A Piano: The Collection cover

A Piano: The Collection

Tori Amos

Album 2006

About this album

Sound: "A haunting blend of emotive piano melodies and introspective lyrics that echo through time."

Where they were

Released in 2006, 'A Piano: The Collection' serves as a retrospective compilation marking a decade since Tori Amos's groundbreaking debut, 'Little Earthquakes.' At this point in her career, Amos was consolidating her influence as a distinctive voice in alternative rock and art pop, showcasing both remixed and alternate versions of her earlier works alongside some live recordings.

Why it matters

'A Piano: The Collection' is significant for its comprehensive look at Amos's evolution and the impact she had on the music landscape, especially with hits like 'Cornflake Girl' and 'Silent All These Years.' The compilation not only reintroduced audiences to her earlier material but also gained critical acclaim for its emotional depth, reflecting Amos's unique storytelling ability and solidifying her status within the genre.

Essential tracks

  • "Silent All These Years" — This track encapsulates Tori's signature introspection and vulnerability, making it a cornerstone of her early work that resonates deeply with listeners.
  • "Cornflake Girl" — 'Cornflake Girl' stands out for its complex lyrical themes and catchy melody, representing Amos's unique ability to blend pop sensibilities with deeper meaning.
  • "Leather (alternate mix)" — The alternate mix of 'Leather' showcases a different sonic approach to one of her most provocative songs, highlighting her artistic versatility.
  • "Me and a Gun" — 'Me and a Gun' is an unflinching account of personal trauma, demonstrating Amos's courage in addressing difficult subjects through poignant storytelling.

Release Date

September 26, 2006

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 Leather (alternate mix) 3:12
  2. 2 Precious Things (alternate mix) 4:30
  3. 3 Silent All These Years 4:12
  4. 4 Upside Down 4:22
  5. 5 Crucify (unedited single version) 4:27
  6. 6 Happy Phantom 3:15
  7. 7 Me and a Gun 3:43
  8. 8 Flying Dutchman (alternate mix) 6:29
  9. 9 Girl 4:08
  10. 10 Winter 5:43
  11. 11 Take to the Sky (Russia) 4:18
  12. 12 Tear in Your Hand 4:42
  13. 13 China 4:59
  14. 14 Sweet Dreams 3:28
  15. 15 Mother (alternate mix) 7:01
  16. 16 Little Earthquakes 6:54

Disc 2

  1. 1 Cornflake Girl 5:06
  2. 2 Honey 3:42
  3. 3 Take Me With You 4:40
  4. 4 Baker Baker (alternate mix) 3:25
  5. 5 The Waitress (alternate mix) 3:07
  6. 6 Pretty Good Year 3:20
  7. 7 God 3:54
  8. 8 Cloud on My Tongue 4:36
  9. 9 Past the Mission (alternate mix) 4:06
  10. 10 Bells for Her 5:17
  11. 11 Yes, Anastasia (alternate mix) 9:21
  12. 12 Blood Roses 3:55
  13. 13 Mr. Zebra 1:05
  14. 14 Caught a Lite Sneeze (alternate mix) 4:24
  15. 15 Professional Widow (Merry Widow version) (live) 4:03
  16. 16 Beauty Queen / Horses 5:56
  17. 17 Father Lucifer 3:40
  18. 18 Marianne 4:09

Disc 3

  1. 1 Walk to Dublin (Sucker Reprise) 5:25
  2. 2 Hey Jupiter (Dakota version) 6:03
  3. 3 Professional Widow (Armand’s Star Trunk Funkin’ mix) 3:47
  4. 4 Putting the Damage On 5:07
  5. 5 Bliss (remixed version) 3:41
  6. 6 Suede 4:58
  7. 7 Glory of the 80’s 4:05
  8. 8 1000 Oceans 4:18
  9. 9 Concertina (single remix version) 3:57
  10. 10 Lust 3:51
  11. 11 Dātura 8:26
  12. 12 Sugar (live from sound check) 5:10
  13. 13 The Waitress (live) 9:49
  14. 14 Snow Cherries From France 2:55
  15. 15 Doughnut Song (remixed version) 4:21

Disc 4

  1. 1 A Sorta Fairytale 5:30
  2. 2 Not David Bowie 3:55
  3. 3 Amber Waves 3:40
  4. 4 iieee (remixed version) 4:09
  5. 5 Playboy Mommy (remixed version) 4:07
  6. 6 The Beekeeper 6:51
  7. 7 Jackie’s Strength (remixed version) 4:26
  8. 8 Zero Point 8:55
  9. 9 Sweet the Sting 4:17
  10. 10 Ode to My Clothes 2:04
  11. 11 Spark 4:14
  12. 12 Intro Jam and Marys of the Sea 8:55
  13. 13 Cruel (remixed version) 4:06
  14. 14 Dolphin Song 5:53
  15. 15 Gold Dust 5:53

Disc 5

  1. 1 The Pool 2:52
  2. 2 Never Seen Blue 3:38
  3. 3 Daisy Dead Petals 3:03
  4. 4 Beulah Land 2:57
  5. 5 Sugar 4:27
  6. 6 Cooling 4:39
  7. 7 Bachelorette 3:34
  8. 8 Black Swan 4:01
  9. 9 Mary (Tales version) 4:42
  10. 10 Peeping Tommi 4:19
  11. 11 Toodles Mr. Jim 2:49
  12. 12 Fire‐Eater’s Wife / Beauty Queen (demo) 3:11
  13. 13 Playboy Mommy (demo) 1:34
  14. 14 A Sorta Fairytale (demo) 3:09
  15. 15 This Old Man 1:44
  16. 16 Purple People 4:12
  17. 17 Here. In My Head 3:52
  18. 18 Hungarian Wedding Song 1:01
  19. 19 Merman 3:46
  20. 20 Sister Janet 4:00
  21. 21 Home on the Range (Cherokee edition) 5:22
  22. 22 Frog on My Toe 3:42