Hey Jupiter (Ep) [CD, Explicit Lyrics, EP]

I bought "Hey Jupiter EP" a few years ago when I was on my Tori binge. I think it was just shortly before I got to see her live for the first time and right around when I started getting heavily into her music. One day at a local record shop, I bought a slew of singles and EPs by Tori Amos, "Hey Jupiter EP" was one of those purchases. I haven't listened to the EP in a long time so I decided to throw it in. I always loved the song "Hey Jupiter" from a very difficult album to listen to "Boys For Pele". After listening to the Dakota version of "Hey Jupiter", I am quickly reminded which version I love more and that is the Dakota version. I still love the "Boys For Pele" version but I do believe that the Dakota version is vastly superior. The primary reason I bought this EP was to hear Tori's interpretation of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". It is a breathtaking cover. I was simply blown away the fragile, delicate vocals and melodies. Tori Amos is one of the few artists who I love when she covers a particular song. She makes the song her own. I also enjoyed the live tracks of "Sugar", "Honey", and "Professional Widow". I particular enjoyed Tori's brief explaination of "Sugar". I found that rather humorous. Her little anctedotes during her concert performances are one of the reasons why I love seeing Tori perform live. "Hey Jupiter EP" is a brief reminder of my concert experiences of seeing Tori Amos perform live.

Tori's single from 'Boys For Pele' is simply and utterly beautiful. This CD single contains 2 of the tracks from BFP in a little different style. 'Sugar' is a beautiful song while 'Honey' is a harsh song about a failing relationship. The last track, the cover of 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' is stunning. A must for ANY Tori fan, you will not regret it.

The first time I heard the album version of "Hey Jupiter" on 1996's BOYS FOR PELE, I thought it was the most beautiful song singer-songwriter Tori Amos had created. When I learned of a remix of the song, I was rather weary, since the LP version seemed so flawless; but upon listening to the "Dakota Version" included in this EP, I was blown away by Amos's ability to take a perfect song and make it perfect in a completely new light, in an alternate universe, if you will. The added strings and bass in the remix take away the quiet stillness of the original version, while maintaining some sort of softness and darkness, and utter desperation. More often than not, when I want to hear this song, it's the remix that I tend to listen to as it entails much more complex emotions.

The rest of the tracks included in the EP are live renditions of "Sugar" (a b-side from 1992's LITTLE EARTHQUAKES), "Honey" (a b-side from 1994's UNDER THE PINK), "Professional Widow" (an album track from BOYS FOR PELE), and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (a cover of Judy Garland's classic tune from the film THE WIZARD OF OZ). The live tracks are great in and of themselves, but we're also treated to Amos's humorous and insightful anecdotes between songs, which is one of the best parts of her live shows. Her fragile, stunning rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" displays Amos's amazing talent as a musician.

If you are looking to add some EP's and CD singles to your Tori collection, be sure to add this one. In fact, you may want to start with this one to give you a taste of what you're in for. Dim the lights, open your mind, and take it all in...