• AOL
  • MAIL
    • You might also like: 
    • Music | 
    • Movies | 
    • TV | 
    • Celebrity
    •  and More
    • Main
    • News
    • Features
      • The Hit List
      • Spinner Interview
      • Potent Quotables
      • Guest Blogger
    • Songs
      • MP3 of the Day
      • Listening Party
      • What's That Song?
    • Videos
      • The Interface
      • Sessions
      • Video of the Day
    • Our Widgets
      • iPhone App
      • Radio Toolbar
    • Send Feedback

    Spinner Exclusives

    • The Interface - Live Performances
    • Listening Parties - New CDS for Free
    • Spinner Radio
    • Listening Parties - New CDS for Free

    Features

    • Bad Song, Good Band
    • Bands With Brothers
    • Banned Bands
    • Outrageous Tribute Bands
    • Sad Songs
    • Worst Lyrics Ever

    All Categories

    • Spinner Says(7)
    • All About Jazz(26)
    • Clash of the Cover Art(1)
    • Lyrics(4)
    • Music A-Z(24)
    • New Releases(53)
    • Quizzes & Trivia(2)
    • Album(110)
    • Around the World(147)
    • Book Club(57)
    • Canada(318)
    • Celebrity Doppelganger(13)
    • Clash of the Cover Songs(45)
    • Coming Out Stories(20)
    • Concerts and Tours(1666)
    • Count Five(63)
    • Country(45)
    • Electronic(274)
    • Exclusive(2432)
    • Free MP3 Download of the Day(898)
    • Grammy Awards(87)
    • Guest Blogger(61)
    • Holy Hell(644)
    • I Fought the Law(31)
    • I Freakin' Love This Song(238)
    • Jazz(16)
    • Laugh, Rage, Cry(6)
    • Movies(163)
    • Music Appreciation(50)
    • New Music(304)
    • News(4713)
    • Politics as Usual(19)
    • Pop Culture(40)
    • Potent Quotables(613)
    • R.I.P.(184)
    • Road Report(17)
    • Rock Almanac(366)
    • Rock Hall(29)
    • RPM(25)
    • Schwag Hag(37)
    • Songs(201)
    • Spinner Interview(110)
    • Television(94)
    • The Chum Bucket(606)
    • The Crap Stack(17)
    • The Hit List(1128)
    • Total Dick Move(2)
    • Twisted Tales(125)
    • UK(512)
    • Video(923)
    • Video of the Day(707)
    • Wacked News(190)
    • What's That Song?(79)

    Tori Amos Reveals Sinful Cover Art, Tracklisting

    • Posted on Mar 10th 2009 8:00AM by Jessica Robertson
    • Comments (68)
    Print |  Email More
    Tori Amos is in a good mood when she phones Spinner from her Cornwall, England studio. She owes her glee, in part, to a white chocolate chip cookie, which she informs us her 8-year-old daughter, Natashya, baked for her. "Husband didn't marry me for my baking," she laughs.

    It's just weeks away from Amos' scheduled performance at SXSW, where she'll unveil new tunes from her tenth studio album, 'Abnormally Attracted to Sin,' due May 19. In addition to debuting the album cover and tracklist with Spinner, Amos discussed her new work, how to divvy up the Democrats and Republicans, and what she considers to be the greatest sin of all.


    What was the impetus behind this new collection?

    I'm drawn to questioning what traditional authorities have defined sin to be. As a minister's daughter, I've been exposed to the traditional belief system. [Sin] has been used to shame and control people. If you're controlled by a religious structure, then you're going to have a very different outlook on life and what you're open to than if you're not controlled by these old, crumbling concepts.



    The new album, 'Abnormally Attracted to Sin,' takes its name from a line in 'Guys and Dolls,' said by the character Sarah Brown. Do you feel a kinship with her in any way?

    No, because I'm not torn by my religious beliefs. A lot of the problems we have right now in our world are because of intolerance dictated by the big religions.

    Do you feel it's your duty or obligation to expose these truths in your work?

    I find that right now, in this turbulent time where there's so much strife all around the world, there is an opportunity for religions to open their doors and their hearts -- to become compassionate for someone else's beliefs instead of intolerant. That's always really disappointed me about people who talk about being religious, and yet they're the most judgemental, usually. Right now, we're at war, and I wrote quite a lot of this album while I was on tour last time. I traveled the world, I played in Israel, I traveled through countries where the major religions exist -- and the one thing that I started to do more than ever was to really ask questions about "What do I believe in?" Traveling and seeing how women see themselves in different cultures ... how the community thinks of them becomes so important for some of them, more than how than how they even feel about themselves. And some of them are dying -- they're dying in their lives. You might be approved of in your community, but your heart is completely breaking. And I don't find that a tolerant society -- that is not the compassionate Christ path to me. I began to see that kindness and tolerance were not found in institutions, but found in individuals who seemed to be breaking away from the old patriarchal viewpoint.

    Did you have a similar experience growing up in a Christian household?

    I was brought up in a home that was ... we were brought up in the Christian doctrine, and that's just what it was. We believed in it, and I think the question is: What is that doctrine? Because it's not about the open heart. Maybe it takes times like we have right now, times of so much upheaval, where you allow yourself to really find out what it is that you feel about something. My daughter has all kinds of questions all the time, and if she were brought up in a less tolerant household, she would be broken, no question about it. But she has a grandfather who was a Methodist minister and she has a part of her family who are very much practicing Christians, yet she loves them. But she is not interested if they agree with what she thinks because she is allowed to believe in what she wants.

    One of the current arguments at large in America is whether or not gays should have the right to marry. Religion is often used in the argument against gay marriage. Why do you think that union is so threatening?

    We go back to that word -- intolerance. That, to me, isn't what America ever was. It wasn't about telling another person how to live their life. I always said in a perfect world, you keep the Democrats out of your bank account and the Republicans out of your bedroom. But in life, why do you have to have anybody else in your bedroom if you're a consenting adult? That is the need people have right now, it seems, to dictate to another person how they should live there life. I find that the greatest sin of all. The record explores all kinds of feelings and depending on your state of mind, your set of circumstances could result in a very different outcome.

    What can you tell me about the visuals that will be accompanying each of the songs on this album?

    I'm calling them "vignettes" because it's more akin to a mini-film. This all started on tour last time, when we were filming the live shows. The director was putting together montages, and as I saw the montages, new music was already coming. I started to put the new music to the mini-films that were being made out on the road.

    When I travel I get all kinds of ideas. I'm forced to see things that I wouldn't and question. When you asked me about 'Guys and Dolls,' I guess I was never a Bible-thumping Christian; I was always trying to question because I had so much religion in my upbringing. I was drawn to those people and those ideas that weren't accepted necessarily, and it's not because these ideas in reality are "evil" -- that's just the perception that's being given. The reality I was brought up in was, "Anything that doesn't work within the Christian doctrine is sinful." And that's a lot of stuff.

    'Abnormally Attracted to Sin' Tracklist

    1. 'Give'
    2. 'Welcome to England'
    3. 'Strong Black Vine'
    4. 'Flavor'
    5. 'Not Dying Today'
    6. 'Maybe California'
    7. 'Curtain Call'
    8. 'Fire to Your Plain'
    9. 'Police Me'
    10. 'That Guy'
    11. 'Abnormally Attracted to Sin'
    12. '500 Miles'
    13. 'Mary Jane'
    14. 'Starling'
    15. 'Fast Horse'
    16. 'Ophelia'
    17. 'Lady in Blue'

    Download Tori Amos Songs | Buy Tori Amos CDs
    • Filed under: News, Exclusive, Album
    • Share & Bookmark :
      Print |  Email More

    Reader Comments(1 of 4)

    vote downvote upReportHigh Ranked

    Murphyat 3-10-2009

    I'm so happy to finally know when the album is coming out, what it looks like and what's going to be on it. Too bad … how could he/she have skipped such a pertinent topic? I mean, I know it's hard to describe what music sounds like, but something would have been nice.

    Oh, and Strong Black Vine … yeah.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    popbytesat 3-10-2009

    I am so excited for this album - the cover is simply gorgeous! Welcome back Tori!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportLowest Ranked

    hollisat 3-10-2009

    This Lady has it backwords. If her 8 year old can believe whatever she wants then she will buy into the things in the world. She thinks being convicted by Gods truth is hard try living the life that you are giving your dauter.Granted she may turn out to be what you would call a good person when it is all said and done but she may end up in a way that would horrifieing for you to think of her that way. good luck.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    superstarscott24at 3-10-2009

    hollis, you're doing exactly what tori says in this interview that people do. Tori is saying, don't use religion/God/Jesus to hate people and be intolerant. Use God to love people and accept them for who they are. That's a great message to give to children, because it WAS jesus' message. Don't be a hater.

    vote downvote upReportLowest Ranked

    Natalieat 3-11-2009

    hollis i totally agree with you. I have all types of people in my family and i LOVE them so much. however, if tori thinks that this world is too judgemental.....she is going to hate the day she stands before the Almight God. Who yes is Love, but is also, Righteous and Holy. He and only He will have the final Judgement word....Hope she and all of us are ready one day!

    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    SaurahLaviaat 3-10-2009

    SO EXCITED!!!!!
    YUS!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHigh Ranked

    Tomat 3-10-2009

    Tori Amos has it right. Republicans need to stay out of the bedrooms.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    BOBat 3-10-2009

    Tori's Right! Democrats need to stay out of our bank accounts! However I have never had someone tell me what i can and cannot due in bed! perhaps just trying to stay neutral.

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    Ross Balcomat 3-11-2009

    No, Republicans need to stay out of our bank accounts (and our bedrooms). Bush and his fascist pals gave us this trillion-dollar war in Iraq."Tax and spend" Republicans are ruining this country.

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    Joelat 3-10-2009

    Republicans need to stay in their own bedrooms and perhaps they would be happier as a result.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    tangcameoat 3-10-2009

    Thank you, Tori! I didn't think she'd have a new album out this quickly with the work she's been doing on Light Princess. I'm calling in sick to work on May 19th... and probably 20th too. hehe



    Reply
    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    Heatherat 3-10-2009

    I have been an Ears with Feet for 16+ years. Some albums are better than others, but she never disappoints. Can't wait to hear the new stuff, and the beginning of a new tour!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    Hello Jayeat 3-10-2009

    Love Tori even more, if that is possible. Thank You for your music and your open Happy Heart. I 'm glad to hear more compassion than judgements, my 9 year old is getting the same openminded up bringing. I am an Atheist but am glad she is searching for her own truth, with or without a god. Everyone be happy and Health can't wait till may 19 YEA!!!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportLowest Ranked

    Martyat 3-10-2009

    Jaye,
    As an athiest, I can at least respect your candor and commitment to what you believe or don't believe. For Tori, though, she's a practicing Satanist and doesn't have the guts to admit it. She admits it in the occult magazine "Vox" which may reach a demographic of 10,000 but won't dare admit it to Spinner/AOL. She and her ilk prefer to operate in the shadows. Read her quote below.

    "All these years, I've been on a search to find the essence of Death and build this relationship. Sometimes it's brought me to baby demons or to other things, types of demons. And as I learned more about her, whether it be through relationships, medicine men or women, the occult, literature, illness…we could go on, but any events that could show me a little more of that relationship with the darkness. By the darkness, I mean those things that are hidden from us, not evil or… Lucifer is seen as demonic or satanic, but I don't associate Lucifer with Satanism. I don't associate Lucifer with being male necessarily, either. She can be a lovely light that shows people a little more of the hidden things and open them to things that they weren't aware of. There's that line, "It's time that you love." It's was very different when Death said it than when I heard it from somewhere else.

    The real power, the most powerful aspect of Death is compassion."
    Tori Amos, Vox Magazine

    vote downvote upReportLowest Ranked

    Martyat 3-10-2009

    Just to clarify, because I don't think I did in my reply above. I am a saved, redeemed and blessed Christian. I'm familiar with Tori and her belief system based on past research.

    vote downvote upReportLow Ranked

    heartblong2Godat 3-10-2009

    so grosss!!!!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportLowest Ranked

    snowdog323at 3-10-2009

    Another half talented corrupted sick woman popstar proving "success" or money does not make someone a decent person with good values.Her opinions are meaningless and so is her music.Maybe she can blame the abuse she suffered or religion, i'm sure it did not help,but she should know better and apparently has very little class.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    h8mongr69at 3-10-2009

    snowdog323, you are a complete imbecile! First of all, your post makes very little sense and clearly you know NOTHING about Tori Amos or her music. She doesn't blame religion for any "abuse she suffered"; she was simply making an observation about the intolerance perpetrated by religion that is destroying the world. Based on your lack of literacy and understanding I think it's safe to assume that you are one of the hypocritical Christians whose intolerant ways serve only to spread strife and further misery in the world. So much for you being "a decent person with good values." See ya in Hell!

    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    Jenat 3-10-2009

    LOLing forever at you saying SHE'S the one with no class just because you don't happen to agree with her beliefs.

    Yeah, you stay classy.

    vote downvote upReportLow Ranked

    snowdog323at 3-10-2009

    According to people like this everyone should just do what ever they want without fear of consequences but nothing could be further from the truth.What this does prove is be careful what you say and who you preach to especially your kids if you have them.Also, the music industry is generally a disgrace.And i say "popstar" with a grain of salt,maybe "altfreak" would be more accurate.Be careful how you use your so called "fame"

    Reply
    1234 Next >

    Add your comments

    • New Users
    • Returning Users
    • AOL/AIM Screenname

    If you are posting a comment for the first time, please enter your name and email address in the fields above. Your name will be displayed with your comment. Your email address will never be displayed.

    Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Off-topic, promotional or otherwise inappropriateinappropriate comments will be removed.

    When you enter your name and email address for the first time, you'll be sent a link to confirm your comment, as well as a password. To leave another comment, just use that password.

    Follow US

    Facebook
    Twitter
    RSS
    • Contact Us
    • Send News Tips
    • Advertise with Us

    Shop Now

    Listen to Full CDs

    • Hot Chip, 'One Life Stand'
    • Sade, 'Soldier of Love'Massive Attack, 'Heligoland'
    • Return of the Wu & Friends
    • Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
    • All Spinner Full CDs

    Relevant Posts

    • Bonnaroo Announces Stacked 2010 Line-Up (Yesterday - 0 Comments)
    • The Grammy Awards' Biggest Mistakes (14 days ago - 16 Comments)
    • Tori Amos, Rosanne Cash Sign Items for Girls Rock Camp Auction (13 days ago - 0 Comments)
    • Fatboy Slim and Wife Zoe Ball Welcome Baby Girl (26 days ago - 1 Comment)
    • Potent Quotables: Tori's Tips for Intimacy (37 days ago - 5 Comments)

    Billboard

    • 1: Break, Three Days Grace
    • 2: Uprising, Muse
    • 3: Your Decision, Alice In Chains
    • 4: If You Only Knew, Shinedown
    • 5: (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To, Weezer
    • See All Top 100 Rock Albums at

    Hottest Artists on Tour: Lady GaGa, Taylor Swift, Pink, Black Eyed Peas, Kid Cudi,

    Also on AOL

    Quick Links

    • Celebrity Tattoos
    • Celebrities Without Makeup
    • Slipknot Masks
    • Christmas Music
    • 50s Music
    • 60s Music
    • 90s Music
    • 70s Music
    • 80s Music
    • Best Songs Of 2008
    • Horrorcore
    • Michael Jackson Songs

    Also on AOL Music

    • Concert Tickets
    • Country Music
    • Grammys
    • Hip Hop Music
    • Lyrics
    • Metal Music
    • Music News
    • Music Videos
    • New Music Releases
    • Online Radio
    • PopEater

    Blogs on AOL

    • Autoblog
    • Be Red
    • BloggingStocks
    • Cinematical
    • DownloadSquad
    • Engadget
    • Fanhouse
    • Joystiq
    • StyleList
    • TMZ

    More on AOL

    • African-American Culture
    • AOL Video
    • Breaking News
    • CityGuide
    • Food
    • Love
    • Media Player
    • Musica Latina
    • Pixcetera
    • Singles
    • Wallet Pop

    More on AOL

    • Television
    • Movies
    • Money
    • Mapquest
    • Horoscopes
    • Health
    • AOL Latino
    • Games
    • SHOUTcast

    Help Links

    • Advertise With Us
    • Mail
    • Notify AOL
    • Privacy Policy
    • Search
    • Terms of Service
    • Trademarks
    • Follow Spinner on Twitter
    • The Interface
    • Free Mp3
    • Full CDs
    • RSS
    • Terms of Use

    Spinner.com © 2009 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.