Episode 9: American Doll Posse / Posse Popping & Wig Snatching || Messing with the Master: Tori Amos

Ever feel like just being someone else? With the regal and roaring opus American Doll Posse, Tori Amos gave her listeners permission - and a psychic road map - to become the characters who hide in plain sight in all of our brains; even the “character” of ourselves. With healthy doses of showmanship and flamboyance, American Doll Posse saw Amos sonically embracing a towering, modern production style tinged with classic and country rock elements.
No stranger to being a sonic character actress exploring roles, ADP’s real gag was stunningly Cindy Sherman-esque: Amos would manifest her characters in a new way, by literally becoming four distinct women who each represented aspects of her own personality. Enter Clyde, Isabel, Pip and Santa aka the Posse. Taking a page from David Bowie’s glittery glam rock opera playbook, not only would Amos portray the characters in song and for the album’s still photography, she would also be portraying them and performing as them in full costume nightly at her live shows.
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While she may have fully disappeared into each character, the moment you realize Tori Amos is also playing “Tori Amos” as a character in a sequined American Flag jumpsuit, the winking concept clicks, and every lighter in the arena goes up in the air. While each of the Posse gals gets their moment in the spotlight, the overall through line of the ambitious ADP is unity, strength in numbers, as five powerful women band together to deliver a ferociously righteous rock and roll sermon about how the patriarchy needs a good old-fashioned slap across the fucking face.
Dontchu for-get to join Kristen, Matt and Joey to take a closer look at one of the most audacious records and eras of Tori’s career. Hold onto your wigs, and strap in tight for the wild ride of Messing With The Master, American Doll Posse. This one’s for the MILFs.
JV playlist: open.spotify.c...
KK playlist: open.spotify.c...
MM playlist: open.spotify.c...

[@rhysjamais]

I didn't know that weird 'P' looking symbol in the album sleeve was a tattoo! I'd always wondered why it was there. Also on the comment about Pele being released today - I feel like Ethel Cain does a good job of traversing that territory. I wish there'd been some discussion about the blogs written by the dolls! Those were another example of T trying to realise the mythology of the posse, it felt like. Fave moment of the album is the beginning of Beauty of Speed when she's playing the Böse on the left hand and a Yamaha upright piano on the right hand. If you listen to it with one earphone at a time, you hear completely different piano lines, kinda like the way Josephine has separate audio channels.

[@MessingwiththeMasterPodcast]

The blogs could have their own episode tbh

[@IwoEWF]

Zero Point has massive ADP vibes I agree!!

[@michaelwrider]

OMG THANK U FOR THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lolitajoanne]

My overall thoughts on ADP : this was actually such a fun Tori album to listen to and was sooooooo camp! it’s a good blend of pop, rock, & country. I liked a good chunk of the record - Bouncing off Clouds was such a fun song & perhaps a Tori fav within her discography. Smokey Joe is so moody and really just has so much darkness to it which I love. Big Wheel is so fun & the countdown is iconic. All of that being said, the album isn’t my favorite Tori album by any means, but it is very necessary. I’ve seen so many talk badly about this record, and I honestly didn’t see what’s so bad about it. There’s a handful of songs that will be making it on a playlist or two. ❤️

[@alejandroschaub2918]

The countdown in Big wheel Is my favorite moment too! Kristen, stop cheating 😂

[@MessingwiththeMasterPodcast]

It was just a tiny lil 9 min / 8 year-ish cheat!

[@alejandroschaub2918]

It was really funny 😂

[@lolitajoanne]

I loveeeeeee the channel & am enjoying your Tori series quite a lot! 💕

[@MessingwiththeMasterPodcast]

We're so glad! TY for listening!

[@dale-luc]

Just discovered your channel. Love seeing EWF going full Tori Hardcore realness. Really, enjoyed your insights and your playlists. I wanted to share my playlist too: 1. Miracle 2. Big Wheel 3. Body and Soul 4. Girl Disappearing 5. My Posse Can Do 6. Code Red 7. Bouncing Off Clouds 8. Mr Bad Man 9. Teenage Hustling 10. Roosterspur Bridge 11. You Can Bring Your Dog 12. Beauty of Speed 13. Drive All Night 14. Father's Son 15. Smokey Joe 16. Almost Rosey 17. Velvet Revolution 18. Dragon Hugs

[@MessingwiththeMasterPodcast]

Ohhh opening with Miracle! Great playlist

[@Aerialgrrl]

"Holding her own beer" - ☠️ (Unrepentant ADP lover from first listen.)

[@MessingwiththeMasterPodcast]

Me too! I loved it right away! (Kristen)