Famous Blue Raincoat [Live Non LP Version] - Tori Amos, Cohen, Leonard
Twinkle [Live Non LP Version] - Tori Amos, Amos, Tori
In the absence of any new music from Kate Bush, Tori Amos carries on the tradition of sensual rock chanteuse nicely with this breathy pop track from the studio portion of her To Venus and Back album. Respectfully remixed h... more »ere by frequent Amos collaborators Marcel van Limbeek and Mark Hawley, the song has a crisp rhythmic feel but is certainly no radical departure from the album version. A suitably bleak solo rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Famous Blue Raincoat" and an only slightly more animated live version of Boys for Pele's "Twinkle" round out a 12-minute EP best suited for hardcore fans. --Bill Forman« less
In the absence of any new music from Kate Bush, Tori Amos carries on the tradition of sensual rock chanteuse nicely with this breathy pop track from the studio portion of her To Venus and Back album. Respectfully remixed here by frequent Amos collaborators Marcel van Limbeek and Mark Hawley, the song has a crisp rhythmic feel but is certainly no radical departure from the album version. A suitably bleak solo rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Famous Blue Raincoat" and an only slightly more animated live version of Boys for Pele's "Twinkle" round out a 12-minute EP best suited for hardcore fans. --Bill Forman
Cynthia H. from COLUMBUS, OH Reviewed on 12/16/2014...
Short but sweet, decent CD that samples the style of the complete album in just a couple of songs.
Ashley R. from AFTON, TN Reviewed on 7/21/2010...
This is a great EP for Tori fans. The re-worked version of "Twinkle" is great but still true to the album version. Tori's cover of "Famous Blue Raincoat" is fantastic.
CD Reviews
Wondering about the quality of these live tracks?
chuber216 | 02/26/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Most Tori fans will consider getting this disc for 3 reasons: (1) To get the video (2) To get the remix of Concertina (3) To get the live tracks The video is not one of my favorites, but likely the only way you will get to see it, so if you are as curious as I was, naturally this is a good thing to get. The remix of Concertina is not particularly interesting. The song sounds a bit broken with the extra vocals added in, although in some places it sounds fantastic. The live tracks are really the reason why I think the single is worth having (for those of us who don't just collect them all). Both are very well done and superior to the studio versions of these songs with which we are all familiar. I was not even fond of either song until this revelation. I highly recommend these tracks."
Beautiful
S. A Blackerby | Wichita, KS USA | 02/12/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'm really happy that Tori decided to release Concertina has her next single. The new edit of it is beautiful and the Glory of the 80's video on the cd is a wonderful addition! Considering no one will play her videos. The only problem I have is not to see newer b-sides on this cd. The same live tracks from the Glory of the 80's single were used. Usually Tori has tons of b-sides on her singles. But, overall I recommend this for true Tori fans and collectors of her cds."
Definite Purchase for the Tori Fan
A. Seuthe | United States | 11/18/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This single contains the same alternate tracks as "The Glory of the 80s" Pt. 1 UK Import. Obviously, this US release is easier to find and for those fans concerned only with the obtaining of B-sides this single is a a required purchase.The B-sides for this single are the live version of "Famous Blue Raincoat" and "Twinkle." "Famous Blue Raincoat" is a Leonard Cohen cover that cannot be found anywhere else, and is a low key yet poignant attempt at one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century. The archaic lyrics make it sound as if it could be a Tori Amos original, yet because it isn't it lacks the emotional sincerity that make Tori's songs so meaningful. "Twinkle" was one of the most precious tracks off of "Boys For Pele" and the live performance captures its ephermeral beauty. Combined, these two tracks make this single a worthy purchase and necessity for even moderate Tori fans."
Sweet, sweet sounds
Joanne Elizabeth | Olympia, WA United States | 02/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The single mix of "concertina" always leaves me aching for more of Tori's voice... that sweet, sweet sound. This remix isn't a techno dance mix; it just amplifies the song's sweetness. Then she does a cover of "famous blue raincoat" by Leonard Cohen, which is a song that I had never heard before. I'm glad Tori covered it, because it is a beautiful song. From there, the applause leads into a live version of "twinkle," from Boys For Pele. This is a special song to me, because it inspires me again and again to not give up. It reminds me to twinkle.Included on this single is the video for "glory of the 80's." This video features Tori in a black dress, suspended by wires attached to a square, metal frame. When finally cut free, she looks like a gothic faerie as she flies away with giant black wings. Intriguing. "