Tori Amos

As you may or may not be aware, on May 1, 2007, Tori’s 9th studio album “American Doll Posse” was released. I’m still digesting the album, personally, but here is some basic info:

It was completely written and produced by Tori, herself, and is available in two formats: The Standard version and the Limited Edition Deluxe version. The Deluxe version includes 5 collectible postcards, a 36-page full color booklet with lyrics, and a bonus DVD with a bonus track as well as behind the scenes footage of the creation of the 5 “American Dolls” featured on this disc. (I’ll get into the different Dolls in a minute)

For the avid Tori fan, the deluxe edition is a must have, but if you are just curious about the album, the standard version should be enough. Both versions can be purchased through iTunes by clicking here: Standard Version and the Deluxe Version

Here is “Big Wheel” performed on the Late Show with David Letterman, aired May 3, 2007.

On to the “dolls” of this album: Tori is featured as Isabel, Clyde, Santa, Tori and Pip – each have their own distinct voice or message, and combined, they make a complete woman. Tori has long been a critic of the Right-Wing, christian patriarchy so apparent in modern (especially the U.S.) culture, and has never been shy about saying so… loudly. So now, after being dismembered, literally and figuratively, by these rules the feminine essence of the Greek Mother Goddesses has reassembled to take back the power.

In the 36-page booklet, each woman has her songs listed next to her photo, so you can get the idea of who is saying what and which “personality” is responsible for which message. It may seem a little jarring or strange at first, but Tori is nothing if not totally and brutally honest about her process. My husband is a musician and he immediately conceded to the idea that as an artist, in order to truly create and compose different music, one does really have to take the identity of another. Or at the very least, open one’s self up to the idea of another perspective. Tori has always been an advocate of the “cycle” involved with being a performer: the performer gives, the audience receives… but then the cycle reverses, the audience is capable of giving and the performer is allowed to receive as well.

Thoughts on this, the latest from Tori???

Tori Amos, American Doll Posse