This is by no means meant to be a professional-type review, more of a personal reflection type of thing.

The last time I saw Tori Amos was during the "Under the Pink" tour. I drove almost five hours to Peoria, Illinois to do so, and certainly did not regret it.

I have kept up on her music, for the most part, since then. I must admit I haven't purchased her latest album, partly out of laziness and partly out of apathy. However, when presented with the opportunity to see her live, I was intrigued to see how/if she had changed since the last time I saw her.

The opening act was talented, but I thought sort of ordinary. My friend and I both noticed that--sort of if K.T. Tusntall had a child with John Mayer. He did do a Pixies cover, so we both were impressed by that, but besides that, it was nothing special.

Tori's voice is still phenomenal. I must admit that I rather liked the band backing her--when I saw her last it was just her and her piano. She did perform four songs sans band, which I did immensly enjoy as well.

Comparing the two shows, spanning over a decade, may be unfair. Artists grow a lot, hopefully, over time. I appreciated both shows, but I think I preferred the "Under the Pink" Tori more than this one. The thing is, with her talent and presence, she doesn't need the elaborate costumes, the drama of a costume change, or fancy stage lights. She just needs a piano or two and herself, and I would be perfectly happy.