Ma Fleur by The Cinematic Orchestra

The Cinematic Orchestra’s fourth album is a departure from everything they have released previously. This beautiful work encompasses many instruments and vocalists. A mood is created from beginning to end, I think it sounds like fog, someone else said night; trust me, get the album and then tell me we’re wrong. The CD has an sadness and nostalgia about it also. The Cinematic Orchestra is on Ninja Tune (Dance/Electronic Label) but don’t let that fool you. I hope “emo” groups start to take note, whining over acoustic guitars isn’t going to cut it anymore when groups like this are creating atmospheres of sound.

Boys For Pele by Tori Amos

Tori Amos doesn’t sound like anybody, but there are many people who try to sound like Tori Amos. Boys for Pele (1996) is Tori Amos’s third solo album and with this release she brings you further into her poetic lyrics and beautifully haunting melodies. The album consists mostly of her vocals and piano on all tracks. Right from the start with “Horses” she draws you into her world. There are songs to laugh at “Mr. Zebra” and songs to cry to “Hey, Jupiter”. All around this is a phenomenal album. It is hard to say how many lives Tori has saved with her music. She continually produces music that real people can relate to; from thoughts of suicide, sexuality, poverty, civil rights, and women’s empowerment Tori sings to the soul of life.