Tori Amos | NPR MUSIC LIVE

"Don't you want more than my sex?" is just one of many memorable lines on Tori Amos' 1992 album Little Earthquakes, jauntily tossed off in the cabaret singalong "Leather." But it encapsulates the challenge the singer-songwriter posed to the music world 20 years ago.
Leading a wave of artists who would take women in rock from the margins to the center, Amos showed the world how a whole woman - brains, guts, heart and, yes, sex - could sound. At 28, Amos was coming into her own after a few false starts in the L.A. pop machine, and she went deep and hard into her feminine experience with a voice that murmured or screamed, but most of all spoke frankly and directly and seemingly right into the hearts of her fans.
Amos' delicate but rocking songs, built around her classically based piano playing, were revelations for generations of young women (and men) trying to figure out how liberation could be the stuff of a personal life, not a distant political movement. In funny, poignant, daring lyrics, Amos offered unflinching views of complicated romance ("China"), power struggles with men ("Tear in Your Hand"), family dramas (Amos' tender song to her father, "Winter") and rape, an experience she describes without apology or the need for pity in the a cappella "Me and a Gun." Two decades after Amos first uttered the words, "I hear my voice and it's been here, silent all these years" in Little Earthquakes' lead single, that voice still startles, moves and uncovers secrets.
Amos' latest album, Gold Dust, commemorates the 20th anniversary of Little Earthquakes by re-imagining a personally handpicked collection of songs from her catalog in an orchestral setting. Experience these new arrangements of classic favorites in an exclusive concert from New York City, broadcast live by NPR Music.
Set List
"Leather"
"Cloud On My Tongue"
"Jamaica Inn"
"Purple People"
"Snow Cherries From France"
"Smokey Joe"
"Putting The Damage On"
"Taxi Ride"
"Jackie's Strength"
"Flavor"
"1,000 Oceans"
"Hey Jupiter"
"Winter"

[@lutalice]

00:00 Leather 03:42 Cloud on my tongue 09:06 Jamaica Inn (Solo) 13:58 Purple people (Solo) 17:59 Snow cherries from France 23:23 Smokey Joe 28:07 Putting the damage on (Solo) 33:19 Taxi ride (Solo) 37:58 Jackie's strength 43:18 Flavor 48:13 1000 oceans (Solo) 52:40 Hey Jupiter 58:58 Winter

[@wesla2541]

I have to agree with those who've said she got us through some of the hardest times in life... There's no one like her. Sure she sounds a li'l like Kate Bush (as critics would say), but if that's the case, she's the highly evolved v2.0 :) She is one of a kind, and her lyrical prowess, and her melodic storytelling (in and of itself) is sheer brilliance.

[@Peterhughes1979]

Thank you

[@photodevries7785]

Thank you for all 37:55 ❤

[@89grandizer]

Tori deserves a Kate Bush / Stranger Things moment. A new generation needs to discover her. Too bad they never collaborated. But it’s never too late.

[@belllabean]

oh i think if you see (and hear- not always a good thing!) the audience at a lot of her U.S shows these recent tours, the younger gen has *definitely* discovered her~!

[@pumamanta1771]

Watch Yellowjackets, they featured her music a couple times in a very Tori fan kinda way

[@summerpower6849]

Her music literally saved my life during my childhood. I am now 46 and I love her dearly. Thank you for your amazing talent and honesty Tori ❤️

[@n8vsprt315]

I’m in your boat kiddo only I’m 43 & I’ve been so close 2 actual death 2…my parents were told several times in my 20s & once in my 30s not to expect me to leave the🏥alive. I had her along w/me for the ride every time, since I found her when she 1st went solo. As a classical & modern 🎹ist, I always love playing as much of her catalogue as I can get to. The greater the complexity, the more fun😁. I’ve never met her & she doesn’t know me. Going to what🎫I can, I kind of like it that way cause I never want 2B that type of fan, ya’know😇⁉️ But her🎶has a place in my💘forever-her🎶…I’ll never take ownership of her or turn her to a god. But given the same bloodlines to T&MattC., I’ll always give Scarlet (w/her torch) a place @my round table thru the rhythmic sToritelling😉 &🌊🌊of soundGardens(🤘🏻) that reach my soul, shapeshifting the meaning as conversation/experience/life lessons &⏳pass by😇❣️❣️

[@EdieSexwitch]

She has helped me at the hardest parts of my life. I love her so much.

[@lisastallingskeelor3328]

Edie same here.

[@rybigbee01]

Me too ❤️

[@davi22034]

I bet Tori Amos helped to improve the mental health of the population who listen to her songs

[@persephonea.stockton6298]

Count me in. Tori released her first album at a pivotal time in my life.

[@justmissjamey]

Agreed!! She is magical

[@jupiter27999]

Tori got me through middle school, still love her 30 years later...wnder if she realizes how many lives she's saved.

[@peterlittle4357]

Tori Amos is the most beautiful creature in Gods universe 💞 For anyone who doesn't know, Jamaica Inn is a pub on the coast in Cornwall near to where Tori lives when she's in England. Its said to be haunted by pirate ghosts

[@LuxStrangelove]

I legit broke out in tears when she played Winter, watching her play it these all years later, older, wiser. Also hearing myself, older, wiser.

[@davegarciaofficial]

Carrie Doss I broke out in tears when I saw what she did to her face

[@persephonea.stockton6298]

Beautifully said.

[@kirkchan7726]

@@davegarciaofficial why is it any of your business what she chooses to do to her body? Typical cis man....

[@davegarciaofficial]

@@kirkchan7726 lol ok Karen

[@NickNicometi]

@@davegarciaofficial What did she do?

[@hughmse]

All these years after "Putting the Damage On" still breaks me in a most beautiful way, no matter what my mood was before listening to it. Been here since Little Earthquakes 30 years ago and I'm here for Ocean to Ocean. A living legend.

[@spaceoddity8292]

Asi es Miguel! Seguimos junto a Tori !!

[@sonitacrane2512]

Yup!

[@DianesSister]

I accidentally discovered little earthquakes when I signed on one of those 10 CDs for a penny Columbia record deals back in the day. It was meant to be because I've followed her music ever since. I love her, seen her 5 times and raised 2 daughters with piano lessons and a strong love of all things Tori!

[@frankresu115]

Nach über 30 Jahren wiederentdeckt und wieder wie damals in der gleichen Stimmung und Ehrfurcht vor dieser Frau und ihrem Klavier und die Leidenschaft wie sie singt und spielt.🤗 😊👍

[@alejandromorales9516]

I've been a fan since 1992 and this ranks as one of my favorite live performances (among many incredible ones). Every song is delivered with such generosity and musicality. What a gift her music has been to me and so many others.

[@elizabethrios7759]

I also love how u can see her admiration for the orchestra she played with in this npr concert!!!!!!! Her respect for the musicians she played with is written all over her face!!! An how she slowed down some songs to give them a chance to shine making the music more beautiful!!!!

[@shaec3405]

There is nothing like a Live TORI SHOW!! Blessed to have seen her 3 times. Twice Front Row!! Shockingly Stunned.. the entire audience... All at once. Every time.

[@persephonea.stockton6298]

I'm wicked fortunate to have seen her 9 times between 1998 & 2017. Two times I met her and had her autograph 2 rare import cd singles. She's extremely kind, attentive, and has a fabulous sense of humor. I was elated when my mom's genealogy research revealed that Tori and I are distant cousins (through the late Mary Amos' side side of the family.)

[@littleearthquakes3183]

I love this performance. I think is the only time I've watched her perform Smokey Joe live. You don't hear it very often.

[@russmcmeans4667]

I’m suffering a failed back surgery and terrible nerve pain to my legs. Tori, Tom Petty and Peter Gabriel keep me going.

[@phillipgeske6396]

My heart goes out to you brother! 2020 has definitely been a year we’d all like to forget. I hope 2021 finds us all in less pain. I’ll pray your next surgery goes as it should and you will be able to enjoy a Tori show. Stay strong Russ

[@n8vsprt315]

I wrote on some1 else’s comment that she helped save my life…not sayin’ it stemmed from 10failed, 2partial successes, &mostly the complications from those spinal surgeries that nearly killed me. I was very lucky w/all the support I had from family/friends alive(&not alive😘😇), &the 🎶I always made sure I had on various devices over the yrs. It just happened 2B mostly Tori, Fiona🍎, Björk as well as S.McLachlan, C.Cornell, E.Vedder, RHCP, STP, LP. Now that I’ve📱, I’ve added a lot of P.Gabriel 2, lol. When ur by yourself it really is the med.st8 u get into 2try 2distract u from the pain, 2fight harder 2prove the MDs wrong each time [my parents/rel.]told not 2expect me🏡,never make it out of🏥. But Tori & Fiona, my enduring fellow🎹sts since I was 14&18(🍎&I born same summer). I’ve a feeling we’ve been thru similar issues, my friend. I just hope ur situations get better❤️‍🩹over time😇❣️

[@user-jb8rx6bf3h]

Some things need to be done with to make room for the more important and loved. X

[@queeples]

Recovering from cellulitis and I take my Vitamin Tori everyday.

[@jonathanoneill8011]

Hope you’re feeling better since then, Russ. Keep on listening to Tori, Tom, and Peter… balm for the soul! Be well.

[@thechicantique4567]

I'm sitting here in 2021 crying as I listen to what has been the secret soundtrack of my life. 😥🧡

[@ratter531]

Tori's songs can evoke every human emotion, and can transport you into another realm of being. She is a musical genius, Love her.

[@trudymseifke2880]

2020 Virus, Pandenic, Heatwave, Then this... maybe it's her heart and lyrics Tori lifts us into the Exstentential where everyone is Okay and Problems dissolve. Gratitude, gratitude on this night!

[@fuzzybug29]

Never not going to be obsessed with this artist. Forever favorite. Her music helped me process every difficult feeling and experience in my youth and 20's. I immediately feel transported to those days when I put her music on to this day ❤️

[@Rainbowbrite10]

Gosh I love this lady. I remember when I first started listening to Tori Amos. My first CD was "Under the Pink" and I instantly feel in love with her music. The energy and raw strength, and beauty that was all balled up into each song was always like reading a page out of her diary. It was only until I got a little older that I truly understood just how magical and talented she really is. At first I had a hard time understanding her phrasing, but once I was able to get the lyrics for her songs - all of her words made sense and I grew to adore her quirkiness. Her music makes me laugh, cry, smile, and has helped me through some pretty dark times too. Some of my favorite song are "Honey", "Northern Lad", "Sugar", "Bells for Her", "1000 Oceans", "Cornflake Girl", "Precious Things", "Baker Baker", ""Losing my Religion (cover)", ""Smells Like Teen Spirit" (cover), "Little Amsterdam", "Little Earthquakes", "Winter", "Waitress", "Hey Jupiter!", "Bliss", "Crucify", "Sleeps With Butterflies" and "Cooling". Tori is like a musical fairy Godmother who is always there when you need some magic. I love you to Jupiter, Venus and back Tori. You are beautiful inside out and upside down. Please come to the DAR again in D.C. - Love always, Lindsay. PS: This was a beautiful concert. Winter was definitely my favorite, the lyrics get me every time.

[@christophermuller9489]

Same same here. I will (finally) see her in a few weeks in Hamburg. I am so much looking forward seeing and listening to her.

[@enigmaticx326]

How did I miss this until now?! Been listening to Tori for 20 years. She’s been with me through good and bad times .Great performance, always get a little teary eyed listening to Winter.

[@virginiadelrio3665]

Same💖

[@sonitacrane2512]

Winter is awesome.

[@sonitacrane2512]

Yes, you didn’t miss out until now! Or whenever you post it. Yes, I am old school.

[@sonitacrane2512]

lol as a kid say

[@jenimcleod1553]

Gawd. Where would I be without this woman?!?!

[@hugotreger2181]

Amazing show! She sings better than ever and the octet of strings makes it an amazing concert. What a body of work this woman has! Her music has accompanied me all my life, like a dear old friend, so every song brings me back to the boy I was and the man I am today. As an artist she stays relevant: The music for The Light Princess is a masterpiece, some of the best melodies she has ever written!

[@davi22034]

I wonder how I am still surprised with her capability of making me feel emotional and touched, sometimes I even get paralyzed with such beauty

[@persephonea.stockton6298]

❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@andreprado5113]

3:37 I wasnt ready for that intro to "Cloud on my Tongue". Love it!!

[@grantpenton1850]

This is the performance that turned me into a fan, in my hotel room in 2014 finding this on cable. I appreciate her rock shows, but this is wonderfully special!

[@vsibirsky]

Tori and her piano.. always magic

[@katwashere194]

Incredible version of Smoky Joe! Wow my mind is blown how it sounds with the octet. Just brilliant

[@kittpoet]

Tori Amos is one of my favorite singers of all time. What a talent. An ICON!

[@davidprevost6670]

I'm a true hard music fan at ❤. But I've loved Tori since the 1st time i heard her from a roommate of mine in the early 90s. Can't wait until she does a 🇺🇸 tour again. Hopefully before 2024 lol.

[@collin26]

I think this is the most beautiful version of Hey Jupiter...I heard it one and a million times still this version had me sobbing!

[@seanpaulcurran]

However many years later and this is still such a strong an unique setlist. I am in love with it, and that version of 1000 Oceans. *cries*

[@lisastallingskeelor3328]

Hard for me to pick a fave of any of tori’s work but SNOW CHERRIES FROM FRANCE is always in my top 20.

[@jenimcleod1553]

Just found this ... Winter is tearing me apart. She looks like she is crying or is on the verge of tears. The strings, the YEARS, this must take on such a huge different meaning now. It definitely does for me. Very close to 30yrs later. The song always makes me cry nut for new reasons everytime. The entire performance is just perfection. Thank you!!!

[@edinsonluhmann3038]

Setlist: Leather 0:00 Cloud on my Tongue 3:42 Jamaica Inn 9:06 Purple People 13:36 Snow cherries from France 18:00 Smokey Joe 22:40 Putting the Damage On 27:55 Taxi Ride 33:16 Jackie Strength 37:57 Flavor 43:17 1,000 Oceans 48:10 Hey Jupiter 52:40 Winter 58:50

[@sewage1510]

She closed with Winter and it just broke me. I love her so much.

[@brunofernandes3298]

This new version of Hey Jupiter is Something beyond Beautiful, it's a cosmic event

[@beulahboi]

While these songs are always in my life, some come to find me when I seem to need them most. Tonight is one of those nights. I'm thankful.

[@edinsonluhmann3038]

At 17:34 I died. This is my ghost saying this whole show is the definition of perfection.

[@ThePerezHilton]

This performance was DIVINE!!!!!!!!

[@Drebe73]

Chills every time. So happy to be seeing Tori, live again on the premier date of her new tour. Such a beautiful and intimate experience.

[@alterennui3384]

Tori's sidesaddle sitting position is iconic. I wanted to marry her when i was a teenager lol

[@Loenthall88]

"Winter" is, for me, one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.

[@justmissjamey]

LOVE LOVE LOVE that she did Putting the Damage on!!! Pele was such a good album

[@Rainerwarzecha]

WoW Concert!! ❤️🎼❤️Tori was like an angel aside my long journeys through Germany for a decade! This music makes you firm and concentrated, but calm.

[@felipemeirelles1816]

Nobody is speaking about Jamaica Inn, how amazing it sounds only on piano!

[@sewerface]

Tori Amos was supposedly born in North Carolina, but I don't believe she is originally from Earth.

[@lisastallingskeelor3328]

sewerface all I can say is that when I die, I want to go where she and her muses are from.

[@janknuckey]

North Carolina? I thought she was a witch, lost in time, running through the fields of Scotland

[@SebastiaanHolStadsgids]

Then Aurora Aksnes must be her alien daughter, LOL.

[@persephonea.stockton6298]

A goddess was born on that August day.

[@thechicantique4567]

Best comment ever! So true. 🌈💚😉👽

[@endfm]

Tori has been on rotation for about 20 years so far!

[@cawest44]

JUST found this via Pinterest - Best version of Hey Jupiter. Ever. Love Love Love this whole show! She sounded amazing and even though a lot of the songs I have seen over the years when seeing her on tour, these were wonderful reworkings!

[@Traveling_with_FIVE_Cats]

YES!! I saw you play, for the first time, at a NPR/WHYY (guest of) in a small intimate Philadelphia venue.. 1988! So ahead of her time and so seductive!! Memorable!!! Thanks for all the talent so bravely shared!! Be Safe! We love you! ..a Tyler School of Art alminus (film major/ photo)

[@ediluhmann8803]

Am I normal if I play this whole thing around 5 times in a month? The day they take it down will be the death of me.

[@persephonea.stockton6298]

No, that is not normal. It should be 20 times per month.😁

[@Francisco_Lopes]

Waiting for the time-stamps guy, meanwhile ill leave these here: Cloud On My Tongue - 03:42 Jamaican Inn - 09:06 Hey Jupiter - 52:40 Winter - 58:58

[@lutalice]

00:00 Leather 03:42 Cloud on my tongue 09:06 Jamaica Inn (Solo) 13:58 Purple people (Solo) 17:59 Snow cherries from France 23:23 Smokey Joe 28:07 Putting the damage on (Solo) 33:19 Taxi ride (Solo) 37:58 Jackie's strength 43:18 Flavor 48:13 1000 oceans (Solo) 52:40 Hey Jupiter 58:58 Winter

[@Francisco_Lopes]

@@lutalice Thanks mate

[@mJOYb1]

The orchestral arrangements!

[@mrsmelons5553]

Yesssssss!!!

[@user-jb8rx6bf3h]

Thank You. Next and pure is yours. You didn’t want that one. Love you Tori

[@Rainerwarzecha]

I love the kisser-story! So fun. I love you, Tori ... your music is healing and touching.

[@elizabethrios7759]

God bless npr for this!!!

[@sirengunn]

Hands down best version of Jackie’s Strength, by far! The strings on that...wow, not to mention the goddess herself. Blown away 🧜🏼‍♀️💕🌺

[@cornholio5318]

One of my favorite concerts by her

[@Rodeo1202]

1000 oceans gets me every time

[@Counselor_Cate]

With some of my favorites!! Love you, Tori 🖤🩷💜

[@southamepton]

Wonderful concert ! Jackie's strength & Winter are even more gorgeous with an orchestra, surreal... wow

[@paranoidhumanoid]

This venue is right across the street from my office. I can't believe I f***** missed this!!!

[@ladyfuschia4729]

Discovering her music broke open something in my heart/mind/soul/heart so I could be free of a life of abuse ❤️

[@seenINsoul]

so emotional and stunning... thanks NPR to share this gem and thanks Tori to mention and play my request from Rotterdam m&g of PTDO

[@seenINsoul]

27:54 thank you Tori 💖

[@Mayabee321]

I love this so much. Her music will live on forever

[@mahavishnustravinskij]

I love it when Tori's voice slides a bit down from the pitch, it makes the song wonderfully sour.

[@romanticulous4892]

how have I never seen this... absolutely perfect set list and arrangements. taxi ride, putting the damage on, 1000 oceans, hey jupiter just punched me right in the feels. wonder why the track list for "gold dust" wasn't more in the lines of this set (instead we got.. star of wonder and programmable soda.....)

[@lisastallingskeelor3328]

Love the entrance to JAMAICA INN.

[@Rann24]

She´s amazing. I love her songs.

[@daipearmain]

This was far better than Gold Dust album which was a poor selection of songs to re-record. A soundboard recording of this would have been better with Flavor as a bonus track.

[@ruimdacabeca]

The new intro for Flavor is perfection

[@lem109]

Она Супер! Переживает каждую песню!

[@lanaforge]

Winter in tears ❤

[@CelticRaE19]

Happy 50th birthday dear tori !! Keep rocking

[@nikamini6]

What a beauty, such an artist!

[@baskorojuwono]

Thank you npr🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@packthreefivefive6115]

Oh, Tori. Transcendent, as always. Does anybody else think she looks like President Laura Roslin in pajamas? Those glasses, the lighting?

[@RabbitintheMoon]

ha totally

[@bethschulze8698]

Now u mention it 😂

[@lauraproud4071]

Tori messes up all the time. And she's stinking adorable when she does. I love it! You should look up the "Mr. Zebra" faux pas. That one is my favorite.

[@trinebean7435]

💜🖤 LOVE!! 💚 ...how have i only just found this performance..?!

[@ShyerLady]

this whole thing is amazing as f.....

[@stephenfox9760]

Tori is amazing… the same can’t be said for whoever mixed the sound on this! Sounds like someone got a new reverb unit, put Tori’s voice through it and just flicked through the settings at random!

[@r.j4449]

Jamaica Inn is so beautiful.

[@jeeither]

I used to hate Jamaica Inn with a passion, along with a few other Beekeeper songs. It really is so gorgeous though, I'm glad I committed myself to really listening to it.

[@janknuckey]

There are many phenomenal songs that often got lost in dubious production choices....Jamaica Inn and Beauty of Speed are epic, I just wish someone new had been brought in to listen to the Girls with fresh ears.

[@morph628]

@@janknuckey ^^^This!!! And thank you for saying it. Sometimes (for me) the albums and the marketing obscure the beauty of the writing.

[@jorgeelizondo9602]

1000 oceans and Jamaica Inn are so lovely here.

[@angelicacerdeira]

Just BEAUTIFUL!

[@coconutnghtmr9931]

Get her on Tiny Desk already!!

[@persephonea.stockton6298]

I don't think the Bösendorfer will fit.

[@f4gsforpele]

And now she has performed for Tiny Desk!

[@askrhonnie6356]

That would be divine!

[@f4gsforpele]

@Ask Rhonnie it’s happened lol

[@selanger]

"1000 Oceans" ist epic. Thank you.

[@franciscasantibanez6971]

Cada vez que estoy triste y necesito de ella la. Escucho. Me reconforta, la. Amo.. Creo. Que todos los. Que la. Sentimos la. Amamos.

[@jeeither]

This was awesome. Coming from 2020, not sure what people are complaining about. Go listen to the Baloise session if you want something to really complain about.

[@impossibleprincess68]

An incredible setlist... so many of my favourites x

[@Myst3]

~Nice Performance. Thank You. Much Love to you All♥🕊♥🕊♥~

[@josephcappadonia8032]

Great show, Taxi and Jackie's Strength are personal favorites, her vocals sound awesome and the accompanying octet is very good. This shows how much work she puts into her live efforts and a nice variety of songs. Seems camera work could be better but NPR is a radio service so oh well.

[@timd8912]

Thank you....

[@sydneeisanelf]

I would love for this to be available for download in mp3. I am in love with this live session.

[@michelleperry7774]

Smokey Joe omg yes 😱💕

[@vashtiramsaroop5410]

I love that she and Peter Gabriel have explored playing their songs with an orchestra. And the string section is just amazing! Am I the only one whose curious what lip gloss she's wearing? In a few shots (40:29), you can see that she has it on the piano - to the right of the keys, so the audience won't see it. These are the deep questions that I occasionally have.

[@Dorothy1010]

Looks like a Lancome Juicy Tube. :)

[@NickNicometi]

Deep!

[@evejustamante3908]

@@Dorothy1010 100% a Juicy Tube! She takes pics of her setlists on IG and sometimes these make an appearance 🥹❤️👄

[@babiblueyes23]

A) I'm not exactly sure what your expectations were when you watched this, but Tori is not nor has ever been a classical singer. She is a rocker experimenting with a sound. B) Who said that those were real mistakes? Her notes are as deliberate as the words she writes. The intent is not to be perfect but to evoke an emotion. C) If you really felt bad about being rude, you wouldn't have said anything in the first place.

[@itisthefear]

the intro to Flavor is just amazing ::PP

[@lindaneylon6304]

Hey Jupiter is incredible

[@davidibarra9276]

Gold Dust album should have sounded like this

[@ZeriMelodik]

Great and Excellent with Everything. Mind pleasure, to taste this Brilliance. I LOVE IT.

[@dimplamen]

58:21 Tori to violin girl: Great job! viloin girl to Tori: sure... like I care

[@belllabean]

oooh, i like a stripped-down, solo 'taxi ride' ~! (amongst of course, allll these incredible performances of all the songs at this concert 💜)