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In July 2005 Amos released an exclusive 45-track compilation in conjunction with the iTunes music store called "iTunes Essentials". It consisted entirely of previously released material. Amos, a long outspoken adversary of live bootleg recordings, announced in late 2005 that she would be issuing a series of live "official bootlegs". After years of paying top dollar for low quality bootlegs, Tori Amos diehards now have an alternative. Tori released a series of 6 double-CD official bootlegs. Each official bootleg is a double-disc package recorded during her "Original Sinsuality" and "Summer of Sin" tours brimming with live rarities, fan favorites and stunning cover versions. A website was established at toriamosbootlegs.com, where hard copies of the releases were made exclusively available. The packaging was minimal and featured butterfly/insect artwork following the theme of The Beekeeper, which had featured elaborate packaging placing the various songs into different "metaphorical gardens". The bootlegs were sold for $13.98 each and featured full concerts from her 2005 tour; the bootleg albums were widely acclaimed by both critics and fans and showcased Amos' continued unique performance style. Soon after the hard copies were released online retailers began offering the entire albums for paid download, and in December 2005 all six two-disc sets were issued as a 12-disc box set, The Original Bootlegs.
The first album features songs captured during Amos' April 15th, 2005 concert at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago. Among the set's many highlights are live, soul-baring renditions of 1992's "Mother" the title track of new album The Beekeeper and 1996's "Father Lucifer," as well as poignant covers of Jim Croce's 1971 hit "Operator" and Joni Mitchell's "Circle Game."
The second album, recorded April 25th, 2005 at Royce Hall Auditorium in Los Angeles, features intimate versions of 1994's "Cloud On My Tongue" and "Yes, Anastacia," as well as covers of Bon Jovi's 1986 No. 1 hit "Livin' On A Prayer" and Jules Shear's "All Through The Night."
The third album was recorded at Tori's Denver, CO Paramount Theater performance on April 19. The show contains a treasure trove of hits spanning Tori's entire career, from Little Earthquake's "Leather" to Boys for Pele's "Putting the Damage On" to The Beekeepeer's "Power of Orange Knickers." Covers include A Flock of Seagulls' "I Ran" and Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne."
The fourth album in the bootleg series is the first from the European leg of the Original Sinsuality tour. Recorded at the Apollo during the Manchester, England show on June 6 this album includes heartbreakers like "Winter" and "Horses" but also highlights Tori's sense of humor as she has fun with covers like "Dont Look Back in Anger" from Manchester natives Oasis and "A Few of my Favorite Things" by Roger and Hammerstein.
The fifth album in the bootleg series was recorded June 4 during Tori's second night in London at the Hammersmith Apollo and is a rare treat for her fans. Joining her on stage that night was special guests, The Gospel Singers, whose notable contributions are featured on the evening's performances of Beekeeper favorites "Mother Revolution," "Sweet the Sting," "Witness" and "Hoochie Woman." Covers included George Michael's "Father Figure" and a stunning version of Madonna's "Like a Prayer."
The sixth and final album in the live bootleg series was recorded at B of A Pavilion in Boston on August 21 during Tori's Summer of Sin tour. An inspired outdoor summer performance, the Boston show included old favorites "Cool on Your Island" and "Tear in Your Hand" as well as welcome newcomers "Barons of Suburbia" and "Garlands." Covers included "Total Eclipse of the Heart," originally sung by Bonnie Tyler, "Angie" by The Rolling Stones and "Dream On" by Boston locals, Aerosmith.
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