New Tori Amos album - "Unrepentant Geraldines", set for release 13/05/2014

[TheWILDheart]

Ok, so, I'm very excited by this. Having been disappointed with the last few Tori records, there are a few things that are exciting me here.

- the artwork. No high-glam, high-fashion, heavy wig or bad photoshop jobs. The artwork for ADP onwards has been ridiculously photoshopped, so much so that the last 3 albums (Midwinter Graces, Night of Hunters and Gold Dust) don't even look like her.

- her usual drummer and bassist are NOT playing on this album. Tori has been playing with the same musicians, in the same place since 1997. It's interesting that she is potentially working with new musicians.

- Following the classical period and The Light Princess, Tori sort of went back to her original roots with classical music and show tunes for these albums. I am hoping that this experience has inspired her to write songs of a quality that are worthy of being on a Tori Amos record. Her last albums have had some real clunkers on them.

- Inspired by visual art? AMAZING. Some of my favourite post-2000 Tori songs have been inspired by art (Parasol, Garlands, Ruby Through The Looking Glass etc).

- Tori has mastered the album TWICE. She wasn't completely happy with the final masters, so she remastered it. The poor production choices on her most recent albums, especially American Doll Posse, has ruined some amazing songs. If Tori has taken the time she wants to take with this one instead of being rushed by the label (like she was with TBK and ADP), then this could be something very special indeed.

Equally, it could be tripe. "Abnormally Attracted To Sin" was a hot mess. Some great production but serious questionable lyrics and choices. How the hell did "Not Dying Today" and "Police Me" make it onto an album? The classical themed albums have received some real critical acclaim in the classical world, but I'm not part of that world. I don't really know anything about classical music. And I didn't like her daughter singing on the album either. Could this album really be her return to form? Her last amazing album was "Scarlet's Walk", 11 years ago, and whilst there has been moments of greatness over the last few albums, none have managed to reach the level of brilliance of her earlier work.

I'm seriously waiting with excitement for this one.