Where's the Piano?

Like millions of Tori Amos fans everywhere, I am listening to her new release "The Beekeeper."

If you look at the Amazon reviews, the reviewers love it. I don't dislike it, but where's the piano? Tori's albums have previously featured at least a few songs where she really wails on the keys to show off her virtuosity. By contrast, you can only hear the piano used here as sort of a ... background instrument. A notable exception is "Toast," which is track number 19; the song is carried by the piano, Tori's voice, and a pleasantly twangy acoustic guitar.

Still, the album's theme and melodies are pleasantly fleshy. "Hoochie Woman" is great, but could use more cowbell. "Martha's Foolish Ginger" is a good, if winsome, listen, though it features a strangely martial drumbeat. Overall, the album is worth a listen. The Amazon page has clips available if you want to hear a bit of the songs.