# Talula

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Talula
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Talula.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talula
> Source revision: 1348968139
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

1996 single by Tori Amos

Not to be confused with [Tallulah (disambiguation)](/source/Tallulah_(disambiguation)).

"Talula" Single by Tori Amos from the album Boys for Pele B-side "Samurai" "Frog on My Toe" "London Girls" "Amazing Grace / Til' the Chicken" "Sister Named Desire" "Alamo" Released March 11, 1996 (1996-03-11)[1] Studio A church (Delgany, Ireland) A Georgian house (County Cork, Ireland) Length 4:08 Label Atlantic EastWest Songwriter Tori Amos Producer Tori Amos Tori Amos singles chronology "Caught a Lite Sneeze" (1996) "Talula" (1996) "Professional Widow" (1996)

"**Talula**" is a song by American singer-songwriter and pianist [Tori Amos](/source/Tori_Amos), released by [Atlantic](/source/Atlantic_Records) and [EastWest Records](/source/East_West_Records) as the second single from her third studio album, *[Boys for Pele](/source/Boys_for_Pele)* (1996). The song reached No. 22 on the [UK singles chart](/source/UK_singles_chart) and appeared in the [Jan de Bont](/source/Jan_de_Bont) film *[Twister](/source/Twister_(1996_film))*.

The single version, titled "The Tornado Mix", is remixed by [BT](/source/Brian_Transeau), who went on to work with Amos on "[Blue Skies](/source/Blue_Skies_(BT_song))", and includes a minor dance beat. In the UK, "Talula (The Tornado Mix)" replaced the original version of the song on later pressings of the album and eventual re-pressings in the US and Australia. BT also remixed an extended mix called the "Synesthasia Mix" which appeared on copies of the single.

## Meaning

This section needs more citations. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (March 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

The song is about the concept of ideal woman and the fear of losing someone.[2] The lyrics includes references to queens like [Marie Antoinette](/source/Marie_Antoinette) and [Anne Boleyn](/source/Anne_Boleyn).

The B-side "Sister Named Desire" is a reference to [Delirium](/source/Delirium_(DC_Comics))'s sister/brother [Desire](/source/Desire_(DC_Comics)) of *[Sandman](/source/The_Sandman_(Vertigo))*, created by Amos' friend [Neil Gaiman](/source/Neil_Gaiman). The character of Delirium is frequently inspired by Tori, although Delirium was created before Gaiman met her. "Desire" was later remastered for the compilation *[Where's Neil When You Need Him?](/source/Where's_Neil_When_You_Need_Him%3F)*, which featured tracks inspired by Gaiman's work. This is not the first nor last time Tori has mentioned Neil Gaiman; he is referenced in her songs: "Tear in Your Hand", "Space Dog", "Horses", "Hotel", "Carbon", and "Not Dying Today".

## Critical reception

[Larry Flick](/source/Larry_Flick) from *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))* magazine wrote, "Typically beady and tough to penetrate on a lyrical level, this is a roller coaster of musical sounds, rapidly swerving from sweeping acoustic strumming to electro-hip [funk](/source/Funk) beats."[3] Kevin Courtney from *[Irish Times](/source/Irish_Times)* felt tracks like "Talula" "creep over you like the smell of home cooking, but don't get too comfortable although Missy Amos can rustic up some very palatable fare, she has a rather irritating tendency to overturn the dinner table."[4]

## Track listings

US maxi-CD single[5] "Talula" (Tornado album version) – 3:43 "Samurai" – 3:03 "Frog on My Toe" – 3:40 "London Girls" (Chas & Dave cover) – 3:20 "Talula" (BT's Synethasia mix) – 11:27 UK CD1 and Australian CD single[6] "Talula" (the Tornado mix) – 3:43 "Talula" (BT's Synethasia mix) – 11:27 "Amazing Grace / Til the Chicken" – 6:48 UK CD2[7] "Talula" (the Tornado mix) – 3:43 "Frog on My Toe" – 3:40 "Sister Named Desire" – 5:29 "Alamo" – 5:11 UK cassette single[8] "Talula" (the Tornado mix) – 3:43 "Sister Named Desire" – 5:29

## Credits and personnel

Credits are lifted from the *[Boys for Pele](/source/Boys_for_Pele)* album booklet.[9]

**Recording and production**

- Recorded at a church ([Delgany](/source/Delgany), Ireland) and "a wonderfully damp Georgian house" ([County Cork](/source/County_Cork), Ireland)

- Additionally recorded at The Egyptian Room and Dinosaur Studios (New Orleans, Louisiana)

- Mixed at Jacobs Studios ([Surrey](/source/Surrey), England), [Mix This!](/source/Mix_This!), and [Record One](/source/Record_One) (Los Angeles)

- Tornado mix mixed on [Euphonix](/source/Euphonix) at The Strongroom (London, England)

- Mastered at Gateway Mastering ([Portland, Maine](/source/Portland%2C_Maine))

**Personnel**

- Tori Amos – writing, vocals, [harpsichord](/source/Harpsichord), production

- [George Porter Jr.](/source/George_Porter_Jr.) – bass

- [Manu Katche](/source/Manu_Katche) – drums

- [Mino Cinelu](/source/Mino_Cinelu) – percussion

- [Steve Caton](/source/Steve_Caton) – mandolins, all guitars

- Alan Friedman – drum programming

- Tracy Griffin – [flugelhorn](/source/Flugelhorn)

- Brian Graber – flugelhorn

- Clarence J. Johnson III – [tenor saxophone](/source/Tenor_saxophone)

- [Mark Mullins](/source/Mark_Mullins_(musician)) – trombone, horn arrangement

- [Craig Klein](/source/Craig_Klein) – [sousaphone](/source/Sousaphone)

- Mark Hawley – recording

- Marcel van Limbeek – recording

- Rob van Tuin – recording assistance

- [Bob Clearmountain](/source/Bob_Clearmountain) – mixing

- [Ryan Freeland](/source/Ryan_Freeland) – mixing assistance

- [Brian Transeau](/source/BT_(musician)) – Tornado mix reworking

- [Tim Weidner](/source/Tim_Weidner) – Tornado mix engineering and [Sound Tools](/source/Sound_Tools)

- [Bob Ludwig](/source/Bob_Ludwig) – mastering

## Charts

Chart (1996) Peak position Australia (ARIA)[10] 131 Scotland Singles (OCC)[11] 19 UK Singles (OCC)[12] 22 US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard)[13] 19 US Dance Singles Sales (Billboard)[14] 49

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["New Releases: Singles"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1996/Music-Week-1996-03-09.pdf) (PDF). *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)*. March 9, 1996. p. 31. Retrieved June 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** [Quotes from interviews with Tori Amos](http://www.yessaid.com/int/1996-05_Vox.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200115180825/http://www.yessaid.com/int/1996-05_Vox.html) January 15, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [Flick, Larry](/source/Larry_Flick) (May 4, 1996). ["Reviews & Previews: Singles"](https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1996/BB-1996-05-04.pdf) (PDF). *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. p. 43. Retrieved November 27, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Courtney, Kevin (January 26, 1996). "Rock". *[Irish Times](/source/Irish_Times)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** *Talula* (US maxi-CD single liner notes). [Tori Amos](/source/Tori_Amos). [Atlantic Records](/source/Atlantic_Records). 1996. CD5 2-85504.{{[cite AV media notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_AV_media_notes)}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_others_in_cite_AV_media_(notes)))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** *Talula* (UK CD1 & Australian CD single liner notes). Tori Amos. [EastWest Records](/source/East_West_Records). 1996. A8512CD1, 7567-88512-2.{{[cite AV media notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_AV_media_notes)}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_others_in_cite_AV_media_(notes)))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** *Talula* (UK CD2 liner notes). Tori Amos. EastWest Records. 1996. A8512CD2, 7567-88511-2.{{[cite AV media notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_AV_media_notes)}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_others_in_cite_AV_media_(notes)))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** *Talula* (UK cassette single sleeve). Tori Amos. EastWest Records. 1996. A8512C.{{[cite AV media notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_AV_media_notes)}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_others_in_cite_AV_media_(notes)))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [*Boys for Pele*](/source/Boys_for_Pele) (US CD album booklet). Tori Amos. Atlantic Records. 1996. 82862-2.{{[cite AV media notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_AV_media_notes)}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_others_in_cite_AV_media_(notes)))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Response from ARIA re: chart inquiry, received June 17, 2014"](http://i.imgur.com/9AQCjII.jpg). Retrieved March 4, 2015 – via [Imgur](/source/Imgur).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Scotland_Tori_Amos_11-0)** "[Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart on 23/3/1996 – Top 100](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19960323/41/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company). Retrieved March 19, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_UK_Tori_Amos_12-0)** "[Official Singles Chart on 23/3/1996 – Top 100](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19960323/7501/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company). Retrieved March 19, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Billboardbubbling100_Tori_Amos_13-0)** "[Tori Amos Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Tori-Amos/chart-history/HBU)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved April 11, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Billboarddancesales_Tori_Amos_14-0)** "[Tori Amos Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Tori-Amos/chart-history/DSA)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved June 30, 2021.

v t e Tori Amos Discography List of songs Studio albums Little Earthquakes Under the Pink Boys for Pele From the Choirgirl Hotel To Venus and Back Strange Little Girls Scarlet's Walk The Beekeeper American Doll Posse Abnormally Attracted to Sin Midwinter Graces Night of Hunters Gold Dust Unrepentant Geraldines Native Invader Ocean to Ocean The Music of Tori and the Muses In Times of Dragons Compilations Tales of a Librarian A Piano: The Collection Little Earthquakes – The B-Sides Live albums To Venus and Back The Original Bootlegs Legs and Boots Live at Montreux 1991/1992 From Russia with Love Diving Deep Live EPs Crucify Hey Jupiter Scarlet's Hidden Treasures Exclusive Session Flavor (Peter Rauhofer Mixes) Christmastide Singles "Baltimore" "Me and a Gun" "Silent All These Years" "China" "Winter" "Crucify" "Cornflake Girl" "God" "Pretty Good Year" "Past the Mission" "Caught a Lite Sneeze" "Talula" "Professional Widow" "Hey Jupiter" "In the Springtime of His Voodoo" "Spark" "Jackie's Strength" "Cruel"/"Raspberry Swirl" "Bliss" "1000 Oceans" "Glory of the 80's" "Concertina" "Strange Little Girl" "A Sorta Fairytale" "Taxi Ride" "Don't Make Me Come to Vegas" "Mary" "Sleeps with Butterflies" "Sweet the Sting" "Big Wheel" "Bouncing Off Clouds" "Welcome to England" "Maybe California" "A Silent Night with You" "Carry" "Flavor" "Trouble's Lament" "Cloud Riders" "Speaking with Trees" Other songs "Putting the Damage On" "Dātura" Videos Little Earthquakes Live from New York Complete Videos: 1991–1998 A Sorta Fairytale Welcome to Sunny Florida Fade to Red Live at Montreux 1991/1992 Tours 5 ½ Weeks Tour Night of Hunters Tour Gold Dust Orchestral Tour Unrepentant Geraldines Tour Native Invader Tour Related articles Piece by Piece Comic Book Tattoo Delirium Y Kant Tori Read Y Kant Tori Read "The Big Picture" "Cool on Your Island" "Blue Skies" RAINN The Light Princess Original Cast Recording

Authority control databases MusicBrainz work MusicBrainz release group

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Talula](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talula) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talula?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.