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Always a deeply romantic lot, the Tori Amos loyalists are no doubt salivating over this collection of videos, especially since they were released on none other than Valentine's Day. A two-disc set featuring an ensemble of videos artfully done and spanning her prolific career from Little Earthquakes to The Beekeeper, Fade to Red is at times sweet, simple and gorgeously provocative. The Maryland-bred chanteuse has always offered up videos that were more like mini-movies built by artists who could more easily translate her elusive lyrics into decadent imagery. As such, she's worked closely with a variety of directors to articulate the vision of a multifaceted talent who leaves fans and latecomers alike wondering if there's anything she can't do. In fact, Tori Amos' videos, like her voice, tease you into a world often found down the rabbit hole. In "A Sorta Fairytale" from Scarlet's Walk, a couple made up of disconnected body parts with singing heads ache for wholeness through love. Guest starring Adrien Brody (King Kong, The Pianist), it is at once a comical and heartbreaking attempt to describe the postmodern fairytale. But it is in "Sweet the Sting" from The Beekeeper that Amos' laid-back sensuality kick up its dogs and just has fun; the sexy, impromptu track also features backstage and performance clips. The two-disc Fade to Red set includes commentary and a behind-the-scenes peek at the filming for "A Sorta Fairytale," as well as remixes in the bonus features section. But the collection as a whole shows off Amos' stunning beauty, as well as her obsession with baroque footwear. It's a feast for all the senses, and a must-have for any Tori devotee worth their salty tears. Plus, Fade to Red is an interesting chronology charting the evolution of Amos' visual identity, as its travels from "Crucify" to "Caught a Lite Sneeze." Her early prescence was an all-encompassing and urgent force, one that demanded attention as much as it played with light and color. But as the videos progress, Tori goes lush, reveling in the dark of "Spark" and "Hey Jupiter." She makes it easy for viewers to feel and taste their surroundings, however uncomfortable it may get. Which is indeed when Tori is at her best, dancing between media and loving every minute of it. February 15, 2006 |
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