Tori-Adore - (references abound)

[wytchcroft]

heh heh - feeling kind of bullish.

There are a heck of a lot of reasons to admire Tori Amos - her music, her performance, her timing - by which i mean so often she seems in synch with peoples'  very personal experience, people can map their lives and experiences to her music.

Another reason - the very many good causes she has helped create outlets for, or that she supports; everything from abuse awareness to graphic arts.

She has always been very approachable. I imagine, especially given the fractured yet harmonised multiple personalities of Doll Posse - (similar to Bowie's Outside) that she is a very complex woman - and given songs such as those on Scarlet's Walk, (just an example), very emotional. Nevertheless there has always been a sense of journey - focus - purpose and intelligence. I remember reading her piece in Neil Gaiman's first Death comic and being struck by her literacy and imagination - and again by an essential confidence.

I remember interviewing Kate Bush and there was an incredible difference there - insecurity, doubt - the desire to hide. (Yes, it's a cliched comparison but still) and though Kate does herself inspire many, and has an awesome talent, it is the sense that Tori is a determined yet sensitive and reachable human which is one of the things about her that most appeals. Always the feeling that she is a hard working artist and craftsperson. And someone who has developed with the years. If you watch interviews with her today - she has an amazing patience and willingness to communicate which (as she becomes older than much of her fan base for the first time) is remarkable really - especially given the confrontational nature of much of her most recent work - the Doll posse tour having an almost gladiTORIal element.

On a personal level - I would like to share a small memory. Back in the early 90's while I was flailing around cyber-space for the first time (ooh Compuserve!) Gaiman and Amos were (seemingly) forever criss-crossing the US on tours and book signings, yet both took the time to reply personally - and at insomniac hours - via lap tops (which were of course the size of a small house!).

Chatting across the vacuum really inspired me and improved my own creative work (something they would have been completely unaware of, I was just some geek then - and am now just another dust fragment in the truly vast stellar complex of fans). Tori's sense of humour was as capricious and quick as you would expect - and Neil G's occasional attempts at 'translation' were often a total riot. Even now, - despite the pull of family and personal lives and a fan base in the milliions - both are still willing to put themselves out and encourage others.

And finally the music:  When i first heard 'Y CAn't Tori Read' I was knocked over - and as a dyslexic i was damn happY:) When i heard the whispy strains of Blanket Friends and the guttural swoop of God, I began to realise that here was a musician I would always take for granted as being in the soundtrack of my life.

Crucify - that song came out when I was in an incredibly difficult situation and attempting to raise Self-harm awareness (in it's many forms). To this DAY that song is a magic touchstone allowing communication between myself and people who would otherwise struggle to unlock their feelings.

And when I heard Scarlet - I was... god, so deeply moved i just lack the words.

The Doll Posse stomped into my consciousness like an unruly band of squatters -- and their residence seems permenant. Bouncing off Clouds literally saved my life, Digital Girl inspired me to write something - and Beauty of Speed gave a space in which to feel, when so often in my working life I am not granted that luxury.

So - sure, this is a long and winding fan letter - but it's the least I can do in a way to say thanks Tori - and keep em coming!:)

Love, Stupid.