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TORI AMOS From The Choirgirl Hotel (Warner) I've had a soft spot for the quirky red headed piano player- singer/songwriter ever since hearing the single 'Silent All These Years' from her Little Earthquakes album. Now Tori Amos has made a very classy, more contemporary record than any of her previous efforts to date. One can never be sure whether she's the playful girl next door or the avenging angel! What ever she is, she's passionate and animated in her devotion to her subject. From the prickly self doubt of 'Spark' to affirmations of strength, to the suffering in 'Black Dove(January)', Tori wends her way through a gambit of emotions. 'Black Dove (January)' and another song called 'Playboy Mommy' seem to make allusions to the loss of a child. There are the usual references to the illusions of love and happiness in songs like 'Jackie's Strength', 'Hotel' and 'Northern Lad'. Tori abandons the minimalist approach of 1996's Boys For Pele for a more industrial sound on From The Choirgirl Hotel. With a lacing of ballads like the beautifully orchestrated 'Black Dove (January)'. From The Choirgirl Hotel is produced by Tori and she provides some great piano work here in. It's difficult to pick favourite tracks as each one has something to offer. Kate Bush still seems to have an influence in Tori's vocal style, especially on the driving 'She's Your Cocaine'. There's no doubt that Tori Amos is still able to create inventive and thought provoking music of a standard consistency with any of her past work. Micheil Reid mrgalaxy@free.net.nz Click on album image to see larger album cover 
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