I have been fascinated by Tori Amos in her roles of songwriter, performer and general challenger of the male/female status quo. I had the opportunity to see her play at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte a year or two ago and her live show impressed probably more than her studio records. She brought an energy and defiance to the stage that is expected of a true rock star. Her recordings over the years have been uneven with gems like "Cornflake Girl" strewn among lesser tracks. However, I can say now, rather unequivocally that her new record "Abnormally Attracted to Sin" is a heavyweight record that is one of the better rock records I have heard. The strength of the record is in both its variety and in Amos' more liberal use of instruments other than the keyboards. There is much more guitar work than on past Amos records. There is also a use of sampling and/or synths that brings a more foreboding imminence to the music. Several times while listening to this record for the first time tonight, it occurred to me that she has taken some cues from Portishead. But ultimately the voice and lyrics belong uniquely to Tori. "Lady in Blue" is a song that has one of the most stunning transitions I have heard in a song. It starts out almost as a torch classic but devolves into a bit of a rock manifesto. Anyway, give this record a listen. Its lushness will surely draw you in.
