Tori Amos Contends That Lady Gaga Will Soon Be Forgotten
In a new interview with the UK newspaper The Sun, Tori Amos talks about her personal opinions on Lady Gaga and he staying power in the music industry. Never one to shy away from actively voicing her opinions, Tori makes it clear that she believes Gaga to be a flash in the pan who will be long forgotten in the years to come. HMMM:
TORI AMOS fears LADY GAGA has a limited shelf life, hinting fans will soon tire of the quirky New Yorker’s novelty pop act. The Cornflake Girl songstress – who’s been selling out venues since 1991 – struggles to visualise GaGa playing on the same bill as veteran rocker NEIL YOUNG two decades from now. However, she admits the Poker Face singer’s unique brand of “entertaining” performance art is a welcome antidote to the global economic crisis. She told The Sun: “She’s what I call a meteor – singers who entertain people for a while. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. But then there are people like Neil Young who show up at Glastonbury 40 years into their career. And that’s a very different kind of artist. Neil Young doesn’t have to get his bum out on stage! The question is, will Lady GaGa be playing alongside Neil Young at Glastonbury in 20 years time? She wants to entertain people. Right now, half the world is depressed and they need to be entertained. So her timing’s perfect” … As a result of her own traumatic beginnings, Amos can empathise with the likes of BRITNEY SPEARS, whose rapid rise to prominence as a teen triggered a series of very public meltdowns. “For me, the best thing that happened is that I didn’t have success like my father wanted me to when I was 14-years-old and I was playing clubs,” she said. Thank God it didn’t happen for me at that time. I probably wouldn’t be talking to you if it had. I think it’s really tough on teenagers when they have that kind of success. But you have to acknowledge Britney’s discipline right now – being a mum and being out on the road. When you do that year-in, year-out since you were a teenager, it can become overwhelming.” Outspoken Amos has also sent out a warning shot to young female upstarts eyeing a career in the music industry. The 46-year-old singer claims record companies are rife with power-hungry money-makers who exploit new stars for their own greedy means. She said: “A lot of times you have a producer who will say, ‘You’re lucky to be having this opportunity.’ Sure, there are a lot of other talented people out there, but you have to fight for your freedom. There’s a side to this industry that nurtures divas who can’t write. It’s a big business. I produce the records. I don’t hand over control to some really expensive producer who then talks to the record company and then tries to bend me to their will – for commercial purposes. But there are a lot of producers/co-writers who the only way they can make a living is if the divas are not producing themselves and not writing their songs.”
LOL! I love how Tori thinks that Gaga is only popular right now because of tough economic times. As I’ve said before, I’m not particularly entertained by anything that Gaga does (save for her catchy first single Just Dance) but I can appreciate that there are others that are entertained by her. Just like many people don’t like some of the artist that I enjoy, there is room enough for everyone to like what they like. BUT, I do agree with Tori that acts like Gaga or Katy Perry will not stand the test of time. Even if you don’t agree with her, you really cannot fault Tori for being honest about her opinions. She has been an incredible artist for many, many years and she shows no signs of slowing down. I think an artist like Tori who has stood and will continue to stand the test of time has the pedigree to made judgments like this. She is 100% right that young artists should hang on to their integrity and fight for the freedom to make the art that they are most proud of … flash in the pans may make money in the short term but longevity comes from carefully managing your career. It seems to me that young artists looking for someone to emulate would be better served if they followed Tori Amos’s example rather than that of the here today/gone tomorrow pop star du jour.
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August 26th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I second that sentiment though I must admit that I am not much of an Amos fan but I refuse to hate on the people who love her obvious talent. :)
August 26th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Why is she so angry all the time? Negativity spreads and people who are so critical and judgmental are that way because they are terribly insecure. Sad.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
She is completely right. I enjoy Katy Perry (can’t stand Lady Gaga), but these artists will not be here forever. They are too much of a gimmick and people will eventually lose interest. Katy has hope in the fact that she is drop dead gorgeous, maybe she can get a few good campaigns with cosmetics or a clothing line.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Gaga is quite out there, and while I agree that her current act/style is gimmicky (for lack of a better word), there is no denying that she is very talented. Her voice is amazing. Her songs are catchy, but get old very fast. I doubt she will ever share a stage with Neil Young, but I see her as one who will re-invent herself. I don’t think she is as original as her most loyal followers would believe, she is just following the formula set out by Madonna.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I think Katy perry has more of a chance than Gaga. Gaga’s quirkiness will end up working against her after a while. Yes, she’s talented, but seriously, how often can you pull off the shock-spectacle she loves to do? Even with good music?
Katy Perry really only had one shock-and-awe wave with I Kissed A Girl. The rest of her fame is based on good music and performances. She will be around for a while, but Gaga’s antics are ALREADY distracting for me. I can’t imagine her still coming across as new and creative and fascinating ten years from now.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
I agree with Tori, Gaga is cool and all but I doubt she’ll be around for years to come. Gaga is very talented but her “quirkiness” seems so contrived… Katy Perry too. When people like Madonna, MJ and Janet did it, it was because it was who they are. It’s almost like when celebs change their image now it’s BECAUSE Michael, Janet and Madonna did it. Also we live in a world where every nutty thing a celeb does is on the internet 5.8 minutes after it happens, so complete and utter overexposure coming into play as well.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
kayt perry is rediculous and is a step below untalented. lady gaga has nothing on any of these other pop crazies and, well, you’re all talking about her so her job is done. and she’s more talented than any of them put together. and tori amos? tori who? she’s like my crazy aunt playing piano without her knickers on. already forgotten. and speaking of forgotten, who the hell is neil young???????
August 26th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Tori amos should really bite her tongue. Im tiredd of older artists such as her (and sometimes madonna) who think they have legit opinions which in fact they dont. everytime fashion or music change , these older artists stuggle with it. Gaga is new and different, sure she isnt the best, but shes different which is all people want anymore. Tori amos? i could name plenty of Angry Bitches who play piano a million times better. try Fiona Apple. its hard to determine who wil stay in the spotlight when tori has been in the shadows her entire career.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
I feel really sorry for b..Stop listening to the radio and explore all different kinds of music..There’s so much more out there than Lady CaCa!
Though I’m not a fan of Tori Amos, I can’t agree with her more! There’s so much music that comes out that is total crap, but fun, and will only last so long..The true genius artists (Beck for me) will always be around, pushing themselves and constantly releasing amazing music that will stand the test of time.. :)
August 26th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
@b: “who the hell is neil young??????” I think you just revealed how seriously we should take any of your opinions about music.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
@Annie – I agree – Katy Perry has more of a chance than Lady (ha!) Gaga does of lasting. I’m not a huge Tori Amos fan, but totally appreciate her talent. I like when people aren’t afraid to voice their opinions. Much more interesting than odd outfits and contrived personas.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
It’s cool that she’s not afraid to state her opinion. And I completely agree.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
uhhh, i love you trent, but i highly disagree with your statement that tori amos, who currently writes trash literature and stars in a trash reality tv show, is an “incredible artist” who has stood the test of time. beverly hills and lifetime movies are philistinical matters, not art. i’m 17, and most people my age have never even heard of her.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
SHAME ON YOU TRENT !!! I remember people saying madonna was a Cyndi lauper wannabe when she first came out. Now we all love and respect her as an artist !!! Who thought Radiohead would be around this long? Wasn’t “Creep” kind of a quirky song at the time? Tori can shove her crystal ball. Anything is possible – Who would think the drummer for Nirvana would have a long lasting career? If you would have told me years ago that Heath Ledger was going to be one of the greatest actors I would have laughed.( or the little kid from 3rd Rock?) No one saw that coming, did they? Did you? My point is that no one know’s what they ladies are capable of. Can anyone honestly say that they always knew Madonna was the going to be the shit for this long and still going? Y’all some short sighted people who have learned nuthin !!!
August 26th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
if madonna and mj did it, so can they…
and im sure there were music relics giving interviews about how they wouldnt last more than 5 seconds
only time will tell
August 26th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
lolol @ b. Seriously?
Katy Perry has done her dash down under. After suing a fashion designer of the same name (Katie Perry is actually her real name, and she was in business before the singer). Then our Katie extended an olive branch, even offering her some clothes and Katy the Cow snubbed her. None of the interviews she did down here were any good…she would stop and start and sometimes completely ignore the interviewer. Who the hell does she think she is? lolol
As for Lady Gaga….oof. “nuf said on that one.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Um, Ria.
I think you mean Tori Spelling and not Tori Amos. Two different people there.
Wow, just wow.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
To compare Gaga to someone like Neil young in an attempt to measure career staying power is simply ridiculous imo.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Tori is such a class act. I love her honesty here, and I largely agree with her.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I love Tori Amos, and I do agree that there are different types of artists out there that have different careers. However, Gaga was writing music for people like Britney and the Pussycat Dolls for a long time before she did her own cd. I think people underestimate her writing skills at their own peril. Her songs were licensed over 100 times before her cd even came out, that means her songs have wide spread appeal.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Tori… who? Please somebody name me one of her songs.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
It’s all a matter of individual musical personal preference, she is just giving her opinion which it’s obvious she believes she’s qualified to do. Personally, I have never liked her music.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
@baroness — Shame on me? For not liking someone you like? For shame, for shame I suppose.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
@Ria — Um …
August 26th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Now that I think about it, this is kind of rich coming from a woman who became famous not for her music, but for singing blasphemous songs about Crucifying herself, and playing with rats in her videos. I love her as an artist, and everyone is entitled to her opinion, but it is a bit hypocritical.
What Tori should know by now, as a non-mainstream artist, is that you don’t need to be loved by the mainstream to have a long career. Neil and Tori don’t appeal to even half of the country, but that doesn’t matter because the loyal fans will go to shows and buy cds. As long as you can get a few hundred thousand people to LOVE your stuff, you will be set for a very long career. As an example, even someone like Britney can’t find 2 million people to buy her cd, and that is out of the 300+ million people that live in the states. So less than 1% of the US population is willing to throw down cash for a Britney cd, yet she still has a long career. Others will be able to do the same. As the music industry goes online, there will be more artists each selling less, but secure in their nitch.
August 26th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I used to like Lady GaGa quite a lot but now? Not so much. I think she tries extremely hard to shock people. She’s all about “performing” but yet doesn’t use her talents to her advantage. I doubt she’ll disappear any time soon, though. She’s going on a tour with Kanye West pretty soon and re-releasing her album. I’m kind of tired of her antics. Her songs are catchy but the lyrical content is presented in a strange manner. I like Katy Perry (sort ofish) but she isn’t really good live even though her songs are good. Who knows about anything! A lot of people said Rihanna wouldn’t make it because she was a Beyonce wannabe and well, she uh, made it, I think?
August 26th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Totally agree…used to like Lady CaCa…3 months later she made me go CaCrazy.
August 26th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
@It’s Trent, Bitch! – i think what baroness meant that no one can really tell how long an artist will last; it’s not really about you not liking Lady Gaga or Katy Perry. anyway, i think lady gaga has the power to reinvent herself to have some longevity. and we have to admit that she has a pretty decent voice. katy perry can have some styaing power if she does more acoustic stuff later on. people love hot chicks with guitars. it’s just not fair to think these types of artists are a “flash in the pan” when we really don’t know what’s coming. It’s a fair point that no one would’ve guessed that Madonna would still be around, or even Britney.
August 26th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Hahhahahhahahahhah @Ria…….TORI SPELLING is not TORI AMOS! oh brother. the morons wear a sign on their forehead that screams DUMB!
August 26th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
OMG/LOL/ROFL! @ Ria. That was the funniest comment on this post and not in a good way. Second funniest is b’s with the “Neil Young who?” comment. I’m glad everyone likes discussing/debating music, but ya gots ta know your shit before you start yapping! :-D
I completely agree with Tori (as per usual). I find Katy Perry a horrendous musician and songwriter. I’ll admit that GaGa is a *guilty* pleasure of mine, but I consider her more of a performance artist than a musician (I say this because it *seems* she tries to make some sort of cultural commentary with her work… though I could be wrong). She IS absurd, but I think that’s the very point. I wouldn’t underestimate her ability to continue in the music biz as a songwriter (if nothing else) because she has had earlier success in that area. I actually think GaGa is pretty smart (didn’t she go to NYU or something?), and could figure out ways to keep her performing career alive and entertaining. Still though, I think Tori’s point is that the focus of these musicians is on spectacle, rather than the actual music, which is much more lasting. True veterans like Neil Young or Bob Dylan have lasted because of their music, not their outrageous costuming. When I think of Lady Gaga, I think of sparks shooting out of her nipples, and when I think of Neil Young, I think of how “Tell Me Why” is one of my favorite songs of his. If I were a musician, I would not want to be remembered for my flaming boobs, as exciting as it was at the time, and NOT my music. Just my two cents…
August 26th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
@FK: um, joke. neil young is tori amos’ scary grandpa with a shot gun on the porch smellin’ of moth balls!!!!
August 26th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
I love Tori! I hope she is making records in her 60s and 70s! =)
August 26th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
[...] Tori Amos vs. Lady Gaga. Sorry, but I’m on team Gaga [...]
August 26th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
so dramatic! i liked the comment made by baroness about radiohead’s “creep”- i remember hearing that song and thinking it was a load of cheesy radio trash, and they would never be more than that. same thing with beck and loser. not that i’m stating i have any faith in gaga’s staying power, but it IS interesting to think back to initial impressions of artists and how they can change.
August 26th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
I always wondered why you never mentioned Lady Gaga. I thought it was b/c Perez Hilton is such a supporter of her. if you don’t like her, that’s cool, but I don’t see Tori Amos with Neil Young in 20 years either.
In fact, I have not heard her do anything since I was in high school, about 10 years ago. So I am not really impressed with Tori lately. Tori didn’t play at Glastonbury this year…yet she stands the test of time? Why, because you are still a fan?
Everything I have read about Gaga shows that she is making the art she is proud of. She does performance art, she writes her own songs…I don’t see what the problem is.
Madonna was called the same thing, as I recall.
@ Chase…doesn’t use her talents to her advantage? Really? Care to back up that statement with examples?
August 26th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Tori hasn’t had a top 40 hit since 1999. She is a talent, but she needs to quit hating on younger artists. She stradles pianos and humps them like a dog in heat and then has the nerve to criticize Gaga? Whatever. Tori isn’t exactly selling out Madison Square Garden. Gaga and Katy could evolve on grow too. Tori hasn’t changed since day one. Get over it. They will outsell your catalogue and have a bigger fanbase than you in five years.
August 26th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
While I don’t care for Tori Amos’ music, I agree w/ her completely. And I don’t want to be mean to Ria b/c of her age, but honey that was funny :)
August 26th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I totally agree -
My husband and I have long seen the trends that mass produced music (not my cuppa tea) comes with a crappy economy. Sure, lots of the artists that come around do well over time (Britney, Christina and Justin are fine examples from around1999), but what about similar artists who are now at the bottom of the “one hit wonders” bin?
I’ve never even HEARD a Lady GaGa song, for what its worth.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Not that I’m any sort of Tori Amos fan, clearly not cool enough to listen to her, but she sounds like a smart lady. Seriously, Gaga lost me at that Kermit outfit… still waiting for THAT public apology!
August 26th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Oh Ria, I feel bad for you, you’ve got a lot to learn.
…and for the record, most of Tori’s fans discovered her in their young teens. There’s a prolific writer in there. I’m sure you have lots of fergie, gaga, jonas brothers and miley on that ipod of yours huh.
aside from ria, i do like gaga as an entertainer, but i am 100% in agreement with tori; we’ll all just have to wait and see what the sophomore album can bring.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Well crap. I always post on here as B and now there is another b pissing people off. Great.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
i agree with Tori even though im not a fan of hers. Katy and Gaga will be gone soon just like Kanye will be too. They make headlines with there outrageous outfits and acts that its becoming annoying. Gaga and her outfits is overshadowing her music and Kanyes rants are getting old and looking at his latest CD sales his popularity is declining. Gaga was never innovative she just dressed weird. As for her music, I still consider her like Gwen Stefani and Fergie, nothing NEW. Gagas head is becoming big and she thinks she can wear whatever she wants and thats starting to annoy people. I think Britney has more staying power than Gaga or Katy
August 26th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
@Ria: sweetie, Tori Spelling is not Tori Amos. And your comment is clearly based on ignorance and has no basis in fact whatsoever. I have been listening to Tori Amos since I was 14, as have a multitude of her many fans, so your comment that “people your age” do not know who Tori Amos is meaningless. As for Lady GaGa, I do enjoy listening to her and her show was highly entertaining, but I agree with Tori 100% here. Unless GaGa pulls out a whopper of a sophomore effort, her over-exposure and outrageous shtick does not bode well for longevity. It’s already getting old, even for people who loved her originally. If she makes it happen, good for her, but I think Tori is spot on with this observation, which was just that: an observation made by a musical veteran. Chalk me up on Team Tori with this one.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
first Roisin and now Tori?!!!..oi why can’t these women just let this young girl do her thing in the music industry?..do they know how stupid and desperate they sound when they ditch an attention ho’ like Lady gaga?…When they shouldn’t give a sh** about her existence really….
August 26th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Hmmm… Tori Amos wrote a song asking “why do we crucify ourselves”, not about crucifying herself (as Krissy stated)… very different. Tori helped create RAINN which helps woman to overcome sexual abuse and rape (which Tori was a victim of). What has Katy Perry and Lady Gaga done?
Also, Tori can do whatever sexy thing she wants to her instrument when performing… she is just like most guitar players who make goofy faces as they stroke their axe… only she’s got the piano.
To simply call her an “angry bitch” is ignorant and displays more rancor than her informative opinion above. After all, she was an over-produced pop starlet years ago before dropping it all and going solo with “Little Earthquakes”. If she is a “bitch”, it is because she does what she wants to, rather than cater to the masses as a pop-tart in high heels.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
who the heck is tori amos her career must have died before i was born
August 26th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
I like all kinds of popular music–old and new from 1920’s to the present. That said, although everyone has musicians we just love that no one cares about, in the history of music, Tori Amos is another footnote. She had a one hit wonder TWENTYSOME YEARS ago and has been playing to her 1992 college angst crowd ever since. I agree with Wendell “She stradles pianos and humps them like a dog in heat and then has the nerve to criticize Gaga?”"Tori isn’t exactly selling out Madison Square Garden.”"Tori hasn’t changed since day one. Get over it. They will outsell your catalogue and have a bigger fanbase than you in five years.” This is a losing arguement of course over taste and what people find entertaining. Clearly there is room for every kind of music/every kind of style. But Tori Amos, for the vast majority of her career has proved that the majority of America does not find her entertaining or interesting. She sounds like a bitter old hag, resentful about everyone not “getting” her or her music. And I know she has her fans—so save your angry breath—I like artists that other people don’t like either. Most people in the USA don’t like Kylie or ABBA (I do) and both have huge followings in other countries and have sold multi-millions over the years–and continue to sell millions. And neither one has stood on stage with Neil Young I’m sure. Michael Jackson or Elvis probably didn’t either. So, what exactly does that arguement prove? Taste—like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. There’s room for everybody. Tori should prove how great she is and get on American Idol (like Gaga) or Dancing with the stars (like Gaga) or get a few WORLDWIDE hits (like Gaga) and then I’d say she can talk smack. Until then she needs to go back to humpping her piano bench while smirking at the angst.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
@Anthony – In my opinion I find that Lady GaGa has a pretty good voice when it’s stripped down to just her and a piano. I give her a lot of credit for singing live and doing a little bit of dancing as well. All of her antics and theatrical elements drown out her talent. People don’t say “Wow, did you see Lady GaGa’s performance? What was she wearing?” instead of “Wow, she completely blew me away with her vocals!” You see, she’s lettering her image blow away her talent. She relies on many different elements just to come out as talked about no matter what it is. Everything is thought out ahead 10 steps before she reaches it. People only know GaGa as the person who supposedly has a penis or has crazy outfits, no as a vocal talent.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Oops, switch the “conversation” different ways. hahaha and I meant “not” instead of no. FML!
August 26th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
IMO she seems rather bitter.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
While I feel that Tori Amos is entitled to her opinion, I’m 25 years old and have never, to my knowledge, even heard one of her songs. To say that she’s stood the test of time as an incredible artist is to assume that her music transcends culture, generation and genre like The Beatles, Michael Jackson, etc. Wouldn’t it be imperative for the majority to appreciate and accept her music for her to be some iconic figure, as you would suggest she is? I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything about Tori Amos sans your website and the occassional VH1 special making light of her odd remarks in various interviews. And for that matter, the few things I have read about her have been about her opinions and commentary on various public figures like Britney Spears and now Lady Gaga. It would seem to me, someone who has no idea what Tori Amos even sounds like, that she is famous more so for her opinion and less for her musical ability. Sour grapes maybe?
August 26th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Tori Amos = irrelevant
August 26th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
When i first read this post, even tho I just cant get into her music, I agreed with her comment wholeheartedly. But now that I think of it, i think it is a bit naive to suggest that artists with only one album under their belt will only be one hit wonders. I don’t like lady gaga anymore, some of her songs are amazing, and i do like Katy Perry, but how do we know if they will stand the test of time, without seeing what they capable of? People said Cher’s or Elton John’s career were over, time and time again, and they have stuck round like glue. I do agree with some of it saying that people who only base their careers on shock value or their looks will eventually fade away as most of the 1999/ 2000 artists and groups have done…One of my dear friends is a major Tori Amos fan, who is of similar age and while he was telling me all about Tori and said she is still extremely successful, and while i classify only one gold certified album since 1999 as only moderately successful, i truly believe an artist is only as successful as the fan claims them to be, or believes they are. Indie or alternative artists will always thrive with their non mainstream fan base..Tho has Tori even had a number 1 or top 20 hit on Billboard top 100 (i dont live in USA so I could be wrong). Everyone is entitled to like what they choose an there is plenty of space for everyone.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
…who’s Tori Amos?
August 26th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
@Paul McCartney-
Funny- when I think of Tori Amos, I think of myself 15 years ago, when I was 19 and loved all things ironic, fem-angsty and depressing. I don’t doubt her talent at all, but it is interesting- for all I know, I could end up being a Gaga fan years from now, but I know a few other people who’s love for Tori Amos was just as transient as mine and had more to do with being a young female. With some artists, I’m surprised they don’t get tired of *themselves* and their shtick.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Lady Gaga is fucking horrible
August 26th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Whoa- what are they playing on mtv these days? (I don’t have it)… I am surprised at how many people don’t know who Tori Amos is…. and there’s news about her on here fairly often….
I didn’t really care for her when I was younger but have grown to hear the beauty in her music. I think her voice is BEAUTIFUL.
I can see how it wouldn’t appeal to very many younger people though.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
In all fairness, ten years ago didn’t we all figure that Britney Spears would be a flash in the pan and would be over with her second album? Gaga IMO has more talent than Britney does.
August 26th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Lady CaCa is just that…sh!!ty. In her very expensive looking videos, you never see her make more than two of the same moves in a row before a cut. Apparently GaGa is not much of a dancer. You would think a former stripper could do more than just “work a pole.” LOLOLOL
August 27th, 2009 at 1:06 am
will people at least criticize gaga AFTER she has released a second album?? Then we will now if she truly is here to stay, so far she HAS proven herself to be a POWERFUL artist in pop whether people like it or not. She has two number 1 hits and another top 5 hits, that’s 3 hits in less than a year. Show me another artist that is making all those hits and still selling a million plus albums. Not even Kelly Clarkson is doing that.
Just give her time to grow as an artist and see where she will go.
August 27th, 2009 at 1:38 am
Just proves that if you put enough money toward selling a turd…even an idiot will buy one!!! Especially if the turd is half naked! A stripper named Gaga…just a gag with an a. The only reason B Spears is still making any money is that the powers that be (people WITH money) are STILL promoting her. She doesn’t write her own music (she does co-author WOW), doesn’t play an instrument, and barely sings those songs…what else could it be? The public’s keen interest in her fascinating life choices???? No she looks good when OTHER people style her. Come on! These people just keep other people in new money.
August 27th, 2009 at 4:04 am
dunno, I don’t equate talent with how many people buy your records. but that’s just me
I find Lady Gaga vaguely interesting, I can’t stand Katy Perry (ok she may write her own songs, but i’m sure it takes a lot of skill to write her songs :O….NOT)
And how can you be a music fan and not know who Tori Amos is??? I mean I’m 20 years old, and I discovered her music when I was 16. She’s not fave but I still like some of her music.
I don’t know about Gaga, but seriously Madonna isn’t that talented in the singing department either…Madonna is a really good businesswoman imo
August 27th, 2009 at 5:07 am
Nobody loves Tori Amos as much as Tori Amos but Trent is of the right age and right demographic set to just gushy, gushy, gushy love her. I never hated her; I just couldn’t see the point in embracing her, but Toriphiles really do believe she can do no wrong. It’s like irrational Elvis love…only smaller, which usually afflicted angry young women and hip young gay men about 15 years ago. What I always wonder is why nobody, and I do mean nobody, ever says, “You know what, a person as empowered and as empowering as Tori Amos pretends to be sure as heck has had a TON of plastic surgery.”
August 27th, 2009 at 5:30 am
@ Mike: Tori has in fact NEVER had a top 20 hit in the US.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:36 am
A lot of dance music people end up being just a blip on the history of music, so I get what she is saying about Lady Gaga. But I actually like Katy Perry. I think she is funny without taking herself too seriously. I really thought she would be a one hit wonder, but here we are 3 singles later and she is still going strong. As long as she can come out with another good album in two years, I think she could stay on the map.
And people really thought “Creep” was a one-hit-wonder type song when it came out? I was 10 when it was released and immediately fell in love with Radiohead. But I guess the age prevented me from seeing it as cheesy.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:47 am
Why do people automatically insist that this comment makes Tori Amos “a bitter old hag” or a “jealous bitch”? I read it and think it makes sense, and I’m sure the reporter asked her about Gaga first, prompting her to comment. It doesn’t sound like an irrational or bitchy comment to me. And whoever posted about Neil Young vs. MJ/Elvis, etc, clearly she was simply using Neil Young as an example of someone who has had an incredibly long career and was not meant to be literally read, “you’re no one if you haven’t played with Neil Young.” Seriously, people. Talk about picking apart the words. Also – “She had a one hit wonder TWENTYSOME YEARS ago” – this is simply wrong.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:59 am
This ugly bitch better shut up. even if gaga were to just be around for a while ive been more entertained with the short while that shes been around then what this tori chick has i dont even know one song from her but i can sing all of gagas album…..shes just a hater
August 27th, 2009 at 6:15 am
One thing I don’t understand. She suggests that you should produce yourself and forget about management and greedy producers, like that’s really easy. Man, you need a lot of money to do that!
Most of the people WILL take the only opportunity, and after they are loved and known, they change their style.
Britney and Christina did the same.
And although I love Britney and her songs, I don’t think she is famous for her voice. I mean, come on, she always sings playback.
So you never know who will be around in the next few years.
August 27th, 2009 at 6:17 am
I comletely agree with Tori. I actually really like Katy Perry (never listened to Lady Gaga so who knows if I like her) but how thye are currently being “packaged” is not a way to last. Who knows they could change their image and end up lasting but with the way they are being marketed now lasting won’t happen.
August 27th, 2009 at 6:42 am
Sounds like sour grapes to me. What exactly has Tori Amos done lately; talk about a novelty act. People eventually get tired of wallowing in their own despondant narcissism too Tori. Shut up and write a song about your jealousy already.
August 27th, 2009 at 6:58 am
LESBO! what does she know about being a pop star. her only audience is dykes lol.
August 27th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Lady Gaga’s outfits and performance and antics are all part of her. It’s performance art.
And if it wasn’t for her good voice and good songs, she would not have so many hits.
There was a review in the local paper where I live of The Fame and it said that Lady Gaga is not famous, has no scandals, no sex tape and the reviewer could not figure out wh Just Dance was #1 on iTunes…cause it’s a good song!
August 27th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Gaga DOES write and produce her music, so Tori clearly knows very, very little about Gaga to be making such statements. Tori is also not a one hit wonder, she is a NO HIT WONDER. Unless you consider the lower reaches of the top 40 a “hit”.
August 27th, 2009 at 7:23 am
@jezy-sorry hunnie but that is a gross and ridiculous generalization to make. I happen to be a straight female who absolutely appreciates Ms. Amos’ songwriting talent and I am not alone. However, I’ve always appreciated artists who can actually write and sing versus slutty kids who lip synch and flash their hoo-ha’s so people listen to their “music.” Guess it all depends on what you define as music, eh?
She’s entitled to her opinion as much as we are, and I whole-heartedly agree with her.
August 27th, 2009 at 7:30 am
I agree fully Lady J
August 27th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Lady J, you know that Gaga writes her own music, right? And that she sings live? Just because Gaga has interesting visuals doesn’ t mean that she doesn’t have other talents. She is a classically trained piano player, and she had a song writing deal with Interscope writing for other people for a while before her own cd came out. Tori shouldn’t be talking about antics…this was a woman who suckled a pig on her cd cover for attention! One person’s suckling pig is another’s exploding bra. Stepping outside of the box really shouldn’t be that big of a deal! Gaga’s Kermit cape was a statement on wearing fur…which I find to be very funny AND poignant.
August 27th, 2009 at 7:54 am
@baroness
Hear Hear –I could not have said it better myself!!
August 27th, 2009 at 8:04 am
Hahahahahahahaha @ Ria
August 27th, 2009 at 8:38 am
@ Krissy: Well said.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:53 am
You are getting a lot of comments on this one, eh Trent? A true artist is one that grows and implements/reflects change in their music for themselves, not for commercial success. A lot of people compare Lady Gaga to Madonna, but all Madonna really has is charisma and entertainment power. Yes, she has implemented change in her sound, but it’s never really been serious. Yes, her image has evolved with every new cd, but it’s been mostly for attention. Yes, she is amazing in her own right, but her lyrics are by no means prolific or life changing. She’ll never be grouped with the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, etc. But she’s fun, and that’s why people like her. And I think that staying power alone is what has kept Madonna in the spotlight. She somehow pushes through and ends up on top every time because she is an entertainer that does her job well. I don’t think she is still around because people find meaning and revelation in her “artistic” music. Having said that, maybe, just maybe, Lady Gaga will have staying power in the end, but only to the extent that Madonna does. If she can keep shocking people visually, then who is to say where she will be in 20 years.
August 27th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Tori Amos is a musician. Lady Gaga is a pop artist. Im not sure she can even be classified as a singer…and what instrument does she play??. Pop=Popular music . What is popular today will not necessarily be popular in two years. I could make an endless list of pop artists who succumb to the “flash in the pan” syndrome – and so could you if you gave it 2 seconds of thought. Tori Amos is one of the sickest songwriters / performers out there. She’s not trying to be pop, popular or cool y’all – she just keeps it real for those of us who, I dunno…actually like music ;)
August 27th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Holy shit, Trent, I thought Michael Jackson would have to die again before one little blog post would be able to solicit this many comments – good for you my man!
I love this post because it’s as much about Tori and GaGa as it is about a blog’s ability to find particular threads in the pop culture fabric and yank on them just enough to get everyone gasping. Love it!
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For the record, I’m a fan of both Tori Amos and Lady GaGa. I do think LG has staying power beyond just one album, but ultimately only time will tell.
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I will say tho that she fuckin’ shot herself in the foot by going ahead with Lady GaGa as a name. It’s right up there with Goo Goo Dolls. If anything causes Lady GaGa to have a brief stint in the biz, it’ll be that FUCKING name.
August 27th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
I cannot stand Tori Amos. I’m not that big a fan of Gaga either. However Tori’s music I don’t believe could even be considered mainstream successful. She covers others peoples songs half the time anyway, Is she famous for anything since the 90’s when a pig sucked her tit?
August 27th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
@ Tori – “she just keeps it real for those of us who, I dunno…actually like music ;)”
Uhhh..that makes no sense, unless you’re just acting pretentious.
August 27th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Didn’t tori sing about thinking about blueberry muffins while your being raped? And doesn’t lady gaga sing about bluffin with her muffin?
August 27th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
@Paul McCartney: agreed. &, they are both performance artists, really. Odd and mean of Tori. Oh, wait, that’s her performance, odd and mean (which I sometimes like, by the way, as well as something I can dance to, Lady G… & for that matter, Neil Young can get a little performance artist himself with the nine hours of jazz odyssey at the end of each song… hmm, maybe we can end this string with the sentiment, “why can’t we [very different people & artists who are crazy to think their opinion matters holds any weight on someone else's ways] all just get along?”
August 27th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
People judge lady gaga without even knowing her. She is not a britney and she is not a fad. She is gaga. She will continue to make music whether people want it or not. With that being said, as long as she is writing music people will be unable to silence the extremely catchy up beat songs that are gaga. I LOVE GAGA FOREVER. Tori amos is just jealous that she isnt as famous. Half the universe knows who gaga is.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Any serious music critic would tell you theirs a point in the time line of music history. Befor Madonna and After Madonna. Gaga falls in the after Madonna category. Gaga will never have the control Madonna has and acheived over her career, Any critic would tell Madonna is probably the most relevant female pop song writer in music history. Shes already in the company of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, shes already beat some of their records on the billboard charts, and their groups not one of them on their own has achieved the solo success Madonna has on her own. Her latest tour Sticky & Sweet when done will put her in the company of Rolling Stones Led Zepplin in terms of the top grossing tours in the history of music, anyone of them would give it up for the success Madonna has acheived, & the interesting thing is shes seems like shes just beginning,
August 28th, 2009 at 3:13 am
All i can say is, Publicity! It’s publicity for Tori and the others if they speak out about this!
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Now i don’t mind Katy Perry and i can kinda agree with some that i reckon she will be around longer than Gaga. She has some sort of talent in writing, i mean they’re not genius but genius being so catchy and HOT n COLD or Waking Up in Vegas or I Kissed A Girl, all stuck in your head and memorable lyrics. Gaga has that, but she tries too hard when she doesn’t need to. She is talented yes, but her trying too hard is gonna get real old, real quick. I used to think she was cool and a fresh new sound, but now with her and perez being all up themselves, its getting old.
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i’m no tori fan, i couldn’t name any of her songs. i know who she is though and she seems talented obviously from her somewhat longevity.
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Now in regards to what someone said, Rihanna is only where she is due to Managers and Record executives. I don’t really believe Rihanna has that much talent. She has some fashion sense thanks to a stylist and a hairdresser. But she isn’t that great of a singer but props to her for actually singing live. She can’t really dance. Doesn’t write any or much material or produces anything. She is a walking toy. They decide her sound, direction, fashion & look. She isn’t like madonna (who i dont like) who chooses herself if you could say that. There are plently of Rihanna’s in the industry so i’m not hating on her, just saying cause ppl are like “Well Rihanna survived” no thanks to talent, thanks to the right marketing on other peoples behalf.
August 28th, 2009 at 7:50 am
lol @ Next Lane..
August 29th, 2009 at 12:14 am
I was always under the impression that female artists should support each other seeing as that there’s still alot of hard times for all women out there…I was also under the impression that Tori Amos would be above bashing other female musicians.
August 29th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
i don’t even know who tori amos is. i keep on thinking she’s kathy griffrints or what ever her last name is. i don’t know why. maybe it’s because they both have red hair and both are famewhores with faces from the land of plasticine
August 30th, 2009 at 5:18 am
Tori who?
August 31st, 2009 at 7:06 am
TEAM TORI! & lolz @ all the people who don’t know who she is.
August 31st, 2009 at 11:13 pm
I think it’s really funny when people mention invalid arguments like “I haven’t heard anything from Tori since 199?” and they DON’T know what goes on with Tori’s career. :)
Tori is even banned from radio stations, thanks to her religious commentary (mainly)… when she released Father Lucifer it was saying good bye to the Bible Belt public of America forever. “So you can make me come; that doesn’t make you Jesus” doesn’t win you many friends :) Especially church going friends… who buy neutral and safe records…
If you measure records by sales or top hits, then you are retarded. Most amazing songs don’t make it to the top in media charts. Let’s pick Madonna’s best album, American Life and how it flopped; funny since it’s her most mature relevant album if you ask any REAL Madonna life. Americans don’t like it when you tell it like it is. Too much political-correctness…
There was a time where radio stations would give free tickets to Tori concerts in exchange of these stations promoting OTHER artists of the same record house instead of Tori music. Very unfair if you ask me… No wonder she eventually said bye bye to them… Code Red for those who know her ;-)
She has a history of being misrepresented in the press. Unless I see a video of Tori actually saying this I will not fully believe it. She was always portrayed like the kooky girl…
She doesn’t comment without provocation either. And it’s never, to my understanding out of spite.
She threw a comment about the girls a while ago, referring surely to Amy Crackwhorehouse- I mean Winehouse, and as an advice to not do so many drugs without control if she valued her career. I think she sees talent in the girls but can recognize the errors 500 miles away. Nevertheless Winehouse hasn’t done much music ever since her Back to Black… which was 3 years ago… I’m sure she has done a lot of stuff… non-related to music though LOL. A lot of people went “Oh Tori is being a bitch” yadda-yadda, when in fact she was just offering advice… Tori is no innocent when it comes to drugs, so listen well to auntie Tori! She has wisdom and a few decades on top of you to cover for it!
You will not listen to Tori on almost any radio station, it’s not how her music moves. She hasn’t recorded a proper music video since Sweet the Sting, if you are open minded you would consider her recent Welcome to England a video, and the latest album has a LOT of them, which I love and enjoy. But no big production… such as A Sorta Fairytale, 1000 Oceans etc.
Tori’s music touches deep thoughts, funnily when she herself has sung “What’s so amazing about Really Deep Thoughts?” She is what’s amazing- she questions everything, from religion to politics to feminism, everything. Her most loving songs don’t need to have the word ‘love’ in the lyric and you can’t help but be swayed by the music. This is if you sit down to listen to her.
It’s sort of demands the cult following instead of the popular-culture following. When it comes to Tori lyrics there are so many things to read about and to develop and to discuss. It takes a lot of time and dedication. (I spent 5 hours writing an objective review song by song of Abnormally Attracted to Sin after listening to it for two weeks… for example) She doesn’t go po-po-po-po-po-ker face, though she HAS gone iiiee ;-).with your e’s and your ease…
It’s funny that Lady Gaga has appropiated almost every hairstyle from the American Doll Posse…
What she lack is real relevant social commentary. But for a new artist that just wants people to dance… it’s not necessary. She doesn’t want to make you think, she just wants you to shake your booty (apparently).
Now the MTV crowd, and the Vh1 reality show crowd certainly don’t have much space in their head for a song like Body & Soul and Yo George, specially when most of America seems to be so conservative… that they voted wrongly on Prop 8 even. Tori Amos is the anti-thesis of the majority of what constitutes popular-America. Especially when she will tell you what she thinks if you ask her.
One thing is certain, the Westboro Church doesn’t seem to be going after the Gaga girl give her a few years and maybe. I just hope this is Lady Gaga’s Y Kant Tori Read (from which we adore Cool On Your Island and that’s mostly it) and that she evolves, or else is down the drain too… and Gaga hasn’t proven to be witty yet. Not as witty as to come up with “homospirituality” during an improv.
Which is another of Tori’s things: she can improvise. She’s a natural.
Now I don’t get it why is she being credited for creativity concerning outfits, when it’s the creative work of the designers, such as Jean-Charles de Castelbajac for the kermit outfit. etc.
I don’t think she would be able to stand in a stage alone with a piano in a wife-beater and some worn jeans.
I don’t get it what do they credit her for either… yes she writes songs, but they aren’t that good (or good whatsoever) so what’s the point? Anybody with a few musical lessons can write a song… 3 and 5’s etc. usual tempo beats, voilá.
She is far from being the next MJ or Madonna or Cher when it comes to music. FAR. Right now she is at Hey Mickey by Toni Basil stage. With maybe an extra notch on the white karate belt… these people have a black belt with a few stripes when it comes to music.
I’d love to see her focused on music instead of image. And to stop prancing around with her tit’s half out and her ass showing. When Madonna shows it it’s still a revolution since she made it her trademark, and now she is over her 5th decade and can STILL do it. But when these girls do it, it’s just for attention… that they can get easily anyway. The media has changed, the impact is not the same and they are just imitating, not doing any breakthroughs…
Tori is on her 10th album, splendid work, touches from religion to politics to social issues, etc. Musically exquisite and she did it once again. I’m always pleasantly surprised, and onstage, she has no rivals.
Tori concerts aren’t meant to be full of 1000 stadio shows. They are MUSIC concerts, you go to listen to good music, not to see dancers on stage. The venues are usually either small or medium sized for a more intimate atmosphere. If she wanted she could be doing coloseum/football stadiums, but she’s not that kind of music girl.
All I know is that I would walk 500 miles to bring her bread too! <3 and also cross 1000 oceans to see her play! <3
If you don’t know Tori, you don’t know what you are missing- but keep getting forced fed whatever the media decides to give you… it’s what mediocre/meek humans do and the meek shall inherit the Earth *chuckle* I’m flipping the bird to all of the Tori haters, and always wear this “tattoo” in my mind. :P
Credit where credit is due.
September 14th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Lady gaga is the most original, extremely talented music sensation to hit the music scene in a long long time! Though her performance on the 2009 VMA’s could be called incredibly original and unforgettable to too over the top and wildly extreme (not sure what side I’m on there, it was pretty graphic) One thing is undebatable….her voice is nothing short of perfection!!! To call her a flash in the pan is laughable and makes me think that Tori Amos doesn’t know her ass from a hole in the ground! We’ll see….. FYI: If you paid me a million dollars to name one of Tori’s song, I wouldn’t be able to do it. Just sayin.
September 14th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
@Nia — LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
September 14th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Ok ladies (T & K) I gave it another shot like you asked but he’s still just an unintelligent, hypocritical, judgemental POC like most of the gay bloggers out there. They ask for our support in their endeavors (cuz they’re so denied, persecuted, and JUDGED) and then they take to their blogs and crucify people over their fashion choices, word missteps and love choices (ya know the important things to worry about (eyeroll)and I just can’t respect it or support it. I’ll have to decline the PINB fanclub invite so thanks but um….no thanks :) Maybe you could send me a Kanye or LaToya fanclub invite…you’d have better luck ;) You’re still my girls :) :) :)
September 14th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Tori isn’t a hateful person, and stop twisting what she says. I think Lady Gaga can fight her own battles, and proved that on the video music awards when she played the piano with her boot up on the keyboard. Obviously a Y Kant Tori Read reference. Then she gestured to the piano. I’m your biggest fan! Tori is worshipped for her ability and guts. And she will prove herself worthy of this as Mozart did…not many appreciated him until after he was dead.
September 16th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Tori Amos is a joke. I really don’t care much for GaGa but that is just rude, for her to come out and make those comments. Only angry chicks on their period listen to her music & while I would say she is talented, her music is irrelevant to most of this country. Failed careers make people bitter!
She sounds like a real bitch, though, I heard of how she kicks people out of her shows if they talk, use their cell, leave their seats, etc. Take a Midol, Tori.
September 17th, 2009 at 6:01 am
@Leslie — “Only angry chicks on their period listen to her music” Do you really think you are making an intelligent and reasonable point by making statements like this? Attacking another woman in this way only makes you look worse and totally invalidates your position. If you disagree with Tori’s statements, that is fine, but to do so in this way is just sad ;(
September 21st, 2009 at 11:59 pm
I didn’t mean to offend Tori and her 12 fans (if she even has that many by now!). However, I really do believe it’s rude and uncalled for, her comments. I have heard of her doing the same with other performers/singers, what a joke. I believe it to be extremely unprofessional and just lame/pathetic.
September 22nd, 2009 at 7:11 am
@Leslie — LOL!! Ur funny :)
October 1st, 2009 at 12:38 am
I do love the whole Tori Amos ‘ Big Adventure since the very beginning, but…talking that way about Gaga The LADY…isn’t fair at all. If she really said that ?!?
This doesn’t sound like her words, and it feels strange to read that, if she ever said those stupid musical industry stuff..???
AS a female singer-composer too ( Yeah I know what you thinkin’ : anyone can learn music anyway, well..I doubt that 1 too ) i can reply that Gaga has a real talent : piano prodigy, beautiful songs lives and accoustics’re both greats, and her VOICE !! WOW !
Gaga is gonna stay for a good while. And gonna give us what we’re all looking for : L’ AMOUR de la MUSIQUE !
October 4th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Ozma needs to get a life. Tori Anus sucks and so does Lady Gaga. Tori is jealous of Lady Gaga’s fame. Sure, Lady Gaga is a joke, but so is Tori to the rest of the world outside of the Toriphiles. She hasn’t written “music” in over 10 years. She should retire. She’s as fake as Gaga is. Fake haircolor, fake name, and now she has a fake face too. Dear “Tori,” your narcissism is showing.