The Big Picture (song)

"The Big Picture" is a song by American synth-pop band Y Kant Tori Read, commercially released by Atlantic Records in 1988 exclusively as a 7" vinyl single in a generic label sleeve. Two versions of a promotional 7" vinyl were also released, one with light blue labels and one with dark blue labels. A 12" promotional vinyl single was also issued with an accompanying picture sleeve. The song was a commercial failure and received absolutely no critical comment.

"The Big Picture"
Single by Y Kant Tori Read
from the album Y Kant Tori Read
B-side"You Go to My Head"
Released1988
GenreSynth-pop
Length4:14 (7" single)
4:38 (12" single)
LabelAtlantic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Joe Chiccarelli
Y Kant Tori Read singles chronology
"'Baltimore'"
(1980)
"The Big Picture"
(1988)
"Cool on Your Island"
(1988)

A music video for "The Big Picture" was shot by Marty Callner. The only band member to appear in it is Tori Amos. It is typical of the era, featuring a scantily clad Amos cavorting and wreaking havoc on a sound-stage made to resemble the back alleys of Los Angeles. It is notable for a narrative introductory bit during which Amos argues with a police officer about her illegally parked car. Amos' excuse is that someone broke into her car and stole her underwear: "That's gross!" The officer, undeterred, hands her the ticket and walks off with her garter belt hanging out of his back pocket.

Notably, graphic artist Rantz Hoseley, a friend of Amos' at the time, appears in the video as a street punk upon whose pants Amos spray-paints. Hoseley went on to edit the best selling Amos-themed comic anthology Comic Book Tattoo.

Track listing

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7" Single (Atlantic 7-89086)

  1. "The Big Picture" – 4:19
  2. "You Go to My Head" – 3:55

12" Promo Single (Atlantic PR2298)

  1. "The Big Picture" – 4:19
  2. "The Big Picture" – 4:19
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