Includes bonus DVD.
Personnel: Tori Amos (vocals, piano); Steve Caton, Mac Aladdin (guitar, mandolin); Willie Porter (guitar); Al Perkins (pedal steel); John Chamberlain (mandolin); Eric Williams (ukulele); Jef Scott, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Jon Evans, George Porter Jr. (bass); Ed Green, Carlo Nuccio, Matt Chamberlain, Manu Katche (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (percussion); Eric Rosse, (programming); Nancy Shanks, Tina Gullickson (background vocals).
Producers: Tori Amos, Eric Rosse.
Compilation producers: Tori Amos, Jon Astley.
A fascinating and emotive performer, Tori Amos first entranced listeners in 1992 with her acclaimed solo debut, LITTLE EARTHQUAKES. The intriguing TALES OF A LIBRARIAN collection files songs from that landmark release along with others from the following 11 years.
Clearly--and proudly--influenced by Kate Bush, Amos can indulge in lush, dramatic compositions as on "Precious Things" and "Crucify," but she is also capable of whittling her songs down to spare piano-and-vocal tunes such as "Way Down" and "Baker Baker." Amos shows even further range on this compilation by including the beat-heavy dance remix of "Professional Widow" and noticeably "reconditioned" tracks such as "Crucify" and "God." And, of course, the renowned redhead also sticks to the time-honored two-new-tracks tradition, offering up the dreamy "Angels" and the spry "Snow Cherries from France." In addition, the DVD portion of this release features live performances, remixes, and more for the sure-to-be-pleased Tori enthusiast.
What the critics say...
Q (1/04, p.128) - 3 stars out of 5 - "Carefully thought-out, it makes a resonant musical diary of Amos's career to date."
Uncut (1/04, p.120) - 5 stars out of 5 - "Then, as now, Amos touches raw nerves like no other singer-songwriter."
Mojo (Publisher) (2/04, p.110) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[A] fine best of/bonuses record which eschews facsimile retreads....A highly enjoyable game of spot the difference."
