Gold Dust

Rather than simply release a greatest hits collection to celebrate the 20 years that have passed since she broke through with <i>Little Earthquakes</i>, Tori Amos revisits her catalog with these recordings with the Metropole Orchestra. Essentially, she covers her own songs here, treating them as new mysteries with answers still to find. The orchestra, conducted by Jules Buckley, is tasteful, adding just the right amount of tension and drama to Amos' grand performances. While this album could be two or three times its actual length and still be leaving out <i>something</i> worth revisiting, the choices are inspired, bringing new hues to "Yes, Anastasia," "Jackie's Strength," "Winter" and "Marianne" just for starters. Amos' gorgeous musicality is present throughout. The <i>Deluxe Version</i> adds "Maybe California," videos for "Flavor" and "Gold Dust," and a short documentary on the making of the video for "Flavor."