DMIKE ROSS -- Express Writer
FROM THE CHOIRGIRL HOTEL
Tori Amos
(Warner)
The Kate Bush from hell is in fine, spooky,
shocking form on her latest album, a mind-numbing
array of fascinating rhythms, outworldly sounds and
cringe-inducing cryptic lyrics that lightly brush
against topics too horrible to speak of. Not quite as
strange as Bjork - but close - this is musical film
noir.
Inspired by a miscarriage Amos suffered, this is the
kind of record that will brook no ambivalence.
While more accessible than previous work, you will
either hate it or love it. No in-betweens. The
honesty and almost frightening passion with which
Amos approaches her music has seen to that. For
good or ill, the artist's personality comes across in
vivid, lurid color. Love, hate, despair, sex and
death and treated with the same sultry venom. It's
chilling.
Recommended, but only for those with strong
constitutions.