Tori Amos 2
Two years ago, we saw Tori.
Three weeks ago, we saw her again.
We had fantastic seats: above and to the right of the stage, facing her piano: effectively looking down her top for the first set. I think these might have been better than nosebleed section, who were up close and personal with her feet, while we could really see what was going on.
(Tori and the band)
Body and Soul
God
Dragon
Secret Spell
You Can Bring Your Dog
I went to this concert for Tori Amos and not America Doll Posse. I love Tori Amos. Her original studio albums have all been great… until American Doll Posse, with its horrible lyrics and tired sound. I did have some hope that a live performance would really pick the songs up… a hope which was crushed in the first set. The band were directed to play boring rock parts, and they were louder in the mix than Tori’s piano. There was also too much use of samples of Tori’s voice, making one wonder if she was singing at all, and, if so, why she was bothering.
(The band)
Professional Widow remix interlude
It was worrying when the band played an excellent dance remix of Professional Widow without Tori. Matt Chamberlain in particular is just an amazing drummer, I kept thinking he must be using drum machines, but no.
(Tori)
Big Wheel
Space Dog
Tombigbee
Cornflake Girl
Bells for Her
Caught a Lite Sneeze
Winter
Improvised breakfast song
Taxi Ride
The next set started with Big Wheel, the single from the new album, which I like, but Tori wrecked it live, dropping words, holding the vocals a couple of beats behind the piano, slowing it down, generally trying to be slow and abstract with a song that is basically big and bold. Luckily she then got into her older material.
I would kill for a good recording of her epic rendition of Space Dog. It blew my mind. I thought: if there’s nothing else tonight, there’s been this. But there was more. Tori Amos rescued the concert from American Doll Posse.
(Tori and the band)
Father’s Son
Bliss
Code Red
Precious Things
Tear in Your Hand
Finally, she gave us what I’d really come for, what I needed to hear after the bad start: old material played well with the band. Precious Things was to die for. Tori was adding bits and pieces like mad on the piano, and Matt Chamberlain was giving it right back to her with what seemed like 12 arms and 8 legs. The energy level was incredible and when the song climaxed the crowd went nuts!
(Thanks to B for finding the setlist!)