prettygoodyear: (random text - fading memory)
[personal profile] prettygoodyear
Late 1996 I discovered the music of Tori Amos. Not even through the then released album BFP, but through UTP. It was the first time I really fell in love with the music and also wanted to get to know everything about the artist. The collecting then also began. I had no idea of the existence of the internet back then, so collecting was always based on pure luck. Walking into music stores, flipping through cd's and singles hoping to find something I didn't already have. Good times.

In 1998 I found out too late Tori was touring (again, no internet) and tickets were sold out. So I missed out on the tour and was devastated. I really wanted to see her live badly.
In 2001 internet had just entered my life and I managed to finally grab tickets for her concert. It was amazing, to finally, after 5 years of fandom, see and hear her live. It took me days to recover from it, more so because I also learned that after the show she had done a M&G and I had no idea such things even existed.

In 2003 I saw her life for the second time, which was equally as emotional as it was the first time. Because I had written a letter etc...

Since then more concerts followed. In 2005 even a M&G, which didn't actually do anything to me. I tried again in 2009, but again, nothing. Concerts since 2003 have been well, just concerts. Though I think I really cried again after the 2005 Brussels show. The show of 2007 was a hot mess due to no seats, it being too hot etc...The 2009 shows were okay, but it didn't get me as excited as my very first 2 concerts. Seeing her with the Metropole Orchestra was something I was really looking forward to, but it disappointed me in the end because her voice was not there whatsoever. The orchestra was great, but I was expecting more.

And then the albums...the last album I really enjoyed was SW. That's been almost 9 years. For a good while I still tried to collect anything Tori but in 2010 decided to sell most of it.

And now in a few months time a new album will be released. And I'm just not at all exited for it. I'm pretty indifferent to it and don't expect anything from it really.
In 1996 I remember watching official videos, over and over again, looking up to that woman that seemed to be spiritual and so in touch with herself. Whatever live performance I watched, I'd enjoy it and watch it over an over and over.

It's been long over. It's been a long time I actually read or watched an interview with her and go "Wow". The things she's done to her face but also her overall look make me have less sympathy for her. She used to be someone I looked up to, because she not only looked gorgeous, she also looked quite normal (though she always has been a bit...odd...I think...). Her music, ever since SW lacks any kind of soul. I could listen to AATS and MWG for a good while, but whenever I put on BFP, UTP, SLG or FTCGH they didn't compare to them at all. And I have to say I haven't been listening to any of those post 2003 albums for months.
I still often watch the Sessions videos and always cringe because oh good god, where did it ever just go so wrong?

For the upcoming tour I've bought tickets for 4 shows, but am just thinking about canceling some. I just don't feel excited anymore to go and see her live 4 times in a year. The obsessive Tori fan days are over with. I'll wait and see what her newest album will do, but to be honest, I don't think it will blow me away like some of her older albums did. And maybe I should just close this book, look back on the early years with a grateful smile and move on.

Fifteen years it has been though...And I miss those early days, a lot.

Date: 29/7/11 22:52 (UTC)
From: [identity profile] liveindreams1.livejournal.com
I know what you mean.. even though I became a fan a lot later than you and most of the other fans, I can certainly see the difference between her early stuff and later. That goes without saying. Tour wise, I will see as many shows as I can if it's with the band, but solo, I can't handle so many shows. This year I'll go to the two London ones, the Amsterdam one (if you're still going!) but instead of the Manchester show, I'll go to Patrick Wolf which is on the same day. To be honest I've been very out of the loop lately and don't really know much about the upcoming album. Hope it will bring something unexpected. I was pleasantly surprised with AATS coz it was such an improvement on TBK and ADP. But no, I don't think it'll come close to the 4/5 early albums. Anyway, well see...

Date: 1/8/11 21:25 (UTC)
From: [personal profile] ex_prettygoodyear337
It's either solo or a combination of solo and the small orchestra that's supposed to be playing on the album with her. Not with the band though, at least that's what Matt seems to have confirmed.

Anyway....still in doubt over those concerts. Would it be a huge disappointment to you if I'd cancel the Amsterdam show? Meh...:-/

Date: 1/8/11 22:26 (UTC)
From: [identity profile] liveindreams1.livejournal.com
No no I won't mind if you cancel. It'll be a shame not to see YOU(!) but I can understand not wanting to go to so many shows.

Date: 2/8/11 20:17 (UTC)
From: [personal profile] ex_prettygoodyear337
Ugh...just sucks so bad all. Am just thinking of canceling both Amsterdam and Antwerp. I just don't know!!!

But yes! What a shame not to see YOU! It's been 2 years almost already again. :(

Date: 2/8/11 20:56 (UTC)
From: [identity profile] liveindreams1.livejournal.com
We'll have to arrange a time to meet up. Damn work and stuff making it difficult to organise things!

Date: 2/8/11 21:04 (UTC)
From: [personal profile] ex_prettygoodyear337
Somewhere in between Christmas and New Year's Eve? Or just a weekend somewhere?

Date: 2/8/11 21:15 (UTC)
From: [identity profile] liveindreams1.livejournal.com
Do you have a half term in October? Dunno what my Christmas/New Year looks like yet, but it's half term here in October so there's a chance that my boss might take a couple of days off if his daughter's off school then. Then maybe I'd be able to take say a Friday and Monday off around that time...

Date: 5/8/11 08:39 (UTC)
From: [identity profile] aimeethemuss.livejournal.com
Omg, I'm not alone! Seriously I see all these Tori comments on facebook and keep thinking "bleh...". I've lost interest. I still like the old stuff that I've always liked, but each new album seems more underwhelming and I didn't even bother listening to the last two (minus the first initial listen of curiosity of course - but Midwinter Graces was like half of one song and that was it, just because I don't enjoy christmas music).

The way I see it, we'll always have Pele ;) sometimes the mood strikes to listen to my favourite Tori songs and that's always going to be there, and that's nice. And I'm OK with that.
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