Customer Reviews

Professional Widow

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

If you are not a huge Tori Amos fan or a lover of remixes, there is no reason for you to purchase this item. It did intrigue me somewhat because Professional Widow is a song that seemed to me to be ill-suited for remixing. I've never been a fan of remixes, and the sheer number of remixes here, the length of time it takes to listen to them all, and the endless repetition of the tracks do nothing to change my inclination. I'm sure a remix such as Armand's Star Trunk Funkin' Mix can be a hip-hopping, fun tune when you are out on the dance floor, but at home it does little for me beyond sounding interesting and different. Of course, on this CD there are five more remixes, and then a track of "bonus beats." To my ear, every remix sounds pretty much alike--a strong pumping bass that reminds me of the opening of the Breeder's "Cannonball" hit from a few years back, a constant repetition of a few words from the song, and little else. My mind sort of zoned out after the fiftieth repetition of the line "it's gotta be big."

There are some forty minutes of music on this CD, so it is a true value of sorts. I would have to say that, beyond the initial LP version at the start, this is Tori's music, but it is not Tori at all. Without the lyrics, there is just no magic for me in these remixes. I admire Tori's willingness to express herself musically in as many ways as possible, but this is one of those CDs I am happy to own but unlikely to listen to very often at all.

When I first heard the song "Professional Widow", I was blown away. Yes, it was great. But then I decided, hey, what can a few remixes do to such a great song?

A lot. And none of it good.

The dance mixes do nothing but repeat. if you like unbelieveably tacky dance beats banging from all sides as you just barely make out Tori's occasional voice, be my guest. The album version is the only good song on the album, and I really did TRY to like these remixes.

Great CD cover, though. A pity about the remixes. Try "In the springtime of his voodoo" instead. You'll find little substance in the "Jackie's strength" remixes, but they're also better then these.

Tori, I love you so very much, and I HATE all those people hitting Tori for making a club classic. Anyway, if you like this, then check out "Raspberry Swirl ( Sticky Extended Vocal Mix )" ( the best Tori Amos-remix ever made ) or "2 Future 4 U" by Armand Van Helden. He's the king of party music. At Werchter ( 1998 ) she did "Raspberry Swirl", mixed with parts of "Professional Widow ( Armand's Star Trunk Funkin' Mix )". That was the top of the concert, together with all the other tracks. I hope to see her work with Armand Van Helden again.

This single isn't that great in it's entirety, it's repetitive and some of the remixes are just not that interesting. However, Armand's Star Trunk Funkin' Remix is worth the whole cd. His remix gets 5 stars or more. This bassline is a must have!
Anyone who went to a club in '96-'97, you'll remember this one and how it made dance floors go crazy. It still does that to me. I love Tori when she's just with her piano, but I also love house music. Some remixes of her songs are good, but this is by far one of the best.

...is that they sometimes have a nasty habit of taking the soul--and meaning---out of a song. I do not doubt the talent of those who mixed these tracks, but I would not recommend this to anyone who is not very familiar with Tori's music. It's not representative of her sound, generally, and doesn't really get across to the listener the wide emotional and lyrical spectrum that Tori is capable of. However, I must say that I am thrilled that she has allowed her stuff to be remixed because it introduces her to a whole new group of listeners who might not have been exposed otherwise. If you collect dance music, this is a quirky must--if you collect Tori music, this is great--but if this is your first experience with the music of Tori Amos, I might recommend one of her full-length albums (try "From the Choirgirl Hotel") first.

I have to admit, I don't have much enthusiasm for Armand's work. I've heard this remix so many times on the radio and I'm disappointed that it's the only "song" of Tori's that many stations play. As a result, many of my friends who haven't heard much of Tori think I'm nuts for liking the "It's gotta be big" lady... There's nothing wrong with remixes of Tori's work, and Andy Gray ("Raspberry Swirl") has shown how powerful they can be. But obviously the DJs who did this single don't really know what mixing is about.

She's not some lame Brittany Spears. She's not afraid to be creative and different, without ANYONE being able to accuse her of being child-like! What a WOMAN! This album isn't the typical Tori, and most of the time fans dislike a change. I wouldn't want all her stuff to be like this, but this is a WONDERFUL album, runnerup to Under The Pink. A lot of bands do change for the worse, but this wasn't worse, only different! I'd like to hear more stuff of hers that says, "You thought I wasn't afraid of any topic or anyTHING before, get a load of this!..." And of course, I always want to hear all the rest of Tori, too. I hope she keeps putting out music. WE NEED MORE! And, doesn't stop any of it, even after Natasha!

So far this is the only Tori Amos single I have. I've never really had the chance to check out any of her other stuff. Anyways, I bought it as an import in '97. Could never find it under US release at the time. All in all I'd say this is a GREAT song. It hit big in the clubs here at that time, unfortunately it's pretty rare that they play it now. The one I have has some of the same songs as the US release, but not as many. FYI, here is the track listings on the import: 1. Armand's Star Trunk Funkin' Mix-Radio Edit (3:45) 2. Mr. Roy's 7" Edit (3:47) 3. Armand's Star Trunk Funkin Mix (8:06) 4. Mr. Roy's Cosmic Cottage Mix (7:55) 5. Just Da Funk Dub (3:31) Any other suggestions for other GREAT Tori Amos songs?

Professional Widow is one of my favorites from her 1996 album Boys For Pele, but these remixes dont do justice to the original. Repetitive meaningless remixes that seem to go nowhere. In my opinion, this is just a song that isnt meant to be remixed. The one good track though is the LP Edit. I guess the CD is worth it if you are a Tori fan, maybe you will like it, if you dont its worth having just to collect perhaps.

Length:: 0:52 Mins