[rating=4]
Released May 12, 2014
Unrepentant Geraldines sees Tori Amos return to the realm of pop. It is a rich mix of songs that are about being true to yourself, wherever that may take you.

“The musical palette she plays with is also as various as her subjects. From Americana, electronic music and her signature stripped piano-and-voice aesthetic, the record trips on many musical styles and represents her as an artist today, as well as her canon of work”

On The Other Side.

A retrospective of the inimitable Tori Amos’ finest B-sides, rarities and cover versions.

“The B-sides are not merely the songs that ‘didn’t make the cut’ of the album; they are the ones that are strong enough to stand up on their own.”

[rating=4]
Released March 28, 2014
Trouble’s Lament is fun and fresh, capturing Tori Amos’ charismatic personality, wit and unmatched ability to whisk you away with a story.

“The song tips its hat to her homeland of North Carolina, with a welcome surprise of Southern Blues – and it’s deeply ingrained, almost as if it’s calling her back.”

Who Needs Love (Like That)?

Ryan MacGrath writes about his experience of growing up gay and becoming an artist. And twirling in his sister’s prom dress.

“As soon as this happened, I immediately knew what I had been missing with the girls I’d been kissing. I wasn’t sure exactly how to come out, but I knew that I needed to start the process.”

[rating=5]
Released September 30, 2013
Aventine is a beautiful, subtle and detailed album. It is a worthy successor to the double-platinum Philharmonics.

“It seems appropriate that Obel should choose an ancient word of ‘Aventine’ to represent this album. There is a timelessness and air of history to these songs, whilst remaining very much in the present. It reflects on both time past and wishes hope for the time to come through its lyrics, which feels both meditative and romantic. .”

[rating=5]
Released October 01, 2012, Deutsche Grammophon

Nick Smith finds the new Tori Amos album Gold Dust, a reinterpretation of her songs arranged with an orchestra, to be both magnificent and enchanting.

“Gold Dust is a cathartic journey through Amos’s mindmap and is a truly captivating and earnest affair. The powerful lyrics, the stunning orchestral arrangements and that beautiful, haunting voice form a superb testament to one of the most distinctive sonic architects of our time.”

[rating=5]
Released March 5, 2012

Nick Smith falls for the slow burning balladry of Katie Melua.

Not as much a sonic departure as was the case with The House, this flawless and mature collection of songs is more of a stellar return to form for this talented artist.

[rating=5]
Released January 30, 2012

Lana Del Ray’s outstanding album blows the mind of Nick Smith.

Born To Die is a beguiling collection of stories played out in a diverse and striking vocal style with all the elements of David Lynch at his finest.

What’s your favourite seasonal song?

‘Tis the season, and so the editor asked Polari’s writers for their favourite song.

Yes, I called it Christmas in the title. I was brought up as an atheist – which made two old women from the local church look at me with pity and sadness when they came to my door to talk about the Lord – but I like the word.

[rating=5]
Released on September 19, 2011

Amos’ new album, a 21st century song cycle inspired by 400 years of classical music, is surprising and brilliant.

Amos’ adaptability as a musician makes this, her twelfth studio album, as distinctive as anything she has ever done. Original, inventive and brilliant.

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