Is there a good compilation or a Career Defining Album(TM) (like Prince's 'Purple Rain' or MJ's 'Thriller') to start with?

would really appreciate it

"a piano: the collection" is a great place to start but will run you about 50 bucks. its a goldmine and a great career retrospective up til the current work.

"tales of a librarian" is also a good comp but not nearly as thorough.

both can be found used online.

sassybritches said:

thanks for the info

guess I'll start with 'Tales' since 'piano' is a little too overwhelming an introduction (80+ tracks!!)

start with little earthquakes...please...and check out her latest american doll posse

badujunkie said:

why does everyone say that?

i'm asking because i don't really think little earthquakes is at all indicative of her entire body of work. if i were to suggest one record (non-comp, that is) i would have to suggest boys for pele since it runs the gamut of her various styles. at the very least i'd recommend under the pink, but little earthquakes is almost a one off...she hasn't released anything in that stripped down style since.

i've always thought suggesting that to people as an intro is sort of misleading...
[Edited 7/29/08 12:44pm]

I think to 'get' Tori as an artist you have to start with Little Earthquakes. It is indicative of what's to come in terms of the songwriting, the melodies, in fact I think her direction was a total natural progression from LE.

i think Boys For Pele is for the advanced Tori fan. I think starting with that one would turn the casual listener off - it's her most 'out there' and least accessible - I think people taking bite sizes and baby steps is the best when starting in on her.

badujunkie said:

I totally agree. Little Earthquakes is Tori's signature album, the one that started the cult, the one that is the reason for her entire success. It's the logical starting point if you haven't heard it yet. Then get the best-of comp and see where she went from there.

So, Little Earthquakes as a starting studio album and Tales of a Librarian as compilation... OK that's all I need now

Thanks guys! you've been really helpful

i'd say start with Under the Pink, i think it's more accessable than Little Earthquakes.

Zeezow said: