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Sunday Express (UK)
November 23, 2003

Tori Amos
Culture Vulture

What is your favourite book?

I'm currently reading Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magicial Powers of Creatures Great & Small by Ted Andrews. I got this book when I was in South Dakota, and it's very popular with the Native American community. Whichever page you turn to, there's help and inspiration to keep your life in balance.

What is your favourite film?

I've got two. The first is Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman. Tennessee Williams' writings help me understand my parents' Southern culture. The other is Wings of Desire, directed by Wim Wenders. It's a personal favourite because of my love of Berlin -- where the film is set -- and my belief that angels are among us.

What is your favourite album?

Recently my Welsh chef has been playing music by Afro-Celt Sound System as he's preparing dinner and I'm putting my little girl to bed. It acts as a primative lullaby, as well as setting the mood for a relaxing pre-dinner drink.

What is your favourite play?

Years ago, I saw King Lear starring Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson. Emma played the role of the fool -- traditionally a male role -- and I found her portrayal very intruiguing. It gave me another angle on gender relationships.

What is your favourite work of art?

It's a collection of poster art, in a book called British Modern: Graphic Design Between the Wars. The posters have titles like "How to address a letter", dating back to 1928, "Grey flannels that won't fade", from 1927, and "A blood-soaked Earth demands disarmament", from 1925. We need that kind of art in our lives.

Tales of a Librarian: A Tori Amos Collection is out now.


[transcribed by Lucy]

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