't know what point there is in believing.
Please give me feedback, comments, or suggestions about my site. Email me (Michael Whitehead) at mikewhy@iglou.com