This was the first Tori album I bought. I had copies of the previous three albums and, though there were problems with Boys for Pele, she had become one of the musical artists that I trusted. Besides, I'd heard 'Spark', the first single, and it was simply amazing: here was the Tori that had broken out into new territory with BfP and now she had consolidated her command of that territory. There was a rich musical sophistication in that one song and terrible emotional power.

But the rest of the album was rubbish. Musically sophisticated, yes, I could see that, but without heart. I was an unhappy owner of a very extended and expensive single. Worse, I later heard the actual Spark single disc and it featured three fantastic B-sides. Single owners: 0/4. Me: 11/1. Damn.

Now I tried to revisit this album, believe me, but it remained lifeless and unwanted. At some point I saw the dance film clip of 'Rasberry Swirl' which cemented in my mind that this was the Triple J album. Add some Madonna-like musical transformation, stir well.

1999: her next album appeared and all was well. It came with a bonus live disc, including only 'Cruel' (and one of the B-sides) from from the choirgirl hotel. Well, that rocked. It commanded me. But the album still sucked.

Then a strange thing. One day in a cafe I heard Tori screeching a la Kate Bush, "on the other side of the galaxy". I know this, I thought. One of the songs she only performed live? I did a Google search and was surprised to find it was 'Black-Dove (January)'. I gave the album another go. Again it repulsed me, except now for 'Black-Dove'.

Then I played the album for a friend on last weekend. And now I liked the studio version of 'Cruel'. I needed to get a review of this album down quick, before I liked the whole thing. Of course, I had to listen to it to review it. And now, well you can probably guess...

from the choirgirl hotel: musical sophistication and emotional power. Why now and not then? Who knows? Something gothic. Shit happens.