31-10-2021, 11:16
TORIS AMOS ~ Ocean to Ocean
![[Image: R-20768818-1635489570-1973.jpeg.jpg]](https://img.discogs.com/yxbtyzT36Gzf7MHR7aDB3rgYR0U=/fit-in/600x536/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-20768818-1635489570-1973.jpeg.jpg)
I cannot say exactly what Ms Amos is processing here, aside from the same stuff the entire world is grappling with, of course, but there’s also a definite autobiographical slant, sometimes blatantly evident, sometimes less so – sometimes surreal, sometimes lyrical. Her words can be almost like a trip of sorts, and I don’t mean a cruise, lol!
There are obvious references (although ‘obvious’ is something she can’t really be accused of being!), as in the title track, “Ocean to Ocean” which speaks to the perils of upsetting the balance of nature, and over consumption, and “29 Years” which is an acknowledgment of her marriage and the path travelled there, and there are montages of what seem to be inner snapshots – imaginings. She’s weighing in on getting a bit older, changes in relationships, the loss of those close to her, the state of the planet, the sorrows, and delights along the way, and while revealing her vulnerable self, more so perhaps than she has allowed herself to in the past, doing it all in most elegant fashion.
The album flows well and from what I can tell, is competently recorded – her husband Mark Hawley is responsible for that (and guitars) while she’s the producer. Their daughter provides additional vocals on some of the tracks so it’s a bit of a family affair. I suspect the use of vocal correction/enhancement software here and there, but I could be mistaken, and in any event, I also think that sometimes it can serve in achieving a desired effect - as opposed to gratuitous use throughout.
Nothing earth shattering (albeit a few funky moments), or achingly beautiful, (we live in hope!) but having said that, I suspect this release could be a grower. Not too huge a departure from her previous album, except it sounds more sober to me - more together and trimmed of frivolity – refined – a precisely wrapped gift. I like it.
A funky one - clever use of Chinese astrology as a premise for this - "Metal Water Wood" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryrnE4nYNYk
"Swim to New York State" ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baj7sf0u6QI
The title track ...
I cannot say exactly what Ms Amos is processing here, aside from the same stuff the entire world is grappling with, of course, but there’s also a definite autobiographical slant, sometimes blatantly evident, sometimes less so – sometimes surreal, sometimes lyrical. Her words can be almost like a trip of sorts, and I don’t mean a cruise, lol!
There are obvious references (although ‘obvious’ is something she can’t really be accused of being!), as in the title track, “Ocean to Ocean” which speaks to the perils of upsetting the balance of nature, and over consumption, and “29 Years” which is an acknowledgment of her marriage and the path travelled there, and there are montages of what seem to be inner snapshots – imaginings. She’s weighing in on getting a bit older, changes in relationships, the loss of those close to her, the state of the planet, the sorrows, and delights along the way, and while revealing her vulnerable self, more so perhaps than she has allowed herself to in the past, doing it all in most elegant fashion.
The album flows well and from what I can tell, is competently recorded – her husband Mark Hawley is responsible for that (and guitars) while she’s the producer. Their daughter provides additional vocals on some of the tracks so it’s a bit of a family affair. I suspect the use of vocal correction/enhancement software here and there, but I could be mistaken, and in any event, I also think that sometimes it can serve in achieving a desired effect - as opposed to gratuitous use throughout.
Nothing earth shattering (albeit a few funky moments), or achingly beautiful, (we live in hope!) but having said that, I suspect this release could be a grower. Not too huge a departure from her previous album, except it sounds more sober to me - more together and trimmed of frivolity – refined – a precisely wrapped gift. I like it.
A funky one - clever use of Chinese astrology as a premise for this - "Metal Water Wood" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryrnE4nYNYk
"Swim to New York State" ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baj7sf0u6QI
The title track ...
"The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us." ~ Bill Watterson