2021 – Decca
One day back in the early 90s, I was watching MTV as I did often. Typical videos of the day were dancing on my screen until one I hadn't seen or heard before appeared. The first visuals were so different from what was the general fare at that time, and the music…It was just a piano with this cool opening line. This woman with fiery red hair suddenly captivated me with her unique look, which was a far cry from the trends that were present in that moment in time. Then the voice. That voice… I was transfixed and, dare I say, in love with its tone and character. Where on Earth did she come from? That song was "Silent All These Years", and the artist, as you can guess from above, was/is Tori Amos. I watched every time she came onto MTV or VH1, and, in time, she would become one of the most favorite and most influential artists of my entire life.
Had my life trajectory from birth through my teens been different, I might have been able to take this incredible inspiration (and what would become a very deep influence) and become a musical artist in my own right, but that, sadly, was not meant to be. (At least, not then.) Both trauma (whatever kind) and time are wicked things. I still have time to do something with my talents, they just won't be what they might have been.
As I my life continued and shifted over the years, so had Tori's, and her musical style shifted, too, as to be expected. Sometimes you grow and shift with your favorite artists, and sometimes you don't. After Scarlet's Walk, Tori's music started connecting less and becoming more hit and miss to total misses. This was disconcerting to me, especially when fellow fans seemed to start dividing into camps ('it's okay that we don't love everything she does, we still love her', 'no! You're not a real fan! We are because we love every little thing she does and says!', 'you're all making too big a deal out of this, it's just music' and so on and so on). Me? I was of the mind that it was okay to not click with it all, and I could still love and respect Tori even if we were in different places. And that's where I am at with Tori's music today.
Overall, Ocean to Ocean isn't a bad album at all. It's got wonderful bits and I know fans seem to adore "Devil's Bane" amongst other tracks on it. For me, it's not what I really vibe with at this stage of my life. It may change one day, it may not, but I can revisit it any time I want to find out.
And that's what I shall do.
I did listen to this album prior to seeing Tori live back in May (my first Tori show since 3 November 2007 actually…) and, at that time, I found it to be just okay. At this moment, after spending more time on it, I think it's a solid album. Tori did a great job on it as did all all of her creatures. I find the stand out, and probably my favorite track, to be "Metal Water Wood". I'm not sure how to describe it, but it has a unique sound compared to the rest, with some aspects seeming almost Native American inspired. (I could be completely talking out of my ass here, but that's what crossed my mind as I listened.) It hit me strong in my heart chakra (yes, I'm one of those people) and I simply cannot ignore that. I will have to listen to it more. It is pretty great, honestly.
As for the rest of the album… One of the best things about this album is the strings. The way they weave into some songs and just lift them up… John Philip Shenale did an incredible job. They just elevate this entire album, bringing Tori's songs the partnership that they deserved. (Especially in the case of the final track, "Birthday Baby". It would be amazing live with an orchestra.) "Swim to New York" got better and better as the strings came in, highlighting the song so perfectly, and the driving sound of "Spies" wouldn't quite be as good as it is without them. Many kudos! *applause* Will done!
"Flowers Burn to Gold" is one of the gems on the album, coming back to the classic 'girl and her piano' but with more clarity and maturity. It is a simple yet beautiful track. I also want to give a mention to "29 Years", which I also feel is among the album's best. It's got a nice vibe, with a slightly haunting feel, with a great break out section in the last half to last third or so of the track. It's definitely worth a listen.
However I may connect (or not connect, as it were) to this latter stage of Tori's music career, I have incredible respect for her, and her influence will always be an integral piece of my overall existence. Nothing will ever change that for me. Although she does have songs I borderline despise (yes, that does happen lol), she has songs that still flow through me and will never leave me, that will always continue to breathe within my soul somewhere. Tori is, and will always be, a significant piece of my musical DNA.
~*~
Check out Ocean to Ocean for yourself,
buy it if you like it, and see what Tori is up to
through the links down below.
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