Tori Amos will always be remembered for her extraordinary hit Cornflake Girl, her outstanding vocals and expert piano-playing making for a quirky yet memorable song which fully caught the public’s imagination.

Often compared to Kate Bush because of her similar swooping vocal style, the 49-year-old has never quite recaptured those heady heights, yet remains one of the most innovative female artists around. Gold Dust is another impressive release from the American, who now spends much of her time in Cornwall, with Amos’s voice impressing particularly on Yes, Anastasia.

The rest of the songs, apparently based on 20 years of conversations with various people, stand up well to scrutiny, particularly the title track and Snow Cherries From France. Those who loved Amos’s earlier work will be delighted with this, as it is an extremely welcome return to top form.

Review by Kim Mayo