Tori Amos – Midwinter Graces
If NME were a contrary gift guide edited by Ebeneezer Scrooge, ‘Midwinter Graces’ would make for a resplendent Noel. But we’re not, and the Eastenders seasonal double bill looks more joyous than the birth of Jesus in comparison to Amos’ offerings. She royally fucks up traditional carols like ‘Star Of Wonder’, where the orchestral accompaniment has all the class of a cheap MIDI karaoke track. Aside from the drunk auntie trying to grope you beneath the mistletoe cabaret of ‘Pink and Glitter’ and the sickeningly pious child duet, ‘Holly, Ivy and Rose’, she’s tiresomely lachrymose – but even those who enjoy being miserable at Christmas won’t bother with this hideously arranged collection.
Rating: 3/10
Download choice: Listen to Low’s Christmas album instead.
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Tags: Album, Holly Ivy and Rose, Low, Midwinter Graces, Music, NME, Pink and Glitter, Review, Star of Wonder, Tori Amos
Bah humbug! Are you a scorned, former fan?
Not taking obvious vindictive review seriously.
Ridiculous – this album is by far the best work Tori’s achieved this decade and works not only as a holiday piece, but certainly a year-round treat. “Winter’s Carol” and “Our New Year” are without a doubt two of the most powerful semi-Christmas themed original pieces one could find. This review is way, way off; lachrymose? Hardly aside from the very last track, but that’s 11 songs built around the concept of light and dark in unison. Not just unhappiness.
Worst album ever. Worst. Album. Ever.
‘Winter’s Carol’ and ‘Our New Year’ are “semi-Christmas themed”?! Are you one of these loons who has Christmas decorations up all year round or something? You can’t be much of a Tori Amos fan if you think this is the best thing she’s done this decade, that’s not saying much for her talents is it…
So is this a web site of Tori Amos haters ? Really unprofessional.
I think this review is very unprofessional too. Even if I don’t like it very much either, It’s not meant to be a “Christmas” album. Have you heard it? How many times did you hear her mention Christmas?
If you’re gonna compare this album, you shouldn’t do it with traditional xmas albums, because this one is not. (Leaving aside the fact that it may or may not be good being what it is).
Plus, you did not mention Winter’s Carol, or Snow Angel, which are very good songs.
I hate some musicians, but to make a review like that is just childish.
Sorry, let me just paste the tracklisting for you, in case you wish to further dispute that Midwinter Graces is very much a Christmas album:
1. “What Child, Nowell” (traditional) 3:45
2. “Star Of Wonder” (John Henry Hopkins, Jr.) 3:50
3. “A Silent Night With You” (Tori Amos) 3:22
4. “Candle: Coventry Carol” (traditional) 3:18
5. “Holly, Ivy And Rose” (traditional) 4:44
6. “Harps Of Gold” (traditional) 3:10
7. “Snow Angel” (Tori Amos) 3:43
8. “Jeannette, Isabella” (traditional) 4:28
9. “Pink And Glitter” (Tori Amos) 4:57
10. “Emmanuel” (traditional) 3:00
11. “Winter’s Carol” (Tori Amos) 5:19
12. “Our New Year” (Tori Amos) 4:13
Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks (US Standard tracks)
13. “Comfort And Joy” (Tori Amos) 3:56
14. “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht! (Silent Night, Holy Night)” (Josef Mohr / Franz Xaver Gruber / John Freeman Young) 3:39
iTunes Bonus Track
15. “Good King Wenceslas”
The Tracklisting is not enough to prove that it is not a TRADITIONAL Christmas album that you can compare to Low’s or Mariah, for example. You should really read the lyrics. It’s a completely different approach to the concept, and even if she does use some traditional songs, she doesn’t do it in a “Christmas” way, and most of them are completely changed.
Pasting the tracklisting is a very stupid thing to do to prove your point, since it does not say anything about the songs, how she changed them, and the lyrics.
Although, doing that, you proved my point of you being childish.
Since when did I say it was a “traditional” Christmas album?! You think Low and Mariah Carey made “traditional” Christmas albums? No they bloody didn’t, Cambridge’s Kings College make “traditional” Christmas albums. And Amos’ supposedly conceptual approach aside, that doesn’t stop this record being absolute bobbins that my grandmother wouldn’t even like.
I no longer have the press release, but I can assure you that it mentioned Christmas and singing carols in Methodist churches.
don’t believe this review.
this album is gorgeous.
are Amos fans funny because the disagree with you?
you posted your review to be read by the public, which we are a part of , opinions and all.
you feel like your half-assed pseudo review is worth posting. thats pretty funny too.
This review is simply ridiculous and embittered…
Not only is your review offensive and uninformative.
It sucks ass, too
By the way: Midwinter Graces is wonderful.
This is the worst review yet.
I don’t know what kind of crazy Christmas zealot cult you belong to but go back, go back and never return.
If you’re going to give a negative review you need to learn how to write. Using figurative speech and $10 words doesn’t necessarily make one sound smart (especially not in your case).
Positive reviews can afford to be brief, but if you’re going to say something is horrible you need to support that claim (if you want to be taken seriously).
I also find it hilarious that your name sort of looks like “Cunt Licker.”
Good luck with your future articles Kuntlicker, hopefully your writing skills improve before you post anything else publicly.
lachrymose?! The album is kind of the opposite of that.
Really lazy writing here. I’m not in love with this album either (or much of Tori’s recent work), but your review paints an inaccurate picture and is mean spirited to the point of being unprofessional.
How exactly do the strings sound like midi? Are you listening on good speakers/headphones? Do you have low quality file? The sound quality on some of the strings is so rich you can hear the bow scraping them (and my file is only 201 kbps).
I’m also not sure how Ms. Amos sounds “lachrymose” on the joyous (and admittedly awful) Harps of Gold or the bold voiced (and very good) Winter’s Carol. Did you even check the definition of the word before your synonym generator suggested it?
I’m curious why you find Holly, Ivy, and Rose “pious.” Please expand on that one. As you pointed out, these are two traditional carols (Holly & the Ivy being pre-Christian). Ms. Amos has combined them, altered the lyrics, and removed all traces of deity worship. So how is “sickeningly pious?” Low’s Christmas EP (not an album as you suggested) has some very straightforward Christ worship lyrics – so, why do you recommend it?
I suggest you invest in a dictionary if you plan to make it as a serious writer and music journalist. Maybe fact check a bit. You’re free to dislike something, but please be intelligent about it.
Also, diss Tori again and I will have this place bombarded…
Silly fuckin’ rabbit.
TQB Go away; Your presence here will invalidate our every argument! UGH.
I know you mean well but, well, you’re an idiot.
“Positive reviews can afford to be brief, but if you’re going to say something is horrible you need to support that claim (if you want to be taken seriously).”
This was an approximately 130 word review for NME – for those unfamiliar, each week they print one or two lead reviews of 600 – 1000 words, and a much larger number of roughly 130 – 250 word reviews.
Sage – it’s supposed to sound like cunt licker, it means “more arty” or “more artificial” in German, which seemed pretty appropriate for a culture blog
To Mark-Alexis Gabriel – Get off the crack, hun
Regardless of the word count you need to thoroughly support your claim, and if you can’t do that in 130-250 words then perhaps you should write about something else.
Maybe if you were more concise and less interested in using unnecessarily archaic locutions you would be able to write something a little more substantial.
Phrases like “tiresomely lachrymose” are perfectly legitimate English; however, if you’re writing this for the general public you should probably use less esoteric phrasing. Think of your audience; a lot of people are put off by overly-formal articles.
So maybe you the review was restricted to a few words but have you really listened to the album? And I mean with a real good listen.
So maybe you didn’t like Star of wonder (I can’t see how you found it “cheap” sounding) and Holly, Ivy and Rose but have you took a good moment to listen to Winter’s Carol, Our New Year &What Child, Nowell? These songs are incredible good. This is a very different album from her previous ones. The best you could have done was to give it a good valid critic.
To “Marianne” – got off my favorite fucking song bitch
Thanks.
*corrrrrection*
*get off
Sage: why don’t you try ignoring me. I love the people who keep sucking my dick even though I have nothing of importance to say.
Jesus. It’s like having fans.
Can you take this back to your forum please…
I don’t think I’ve ever read a more uninspired, poorly written review. The only conclusion I got from this “review” is that you appear to have some personal problems you need to address (privately).
You seem like a sad and angry person trying to take all your anger out on an album. It’s not worth it! Invest in a good drug or psychiatrist.
I was on the DVD, bitch!
“I no longer have the press release, but I can assure you that it mentioned Christmas and singing carols in Methodist churches.”
So, did you base your review on the actual album you half-listened to or the press release you half-read?
Yes, the press release does mention Christmas and singing carols in Methodist Churches but it’s not in relation to the album!
The exact quote is:
Tori grew up playing holiday carols at Sunday services and Christmas Day celebrations in her father’s church.
Which is something we hear in one way or another for EVERY Tori Amos album!
Anyway, regardless of whether this a Chrismas album, solstice, seasonal etc… I just can’t see how you find it ‘lachrymose’! Oh well…
I listen to everything I review at least five times, which I did with this. Five painful times. I could bear no more.
I’m still totally baffled as to how you can all continually deny that this is a Christmas album.
I am so sad
You were trying VERY VERY VERY hard to sound smart and witty. But all it ends up sounding like is pretentious and bitter.
That’s a real shame.
Maybe you shouldn’t try this hard next time.
you like popsicles? I got a whole bunch of popsicles in my basement!
ABNORMALLY ATTRACTED TO SIN IS A SHITTY ALBUM! SO IS MIDWINTER VAGINAS! I post really spastically so people pay attention to me! They’re so stupid that they award me credibility based on this!
I’m GAY! Did you know that? I have a rainbow on my twitter icon just in case you were confused. Celine Dion’s music is legendary and timeless, but what is with Tori Amos’ last few albums? Yuck! Did you know that I went to the Gay Pride Parade every year for the past 10? I love being gay! Tori Amos sucks. Gross. That said, I paid big bucks to meet her at a VIP thing on a tour for her second-worst album, American Doll Posse. Abnormally Attracted to Sin is her very worst.
I’m not sure what you’re all doing, but can you take this lunacy back to your own messageboard please…
Did you get from my screen name that I’m a flaming homosexual? If not, allow me to tell you: I am gay. I love mentioning it, too. If you saw me, it would be very obvious.
I hate Abnormally Attracted to Sin. I tried to find something redeeming about it, but I failed. It’s just that bad. What the fuck is wrong with Tori Amos?
Flutter, flutter fairy wings–but not faerie. Fuck Tori Amos.
Tori Amos should really take a hint on how to produce a record from Amanda Palmer. Her sales of nearly 80,000 in just 10 years are a testament to her artistry and second-to-none business savvy. She even recently took to her blog to beg for money online. Take that, Tori Amos!
All comments must now be approved before being posted, this is getting stupid and way off point. Anything irrelevant will not be posted. Hopefully it’ll encourage you to go back to your own website to insult one another instead of doing it here.
Robert Schrader is the person pretending to be different identities from a website he is banned from. He has a disorder. Please excuse him and his behavior.
Well, as a member of the Tori Amos cult, I’d like to apologise for some other members of the cult.
Talking about how someone can hear the bow scraping on the strings is a bit embarrassing because… there AREN’T any Strings on ‘Star of Wonder’. Yup, the official liner notes confirm it’s a synth, people.
Music is subjective. I understand that not everyone shares the same aesthetic inclinations and don’t think that anyone is obligated to enjoy this album. I, myself, don’t enjoy every moment of it (I do think Star of Wonder could use an upgrade in the string department, though to equate it with Muzak or bad MIDI isn’t fair or warranted). That said, your review seems to adhere to the philosophy that venom somehow creates the impression that one is witty and edgy. No one is impressed–it just comes off as a biased, mean-spirited and a waste of time. I read a review to tell me what I can musically expect from an album, not to dazzle me with unsupported verbal invective.
I get that it’s not cool to enjoy a Tori Amos album in 2009. To cite her as a musical influence is anti-indie-cred. And this album cover won’t do her any favors in the image department. However, the album, while not perfect, is thoughtfully arranged. On the whole, it evokes the baroque and classical influences evident in Boys for Pele and Under the Pink far more than the adult contemporary cheese of her more recent output. Is it as good as her earlier benchmarks? No, but it hardly deserves to be panned and it contains nothing so blatantly offensive to the ears to warrant your hyperbolic denunciation. I think its appeal is in its unconventional approach and that it’s quite pretty. I don’t think I’ll be the only one (critic, musician, fan or casual listener) who finds it in regular playlist rotation as the holiday season begins, perhaps alongside Low…
It’s a shame your writing here doesn’t reflect the sensibilities that come through in your writing about Sufjan or St. Vincent. You sound like a passionate, intelligent, open-minded individual in those pieces–it’d be refreshing to see a music journalist write about work that isn’t really their cup of tea with the same sensitivity and thoughtfulness that they apply to artists they obviously adore. (And, hey, so do I! You even referenced Marnie Stern and gender-biased expectations in your St. Vincent interview…Nice.)
Wow, this blog got totally swamped by Tori Amos fans (some of which apparently need medical attention)! I found the review well written and quite funny, though I do not really agree with the author’s opinion. Some songs are over-produced (this is becoming a regular issue on Ms Amos’ more recent output), but many still work for me. I find A Silent Night with You and Holly, Ivy and Rose gorgeous. Even Harps of Gold and Pink and Glitter are cute, in a silly, kitschy way (totally appropriate for a Christmas album). By no means Ms Amos’ best moment, Midwinter Graces is an interesting side-note to this years’ excellent Abnormally Attracted to Sin.
“Tiresomely lachrymose” — that’s a pretty perfect description, in my opinion.
Tori Amos is polarizing. And, really, it’s not necessarily because of her views on anything. A lot of times, people just really *really* do not like the way she delivers. If I put Tori Amos on a mix tape for *anyone* I know, I can unfortunately guarantee you that tape/CD is not gonna get listened to very much. I’m a big fan, and I still think she manages to be weepy, pious, & downright grating much of the time.
“the orchestral accompaniment has all the class of a cheap MIDI karaoke track”
Yeah, I think her production lately has come off pretty hollow.
anyway I thought midwinter graces was fabulous.
This review is so off the mark. Tori hasn’t been as on top of her game since American Doll Posse. Her albums ‘Abnormally Attracted To Sin’ and ‘The Beekeeper’ were enough to turn any fan off, let’s call a spade a spade. Her role as a Mother can often turn her music into some bizarre Kathy Lee Gifford impersonation however, this recent album ‘Midwinter Graces’ is absolutely stunning with the exception of a cliched use of sleigh bells on the first track and the shockingly schmaltzy ‘Harps of Gold’ (worst song she’s ever written since ‘Ribbons Undone’). That song seems like it desperately wants to be in some Holiday Diane Keaton Romantic comedy soundtrack and while you’d love to hate Tori for that…she makes up for it with the genius track ‘Winter’s Carol’ and ‘Our New Year’ and ‘Pink & Glitter’. She doesn’t mention Christmas once on the album, it’s pan-Holiday at best and non-specific. Her research into the history of these carols actually having belong to pageans is a well-thought-out concept unlike some of albums where you believe she’s pulling out concepts from her ass for the sake of it.
This album is the real deal and it’s not meant to be something you listen to in your car in hot weather or except to hear a club remix of anytime soon. To be fair, she’s not Lady Gaga and doesn’t try to be. Aside from the fact that weather you love her or hate her, nobody in rock today can rival Tori’s piano chops. As a working full-time musician with a degree in piano, I can attest to this fact that Tori is one hell of a musician.
As for her orchestra sounding MIDI, that’s a nice attempt at sounding intelligent except that there was an actual orchestra involved (re: the credits) directed by one of the music industry’s powerhouses of string arrangers : John Philip Shenale (and highly sought after drummer Matt Chamberlain plays a major role in this record as well.) – The only thing obvious is your lack of knowledge in not only music, but the technology that’s available regarding it since you can’t tell the difference between a MIDI track and an actual orchestra. I would rate this album 4 out of 5 stars. It’s not intended to be topical or rock n’ roll, to assume as much makes little sense.
Any comments taking swipes at other forum members will be deleted. Please go back and bicker about this in your own forum, this has gone on too long – the issue with the review in isn’t even out any more.
so very very wrong. its wonderful.
I’ve witnessed more mentally balanced conversations on forums for people with Antisocial Personality Disorder and all of this nonsense is spawned from the most rubbish review of anything I’ve ever read. Do you call yourself a journalist, Laura Snappes? I beg to differ.