Category: My Opinion

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Action & Thriller Movie Reviews

Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror – Part Two Of Grindhouse

3 months ago we have watched part 1 of Grindhouse directed by Quentin Tarantino (Death Proof). I actually wanted to watch that polar bear documentary film. But TK counter-suggested to watch the “one legged hottie” instead. Cynthia leapt in joy. Guess my love for the polar bear will have to be postponed to another day.

Despite the positive critic reviews for Grindhouse, the box office result was below expectation in the US. Grindhouse was shown in a full length of 191 minutes with Planet Terror and Death Proof played back-to-back with one another. Personally, I think there is only that much blood and gore an audience can take in one sitting. Internationally, Grindhouse was split into two movies beefed up with extra scenes. Death Proof has covered the topics of forbidden sex, wanton violence, drug use, and nudity. As expected – true to the genre of grindhouse – Planet Terror covers the remaining aspects of freaks, monsters, destruction, rebellion, and mayhem. There is a trade-off between watching Grindhouse in one go and watching it in a split version. The former one is true to grindhouse style while the latter one we get to see each movie featured in full.

Let me warn you, Planet Terror is gross. This morning I woke up and when I tried to recall what the first scene was, I thought of that jar of preserved human testicles and the dude who got his balls cut. In fact, the first scene was the beautiful Rose McGowan (famous in the TV series “Charmed”) dancing sexily around the pole in skimpy outfit as a go-go dancer named Cherry Darling. Cherry Darling? What a nice name.

The plot of Planet Terror started with some military units being exposed to biochemical weapons that transformed human beings into … zombies. Soon, more people were infected and it was the destiny of the survivors to fight together and find the last safe spot in the world. What I enjoy most is the amount of humor being put into such a genre of grossness and suspense. We laughed almost throughout the show and for the record, I was not the loudest. There were some others who laughed harder than me! And the way how scenes are cut onto one another is clever. Some of the sequence are so original that make me wonder, how did Robert Rodriguez come out with that idea (like how the “one legged hottie” Cherry Darling fights with a gun attached to her missing leg)?

I think Rose McGowan is a good fit for the show. While her air time in Death Proof was limited – which is understandable given how the plot was written – she is the main actress in Planet Terror. In the TV series “Charmed”, she has gone through the journey of gaining her witch power and used it against the demons. In Planet Terror, she has also gone through the journey of losing a leg and gaining a gun and this time, she fights zombies. I can’t think of a better person to play that role.

But how does Planet Terror compares against Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof? Both movies are made with the 1970’s effect. Death Proof has a very structured storyline (2 parts involving 4 different women each) and a series of long conversations while Planet Terror focuses more on the visual effects with short, sharp dialogues. Both TK and Cynthia find Planet Terror having a higher entertainment value as compares to Death Proof. I naturally enjoy the long and deep conversations so I find Death Proof having a higher artistic value instead.

Again, if you have watched Death Proof, don’t miss Planet Terror. And if you haven’t, the two movies are unrelated though the theme is (grindhouse style and women emerge as the heroines). Not a movie for the weak stomach for sure. Lots of bodies being torn apart and plenty of blood everywhere. I can almost picture my buddy Mark faints in the theatre upon watching Planet Terror. So Mark, please stay away from this. Or you could use Planet Terror to train your tolerance of the sight of blood … at home!

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Music Reviews Pop Rock & Alternative

Prince’s 48th Album “Planet Earth” Sent A Middle Finger To “THE MAN”

The very first Prince fan I have come to know is my Dad. Amongst many things that my Dad and I have in common (oh gosh, my thinning hair), it is Prince’s “Purple Rain”. As I type this blog, my 72 years old dad is still hospitalized in Hong Kong hoping to return home tomorrow. Perhaps I shall pass him the last 3 studio albums of Prince to cheer him up since “Musicology”, “3121”, and “Planet Earth” have somewhat returned to Prince’s root.

As years pass by, I have met more and more Prince fans – very discreetly. After all, it is not like being a fan of Bon Jovi or Linkin Park that people proclaim in public. I often think that people who are fans of Prince are sort of weird in the unique genius way. For those who are fans of Prince, there seems to be a certain connection that transcends words. My Indonesia friend Andre – a Prince fan himself – got me the very-hard-to-get “Crystal Ball” album (3 CDs in one clear container) from US back in 1997. That added to … you may want to pay attention to this .. my twenty-two Prince album collection out of his 48 albums of studio, hits and compilations, and live recording. I don’t think there is another artist that comes close to Prince in terms of my shelf space occupancy.

Prince first made his number 1 US hit back in 1984 with “When Doves Cry” in his Purple Rain era. It was not until 1994 when his gained a UK number 1 with “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World”. The early nineties was the time when Prince turned himself into a Symbol that the journalists “pronounced” as The Artist Formerly Known As Prince. In his album “Come”, he basically pronounced himself dead with a cover art of “Prince: 1958-1993” in front of a cemetery. So, Prince was dead and here came the Symbol. His 10th studio album released using this symbol (titled “Love Symbol”) is coincidentally both Cynthia and my favorite. That was before we met.

After a long struggle with the music industry, poor distribution and airplay, Prince in recent years has “resurrected” himself and started to distribute some of his albums using his name via different record companies. It is good news to me because you have no clue how hard it is for me to trace all his work.

No one can tell what the next Prince album is like. I think that is the essence of why some of us are so into his music. He is a genius as a composer, producer, and musician, expert in different types of instruments. He started his music career with pop funk, got heavier with more rock element, then he finally gave in to rap only to head towards jazz and instrumental in the early 2000. In his recent releases, he has mellowed down the experimental nature of his work and created something that perhaps appeal to the general public. “Planet Earth” has a good mix of funk and R&B and pop rock. I always enjoy Prince’s guitar solo and I am glad that lately, he plays it more prominently in his albums. I like the opening track “Planet Earth” – very powerful with a strong rock base. I can understand why people enjoy the smooth R&B “Mr. Goodnight”. My favorite has to be the funk track “Chelsea Rodgers”. That one bass line is used throughout the entire track of close to 6 minutes. If you notice, there is only one set of chords that are being played (Bb C and F). The song doesn’t have noticeable chorus but it is such fun to listen to. The ending track “Resolution” closes the album nicely – musically and lyrically.

Now, what does “Planet Earth” has to do with the ongoing discussion between one of my friends who believes that illegal music download is the way to revolutionize the music industry and I who believe that no one works for free and we have to pay for what we get (see previous blog)? Prince released “Planet Earth” in UK for free with the newspaper “The Mail” reaching 3 millions readers or rather listeners in one day. He practically earned himself a bigger sum (8 times over what he gets from his previous album) to a much wider audience. That was in time for his UK tour. And he screwed the music record company and retailers big time. Something that my friend is glad to hear. For those are interested, here is the link to the news from Time.com.

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Drama Movie Reviews

Waitress – More Than Just Another Kitchen Related Movie

When a friend needs help, a friend gets help. And when a friend needs companionship just because he is having a tough time at work, friend gets companionship. Especially when he is one of our own – Movie Review Squad that is. This time, my turn to choose a movie. Think without thinking (blink!), I insisted on Keri Rusell’s “Waitress”. I LOVE the TV series “Felicity” where the character of Felicity Porter was acted (brilliantly) by Keri Rusell. Just how much I love “Felicity”? If you run out of ideas what to get for me as Christmas gift, I want this and this and this and this. Thank you. Beat the Christmas crowd. Do it today!

Now, back to business and no more beating around the bushes. When the movie first started, Cynthia screamed: oh no, not another movie in the kitchen. You really can’t compare “Waitress” with “Ratatouille” … because “Ratatouille” is an animated film meant to entertain. Between Catherine Zeta-Jones’s “No Reservations” and Keri Russell’s “Waitress”, the former one is a typical Hollywood production – entertaining with lots of feel good factors. Predictable romance drama with a happy ending like any typical Hollywood film. The latter one has lots of character development opportunities, sharp and memorable scripts, hint of depression with loads of humor that kept the audience entertained in a different way. A more personal feeling with a slice of life that may not be pretty to look at but is real enough to engage the audience at the emotional level. For those who may not enjoy dramas and witty conversation and rather have a Hollywood treatment, “Waitress” may not be your cup of tea.

From the plot perspective, we have Jenna (played by Keri Russell) – a waitress at a small restaurant off the highway who creates hundreds of different pies with somewhat bizarre themes – having an unwanted pregnancy with her obnoxious husband Earl, a man whom she dreams of getting away from day after day. At work, his boss Cal constantly barks at the waitresses and Jenna’s co-workers Becky and Dawn seems to share every secrets with one another – almost. Then comes Doctor Pomatter that suddenly reminds Jenna of what passion should be like. To me, it is as though “Waitress” is a condensed version of a TV series. Lots of drama and lots of emotions. It lifts up your spirit and yet make you want to cry at times.

For those who have watched the TV series “Felicity”, you must have heard of “Dear Sally” thousands of time. In “Waitress”, it is “Dear Baby” or “Dear Damn Baby” instead. Kind of cool if you were to ask me. Can’t think of another actress to better fit that role.

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Movie Reviews Romance

No Reservations – Zeta-Jones Oh Zeta-Jones

Dear friends. Sorry for the infrequent updates lately and infrequent visit to your sites. Life has been busy lately. Arrgghh! Good news, I have finally found time to watch “No Reservation” – quite possibly Catherine Zeta-Jones’s finest acting (not saying it is an Oscar wining performance). I have always enjoyed watching Catherine Zeta-Jones on screen. Her porcelain skin and irresistible mischievousness and her contribution to Ocean Twelve, Intolerable Cruelty, Chicago, America’s Sweethearts, and Zorro … just to name a few of my favorites. Gosh, I love her … on screen I mean.

In “No Reservation”, she plays the character of Kate Armstrong. A chef of a posh restaurant who is a control freak with frequent visits to her shrink and has total dedication to her craft. For a moment, I thought of Ratatouille like some others do. But to compare the rat Remy to the beautiful Catherine Zeta-Jones is just not … nice. Com’on guys.

As the story unfolds, Kate Armstrong finds herself having to take care of her niece (Abigail Breslin) after her sister has passed away. And here comes the charming chef assistance (Aaron Eckhart) who posts a threat – in Kate’s own mind – to her chef position. Worse still, this new assistance is sort of … charming. I am sure by now you can guess where this movie is heading towards.

I enjoy Aaron Eckhart’s acting a lot in “Thank You For Smoking”. What I did not realise is that how charming he can be on screen. My only complain is that his airtime in “No Reservation” is somewhat limited. Would have been good if he was to play a bigger role.

The little girl Abigail Breslin, 11 years of age, nominated for the Academy Award for her role in “Little Miss Sunshine”, in my humble opinion, is the gem of the entire film. Her acting is awesome. She out-acted Zeta-Jones by a few miles in my book (sorry Catherine). Abigail Breslin is a natural actress. I am confidence that she will do great on screen in time to come.

I love cooking and naturally, I enjoy the behind-the-kitchen scenes. It is rare to see on screen, I know. However, the storyline is somewhat predictable in the Hollywood sense. I can almost foresee what the next stage of the script was going to be. Forgettable storyline but not so forgettable acting.

Oh well, I agreed to watch “No Reservation” because of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Catherine Zeta-Jones only. Call me shallow but hey … I am a guy. One more thing, don’t expect to see Zeta-Jones in all beauty in “No Reservation”. She plays to her part that may not require her to look gorgeous and she does a good job out of it.

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Hard Rock & Metal Music Reviews

Untitled – Is This The End Of Korn?

Many see Korn as the “Father of Nu-Metal”, a band that has created and popularized the nu-metal genre since 1994. What is nu-metal you may ask? Linkin Park has enjoyed a commercial success with music of this genre and I am sure many of you have heard a track or two from them occasionally on the radio. There are many reasons to love Korn. For me, I enjoy the guitar riffs that form the foundation of this “Korn sound”. I enjoy the lyrics that are abstractly dark – something I can certainly relate and in some ways, it is similar to my own lyrics writing style. Korn’s front-man Jonathan Davis has an unique voice and the bassist Fieldy adds much power and energy to the music. Korn likes to at times involve fans in designing their album art as well as giving free and unscheduled concerts to please them. I appreciate the effort of Korn reaching out to the fans.

After the departure of Head – one of the two guitarists of the band – Korn is never the same. The combo of the guitarists Head and Munky is what defines this “Korn sound”. In their last studio album, the looped in the famous production team “The Matrix” (who produced albums for Avril Lavigne, Liz Phair, Shakira, Hilary Duff, and etc … the combination of Korn and “The Matrix” is nothing but weird) to make some of their tracks more radio friendly. They did the same for this “Untitled” album.

I like to listen to an album with a context – a path of discovery. By reading the fine prints in the album sleeve (yes, please buy original!) and reading what the Internet has to say about Korn’s “Untitled”, I learned that in making this new album, they have to do without their original drummer David Silveria as he was on hiatus from the band. Instead, there were three drummers involved in recording “Untitled”. It is kind of sad for the fans. First it was Head’s departure, then David’s hiatus. From first listen, “Untitled” is nothing like the classic Korn sound. It was frustrating to me. Then on second listen, I began to appreciate the new Korn sound – the nu-metal sound with the atmospheres. Not only that, I have started to to pay attention to the different drummer’s style and influence to the music. How often do you find an album that has three distinctive drummers on different tracks?

Initially, Terry Bozzio was announced to replace David Silveria for the recording of one studio album. Terry is a good drummer no doubt (check out the last track). But to me, he has somewhat changed what Korn sounds like. After recording of 7 songs, Terry left due to disagreement of terms leaving another drummer Brooks Wackerman and the front-man Jonathan Davis to finish the job (Jonathan Davis can drum?! Wow). Personally I prefer Brooks Wackerman’s style – a more faithful continuation of what Korn supposes to sound like. My favorite tracks of the album are “Hold On”, “Bitch We Got A Problem”, and “Evolution”. Hearing Jonathan Davis sings and drums “Bitch We Got A Problem” with the hook of “Which one, which one of you is into me? Which one, which one of me is into you?” is as though hearing Jonathan talking straight to me. Strange.

Is “Untitled” the end of Korn? I surely hope not. Fans will follow Korn to the end and I am one of them.

Below is the music video of the song “Evolution”. I think it is a pretty funny video on the decline of mankind. Enjoy.

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Action & Thriller Animation Foreign Movie Reviews

Ratatouille and Blood Brothers

It is one of those weeks that watching one movie is just not enough. Having read so many ravishing reviews on “Ratatouille” and since Cynthia so wanted to watch it, Ratatouille it was. An animated feature film produced by Pixar and when you hear the word “Pixar”, it just can’t go wrong. This film is not short either. A close to 2 hours entertainment with a short (bonus) film called “Lifted” at the beginning of the movie. “Ratatouille” has a simple storyline of a rat wanting to become a chef in Paris. It does have quite a “believable” plot from beginning to end (think “Happy Feet” for a hard-to-believe ending). The animation is top notch. I have been to Paris before and some of the scenes I would say are faithful replica of the real thing. No doubt Remy – our chef – is cute. But when you see the horde of rats running everywhere, Cynthia and I found it a bit … gross. Rats are rats and I don’t think people will fall in love with rats after the movie. Nevertheless, the takeaway point from this movie is not about rats per se but rather the insignificant – however usual it can be – can make a difference.

“Ratatouille” was the day before. Today (or rather yesterday), since Cynthia has a business function to attend, I wanted to take this wonderful opportunity to watch an … Indonesian horror film … alone. Cynthia being Indonesian boldly told me that she wouldn’t want to watch an Indonesian film, set aside an Indonesian horror film. That put doubts into my mind. I did some research and decided against watching that horror movie.

Since Cynthia doesn’t fancy Chinese film either, time to watch one while she was not around! Fortunate to me, my buddy KF the consultant could join me for a 6.45pm movie watching “Blood Brothers” at Vivocity. I don’t fancy Vivocity but Cathay does not have the time slot I want. As usual … *ahem* … KF got stuck in the office. I drove like a mad man from Beach Road to Vivocity in 20 minutes during rush hour. Phew … barely made it.

KF asked why I chose “Blood Brothers”. Duh … I am a big fan of Shu Qi so it is really no brainer right? Again, I read the reviews and they are mostly lukewarm. I can certainly understand why. The storyline is a typical Chinese mafia type set in the old days. I have to say I do like the backdrop of the movie, the costume, and the acting of some of the actors … including Shu Qi of course!

What’s the storyline like? Very linear (and no spoiler as always). There is this pair of friends and one elder brother and they left the village wanting to make some money in Shanghai. This trio turns out working with a mafia boss who has a pretty girlfriend (Shu Qi … duh!) … and this pretty girlfriend likes this mafia boss’s brother. Lots of drama, lots of acting opportunities … and lots of gaps. By that I mean if you are not into Chinese movies, you will certainly ponder upon all the illogical moments that appear from time to time. KF and I talked about these gaps over our dinner and without fail, we arrived at the same conclusion that the plot doesn’t have to explicitly talk about it … if you are a seasoned Chinese film viewer, you should be able to figure that out.

I wouldn’t say “Blood Brothers” is a must-watch, nor a film that is worth checking out. Definitely I think Shu Qui is more cut out for action movies like My Wife Is A Gangster 3. For me, the decision of watching “Blood Brother” is Shu Qi and Shu Qi only.

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J Pop Music Reviews

Love Psychedelico’s Golden Grapefruit – Almost Another Good Old Delico Album

There are many reasons why Love Psychedelico (or better known as Delico in Japan) is different from some of the typical J-pop artists. Vocalist and guitarist Kumi may not have the level of sex appeal like most of the J-pop female artists, the good thing is, she doesn’t have the typical high pitch voice nor the strong Japanese accent in terms of English pronunciation either. In fact, the voice of Kumi reminds me of Avril Lavigne in some bizarre way. The duo of Kumi and Naoki (who plays guitars, bass guitars, and keyboard) keep the sound of Love Psychedelico simple and memorable and there is a certain sense of honestly as compare to the tend-to-be overly produced J-pop albums. Their songs are often in half-English-half-Japanese with a few exceptions that are totally written in English. Cynthia does not listen to any CD from my J-pop collection except Love Psychedelico. If there is one song that may convert you into a Love Psychedelico fan, Last Smile would be it. Go on, click onto it and let it plays as a background music (a video created by a fan).

Love Psychedelico’s album line-up confuses the living crap out of me. Probably part of the sales strategy so that people like me will keep buying the albums. Their first album is titled as “The Greatest Hits”. At first I thought this band has quite a few productions beforehand but it doesn’t seem so. Their 2nd album is “Love Psychedelic Orchestra” while their 3rd album is … “Love Psychedelico III”. Finally came the 4th one “Early Times – The Best of Love Psychedelico”. So how does the 4th one relates to the 1st one? Turns out that the 4th one is their greatest hits for real. Almost. After I bought the album have I realised that it does come with 3 tracks that I did not own (“Fantastic World”, “Everyone, Everyone”, and “Rosy”). It is this kind of confusion that keeps me buying their album I guess.

After their “real” greatest hits album, Love Psychedelico released a live album titled “Live Psychedelico”. Again, why did I buy it? Okay, I am a huge fan and surprise, surprise … it does come with 1 track that I do not have – “Wasting”.

At first listen, I actually enjoyed “Golden Grapefruit” (thank God, finally an album title that doesn’t come with the word “Psychedelico” in any form). Then came the second last song “Everyone, Everyone”. Wait, I have heard of that before! Hasn’t it already been featured in the “real” greatest hits? Also, “Golden Grapefruit” does not come with a translated lyrics in Chinese like the rest.

Besides these two minor complains, “Golden Grapefruit” is yet another goold old Delico album. I enjoy the mellow songs of “Carnation” and “Sad Story” a lot. What stand out in this album are the tracks “Help!” and “Good Day, Celebration”. Both are infused with strong dance beat. Kind of refreshing away from their normal style. So yes, “Golden Grapefruit” is almost another good old Delico album with some level of progression.

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Movie Reviews

The Bourne Ultimatum and Secret – Double Happiness?

I really should have given Jay Chow a benefit of doubt. He does not have any track record in writing a movie nor actually directing one, and certainly his previous acting in Curse of the Golden Flower was less than impressive. How do I feel about “Secret”? That will have to wait.

Two weekends ago, before Cynthia flew off to Bandung, I caught up with Lora and her boyfriend to have dinner and to watch the sneak preview of “The Bourne Ultimatum”. Partly to celebrate Lora’s birthday, partly to celebrate my first paycheck, and partly to catch the Bourne series because Cynthia is a big fan of Jason Bourne … oh, I meant Matt Damon.

When we get older, our memory sort of fades away. I don’t recall that many times Lora and I have watched movie together since young. The last movie we watched was a Cantonese comedy back in Hong Kong (5 years ago? After her previous breakup of a very long relationship, I remember). Another movie I can remember of was Titanic. Yes, I watched that movie three time on the big screen and yes, I have watched the uncensored version.

“Bourne Ultimatum” has received ravishing reviews from many sources. I can understand why. For the duration of 111 minutes, there was hardly a dull moment. It was action after action, cut scene after cut scene. And I think the story is well crafted. My only discomfort was that the camera jerks quite a fair bit and it made me dizzy throughout the movie. Also, there seems to be lacking of a “babe” factor. To choose between Bourne and Bond, I would probably go for the latest Bond movie. Despite all my discomfort, “Bourne Ultimatum” remains a strong movie and you shouldn’t give it a miss especially when you have watched any of the previous installments.

“Secret” on the other hand has way exceeded my expectation. One of my new colleagues suggested a Jay Chow movie and I said fine. To be fair, I am impressed by Jay Chow’s music talent and I do have 2 of his albums. But for a self-directed movie with a story written by him? I didn’t know what to expect.

After watching “Secret”, I am convinced that Jay Chow has talents. He is smart too. In this story, he plays the role of a music student who plays piano. That is right up his alley. Hence, in terms of acting, it is well within his area of passion. I am so surprised by his skill on the piano as he played it really well in the movie. Perhaps “Secret” is full of music and because I love music, I naturally love the movie. That certainly helps. At some point in the movie, I felt like watching YUI’s “Midnight Sun” from the scripting point of view. But it is not. “Secret” is full of twists and turns and I would say, given such a complex plot, this movie actually has a rewatch value.

Plot aside, I particularly love the acting of Kwai Lun-Mei. She has so much chemistry with Jay Chow and she is darn cute in all the love scenes. Besides, she can really act out some of the emotional scene. Kwai Lun-Mei somewhat reminds me of the main actress of the Korean movie “Once In A Summer”.

Is “Secret” a classic? Probably not. Is “Secret” something that worths checking out? Probably yes.

Categories
Drama Movie Reviews

The Piano Tuner Of Earthquakes – The Process Is Too Painful For What The Reward Is Worth

To kick start the “Cynthia is out of town for 2 weeks and I shall keep myself occupied”, I called upon the remaining member of the Movie Review Squad for an evening outing. I texted TK this morning and asked him if he was interested to join me for “The Piano Tuner Of Earthquakes” and he replied yes – without knowing what he got himself into, I later realized. Poor TK. So much faith in me, eh?

Why did I pick that movie? Advertised as the winner of the Locarno International Film Festival helped. The beautiful poster helped. And the fact that I like foreign films helped too. But why did I pick that movie?!

Sigh.

TK was asleep, I would say, 75% of the duration of the movie. In fact, he was snoring halfway and I have to give him the elbow. Duh … I felt a bit embarrassed … ha ha ha.

To be fair, this movie does have the trademark of the European movies … when the ending is revealed, you will get that … ah-ha feel. It is like the entire movie is made to mislead you to somewhere only to tell you otherwise towards the end. In fact, this movie gave me the illusion of two possible endings. When I told TK what I thought the endings could be, you should see the sparkle in his eyes.

The storyline is simple. There is a beautiful opera singer, there is an evil doctor, and there is a piano tuner. The questions throughout the movie are (at least to me) … did the opera singer die and where is the focal point? The filming is somewhat abstract, borderline artistic. Most of the time I was trying to figure out what the scenes mean. And there are lots and lots of disjoint scenes. I can safely say, I have not seen anything like “The Piano Tuner Of Earthquakes” before in my life. Not necessary means that it is good … just that it is different.

For those who are a big fan of Picture House movies, you may be able to appreciate the art within. As for me, the process is indeed too painful for what the reward is worth.

Categories
Music Reviews Pop Rock & Alternative

Cracking The “Tori Amos – American Doll Posse” Code … Almost

I have almost gotten all of Tori Amos’s studio album except her first one – “Little Earthquakes (1992)”. I remember vividly where I was when I first heard of Tori Amos. Back in 1985 when compact disc first became popular, I have made a switch away from cassette format (the first CD I own is Dire Straits’s Brothers In Arms – one of the first albums to be directed in the CD market). However, as a student, the cost of a CD was too high for me to own everything that I liked. Besides, my mother’s constant nagging on the rate I acquired CD worked as a deterrence too. So I relied on the rental market back in HK to satisfy my needs, to sample the music, and to selectively purchase what I really liked.

Back then, I could not appreciate Tori Amos’s music. I think I even rented the album a second time to try it out. Just did not work for me. Interestingly, my sister Lora seemed to enjoy “Little Earthquakes”.

The one song that opened up my mind turns out to be nothing like any of the songs written by Tori Amos. “Professional Widow” released in 1996 is essentially a song of remix and dance beats that does not resemble her style of piano with the backing of a band. Since then, I have been a converted fan.

I don’t think Tori Amos is at all a mainstream artist. But those who love her music follow her career like a cult. Just how diverse is her work of music? Take a look at her collection “Tales Of A Librarian (2003)”. A 20-song set that was re-recorded because the potential was not fully realised in the original recording. This collection covers a wide range of topics such as metaphysics, epistemology, psychology, ethics, Christianity and Christian theology, political science, social problems and social services, folklore, linguistics, natural sciences, astronomy, animals, medicine and health, agriculture, home and family management, the arts, architecture, recreational and performing arts, collective biography, and the history of North America.

Some claim that her new album “American Doll Posse” is merely a concept album. Some think that her brief touch onto the topic of politics is unnecessary. Some comment that “American Doll Posse” is a mix of album materials and B-side stuffs. I beg to differ.

In “American Doll Posse”, Tori Amos has split herself in five rather distinct personae tackling the areas of beauty and love (Santa), the contradicting views of dark energy (Pip), all works of art in the forms of painting and literature (Clyde), objective documentations that challenge perception of the norm (Isabel), and finally the artist herself who laments the limited experience through finite human filter and hence the need to expand herself into different multiverse (Tori). Each persona takes onto her own set of songs and not only that, each comes with an individual blog site as well. A list of blog sites can be found at the bottom of this review.

At first listen, “American Doll Posse” (23 tracks totalled to 78 minutes of music) can be overwhelming. Layer to an album that is structured in 4 blocks of 5 to 6 songs are these 5 personae taking on their own set of songs (within this block structure). Suddenly, there are 2 added dimensions to the entire listening experience. You can (1) listen to the entire album in sequential order, or (2) treat this album as 4 sub-albums as suggested by the sleeve design, or (3) listen according to the personae of Santa, Pip, Clyde, Isabel, and Tori (click onto the picture on the left to see how I manage my play list manually). I have tried jumping the order of the album according to the persona and it is quite a brand new experience.

From the music viewpoint, Tori Amos adopt a classic rock sound blended with her piano track. “Bouncing Off Clouds” as showcased in the video-clip below is my favorite track of the album. It features her iconic Bosendorfer piano that she brings along whenever she performs live. Check out how she played both her Bosendorfer piano and an electric one at the same time at some parts of the song. It is amazing. If you are agreeable to “Bouncing Off Clouds”, I have the links of “Big Wheel”, “Father’s Son”, “Roosterspur Bridge”, and “Almost Rosey” for you.

The album comes with a DVD that contains a short video of her photo shooting session as well as a song “My Posse Can Do”. “My Posse Can Do” is a great song on its own. Too bad, it couldn’t be fitted into the album of 78 minutes.

I tend to be long-winded when it comes to artists who inspire my own music creation journey. Thanks for your patience and if you are already a Tori Amos fan, I bet you have got “American Doll Posse” the first day it was released.

Related Sites: Clyde’s blog site, Pip’s blog site, Isabel’s blog site, Santa’s blog site, and Tori’s blog site.