Scarlet's Walk [Limited] [CD & DVD] by Tori Amos (CD, Oct-2002, Epic USA)

This is probably Tori Amos's best album since "Little Earthquakes". She has returned to her basic musical roots. It's about her stories, her voice, and her piano. It's stripped down and rebuilt music, taking you back to her early works.
Songs like "I Can't See New York" - a heartfelt and chilling tribute to the events of September 11th seen through the eyes of a passenger on an airplane about to go down. "Don't Make Me Come To Vegas" - about the lengths friends will go to for each other. And the a capella "Wampum Prayer" which is a homage to her Native American heritage.
This album, though simple in musical structure, is very moving as she follows her sort of alter-ego (Scarlet) on a journey across America. It takes in both the best and the worst of the country from the heartbreak of "A Sorta Fairytale" to the loving closeness of "Taxi Ride".
The packaging of this limited edition is the icing on an already delicious cake. There are "polaroids" of Scarlet on her journey. Stickers for the child in everyone. And a map of the places that each song reflects, with the lyrics on the back. And if that weren't enough, there's a DVD with shots from the walk accompanied by three tracks from the album.
A must-have for any fan and a great introduction to the later works of one of the greatest female artists of our age. A wonderful album, lovingly packaged.