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Four years ago, a very talented pianist flawlessly played “Leather” while
singing along. I was in awe. It was not only due to this girl’s
fine musical talent, but the music that flowed from her fingertips.
I had to know who wrote such a song. It was, who else? Tori
Amos. From that moment on, I was a fan. I ran out and bought
“Spark” then “Little Earthquakes,” and my boyfriend gave me “To Venus and
Back” as a gift.
“Little Earthquakes” is a unique arrangement of songs. To discuss
every song on this album would be the start of a book, not an article.
I will merely highlight a few of the songs that musically, as well as lyrically,
move me. It opens with “Crucify,” in which I interpret, one questions
the values and beliefs one grows up with. The desperate search for
someone or something to cleanse sinful acts, and not finding resolution:
“I’ve been looking for a savior in these dirty streets. Looking for
a savior beneath these dirty sheets.”
boy,
you best pray that i
BLEED
real
soon...
"SILENT ALL THESE YEARS"
Tori Amos 1991 |
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My absolute favorite Tori song is also on this album. Opening with
vigorous musical chords, one simply has to feel the frustration and anger
that this song leads into. “Precious Things” is a personal account
of the difficulty and rejection of early teenage years and what they were
supposed to be. It is so easy to relate to that I get swept up in
her story of “Billy” and the other girls; “with their nine inch nails and
little fascist panties tucked inside the heart of every nice girl.”
The first crush, not fitting in with the feminine pristine girls, and the
“Christian boys” that are free to do as they please, and did. Its
rapid pace and familiar lyrics make it almost impossible not to get caught
up in her reflection of younger years. |
