Pollyphoniac wrote:
I share this sentiment, but only as long as we speak of Tori's studio recordings. if I should rank her albums I would unhesitatingly place the first four (not counting YKTR) on top, way above all her later work (and I might not even have become a toriphile if I had only listened to her later albums).
I agree with all of you, just partialy. I do love of course, LE, UTP, BFP and FTCH, very very hard. I can still hear them and enjoy them as greatfully as I did before. Nevertheless, I also love much TVAB. It is a complete break for Tori to new sounds, approaching to more modern or prog mood (Disc 1) and live versions on Disc 2 are really great, I use to like them more than album versions, especially Precious Things, Cornflake Girl and The Waitress. Disc 1 is excellent, and it let us explore great stuff created under a very rich research and experimentation by her. It sounds like "other Tori", as good composer as she had done four albums before, making amazing songs too.
This research for innovation, is also clear in Strange Little Girls work. Even though all songs in it are covers, I think they are excellent covers, which really add a new sense and ambient to the originals. Inviting musicians like Adrian Belew, let us know what she is trying to do, what she is trying to express.
After this one, Scarlet’s Walk. Other master piece, (IMO).
Regarding newer albums, what I have felt (and agree with you) is that they are not as good as earliest as “complete albums”. However (taking an old Pocket Knife comment), with a pair of scissors you can extract many (many) master pieces too. Just take them individually. Would you throw away any of these songs?
General Joy
Barons of Suburbia
Sleeps With Butterflies
Parasol
The Beekeeper
Toast
Original Sinsuality
Marys Of The Sea
Angels
Code Red
Dark Side of The Sun
Smokey Joe
Dragon
Father’s Son
Teenage Hustling
Devils and Gods
Fat Slut
Girl Disappearing
Secret Spell
Roosterspur Bridge
Beauty of Speed
Give
Strong Black Vine
Flavor
Curtain Call
Welcome To England
Starling
Fast Horse
Lady In Blue
Just one of these, makes any album worthily.
I’m not able to talk about Midwinter Grace yet. I’ve just received my album from Amazon, so I don’t know it really. However, I’m starting to enjoy much A Silent Night With You.