Tori Amos - Tales of a Librarian: A Tori Amos Collection (Bonus DVD)

The first compilation of Tori Amos hits from her multi-platinum catalog... Remixed. Re-Mastered. Revealed. She has sold fifteen million records worldwide, done numerous sold-out world tours, and has amassed one of the most loyal followings in contemporary music. Now Tori Amos gives her fans more of the soul-searching lyrics and complex melodies that her devotees have come to live and breathe for. Sixteen of her most popular songs...plus two re-recorded rarities and two brand-new tracks heard here for the very first time. Twenty songs in all -- plus a bonus DVD featuring three newly filmed live songs, and two additional Remixed 5.1 Audio Tracks -- forging the first-ever definitive Tori Amos Collection. Album Description

Closer & Closer : She Almost Got it Right

Every Tori Amos Record is an occasion worth celebrating, and so it was with "Tales of a Librarian", which remains her only official 'Greatest Hits' Album, at this point. I actually think this album does a great job of introducing Tori Amos to newer audiences, especially ones who would do well to start with her more 'mainstream' music and then progress to her more esoteric and experimental pieces.

This set came before the "Scarlets' Walk" Era, and I find every song choice impeccable (even ones that other reviewers seem to complain about). My take is that if you approach this as a Tori fan (as I have been for years), you are bound to be disappointed (I see these are the same critics who have bad things to say even about her mammoth 5-CD Piano Box Collection). However, if you recognize that this is perhaps the best introduction to Amos that you can possibly get on CD, then you'll appreciate it for what it is.

The two new tracks are great. "Snow Cherries from France" in particular is really great, and its not even mentioned these days. Pity, because it closes a really spectacular album, really. They made a great decision to include "Precious Things" as the first track here, as I consider it one of her all time best singles. And how nice that they chose to include a B-Side, "Sweet Dreams" on this as well - along with "Take to the Sky" (not on this album), they were the best things on her "Winter" EP back in the day.

Tori Amos is a revolutionary musician, and I believe she has changed the musical landscape. Though it might seem like she has a huge fanbase, a huge majority of people actually still don't know anything about her work past "Crucify". This edition is meant for those people. If you want to start someone off on the road to Amos, this is your album to do that with.

1. Precious Things
2. Angels
3. Silent All These Years
4. Cornflake Girl
5. Mary
6. God
7. Winter
8. Spark
9. Way Down
10. Professional Widow
11. Mr. Zebra
12. Crucify
13. Me And A Gun
14. Bliss
15. Playboy Mommy
16. Baker Baker
17. Tear In Your Hand
18. Sweet Dreams
19. Jackie's Strength
20. Snow Cherries From France November 18, 2008

Depends on if you own other Tori....

If you don't own any other Tori, then get this! A great collection of her music. If you own her other stuff, don't waste your $ because it is all the same exacts songs as you already have. As of the 4 that aren't on other CD's, definitely download them individually. November 10, 2008

A best of

It's hard not to like a "Best of, Remixed." There were some I wish had made the cut, some I wish had not. All-in-all I spin this one pretty often. August 1, 2007

A Good Compilation

I thought that this was a great compilation album to her previous records. The songs were well selected for the album. It does a great job at spanning her career as an artist. I would recommend this album for those that would like to get to know Tori as an artist a bit better before going and buying her other albums. Generally, I found this album to be well worth listening to. May 14, 2007

Good Starting Point For A New Tori Amos Listener

I saw a couple of Tori's CD's at a Wal-Mart, enough to spark up curiosity. My first exposure to her music was her live Video of a benefit concert. This actually bored me, but I decided to give her a second chance and listen to this project. I'm glad I did.

For those who have not seen my profile or my other reviews, I am coming from the perspective of a songwriter and of an ordained minister (Fundamentalist). I was not able to follow her lyrics and can tell she has religious and philosophical themes, but am not sure if they are compatible, different, or antagonistic to mine. "Crucify" does seem to speak about dealing with shame, for example; I'm one that believes shame is useful if based on a specific action with a specific resolution, and harmful if not accompanied with reason or resolution. I'm not sure if she is dealing with harmful shame, or condemning shame across the board.

Tori Amos is very creative, and the packaging of this project is exhibit A. She has a listing of the Dewey Decimal System, and then catalogs her songs according to the subject.

Overall, I enjoy her sound. I don't know how to label her music, and I consider that a good thing. Another reviewer said that a greatest hits compilation is not always the best intro for a new listener, but said that this is an exception, and I agree 100%.

November 23, 2006

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