The Beekeeper by Tori Amos

Personnel: Tori Amos (vocals, Hammond b-3 organ, keyboards); Damien Rice (vocals); Mac Aladdin (guitar); Jon Evans (bass instrument); Matt Chamberlain (drums); London Community Gospel Choir, Kelsey Dobyns (background vocals). Like Tori Amos's previous studio album, SCARLET'S WALK, THE BEEKEEPER is a largely stripped-down affair that places emphasis on the singer's heavily conceptual lyrics and supple voice. The basic backing band from the former disc returns, and the musicians' ease with Amos's music gives the record a relaxed, natural feel. Throughout, the music is melodic, inviting, and sometimes even danceable. "Sweet the Sting" mixes church organ with an old-school soul beat and Latin percussion, resulting in a track that has less in common with Amos's usual overt sexuality and more with Barry White-style make-out music. "Sleeps with Butterflies" is a gently jazzy soft-rocker, while "Jamaica Inn" recalls the deceptively dark folkiness of Nick Drake. Lyrically, the album draws heavily from ancient rel...