Playboy Mommy

Last weekend I got to do something that I haven’t done in four years. I saw the always beautiful Tori Amos in concert at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, Ore. Yeah, yeah, I know what all you’re thinking. You just assume you know what she’s like by the very few songs that have been played on the radio and throw her into the same adult contemporary category with Alanis Morissette and Sarah McLaughlan. You are sadly confused because Tori has always been alternative. In fact, she has been the one of the few female, alternative musicians to use a piano as their weapon of choice. Before Tori, women were accompanied by a piano and the music was family friendly and generic. But she opened the door for the likes of Fiona Apple and Regina Spektor to be experimental and eccentric while sitting behind a piano. Her experimental nature makes her lives shows exhilarating and last Saturday was no different. This was the fifth time I have seen her live and just like every other time, the music and her band sounded great and her voice sounded even better. If you think Celine is the best singer in the world, you really must see Tori in concert. She may just change your mind. Tori’s voice is mesmerizing, and you just can’t take your eyes off her. That’s why I continue to spend money on seeing her live after all these years. That and her ever-changing set lists. After 10 years and four concerts at various venues, she still gives me songs that I have not heard live. How many of you can say that about a band you liked more than fifteen years ago?

Portland 7/11 Set List: Give, Caught A Light Sneeze, Welcome to England, Graveyard, Cornflake Girl, Icicle, Little Amsterdam, Siren, Starling, Black Dove, 1000 Oceans, River (Joni Mitchell Cover), Winter, Playboy Mommy, Little Earthquakes, Fast Horse, Take to the Sky, Carbon, Honey, Precious Things, Strong Black Vine – Encore: Big Wheel, Tombigbee

By the way, I took my own advice and caught a bit of the opening act One Eskimo. They only played a few songs, but they were pretty good. I would keep an eye out for them in future.

And now my Band of the Week is…She and Him!

So, I don’t normally listen to any country music that’s come out in the last fifteen years, but this duo perked my ears. Due to the commercialization of country music, there are very few county artists pushing the envelope, but this duo is definitely one of the only ones. They only have one live show scheduled in North Carolina, but you can still check out their songs. My favorites are “Change is Hard” and “Why Do Let Me Stay Here.” And if that voice sounds familiar, it because you’ve heard it before. The lead singer is actress Zooey Deschanel. There are not many actors who have made great music, but her voice and quirkiness work well in this two man band.

Until next time, run faster- K

*Special thanks to Elise for keeping your ears out for new music