| | | | 
“Brechtian punk cabaret" is how vocalist Amanda Palmer describes the music that she produces with fellow band member Brian Viglione. The result is known as the Dresden Dolls. Hailing from Boston, this twosome have embraced and elaborated on the cabaret acts that started to gain momentum in the early nineties, their live shows becoming iconic where slit walkers and stripers share the stage.
There second compilation album “No, Virginia” is constructed from b side’s, unreleased tracks as well as left over tracks from the groups 2006 album “Yes, Virginia”. The Dresden Dolls are often described as gothic punk rockers; this is true to some aspect. This album is quite dark, and it certainly fits the cabaret act that it is marketed as, but there are some characteristics that are more in common with the White Strips and Ben Folds Five. There effortless use of loud piano chords and singular drum beats gives this an intimate and almost acoustic feel, and surprisingly there are a number of tracks on this album that would not be out of place on FM radio, the upbeat “Pretty in Pink” and “Sorry Bunch”
Considering that this album is a compilation, it flows very well. All eleven tracks follow each other as if they were constructed to fit that way. Vocals are shared between Palmer and Viglione, both lending a raw and honest sound. The simplicity of these tracks is wear this album succeeds so successfully. The very oddly titled “lonely organist rapes page turner” does make you wonder wear they draw there inspiration from? A standout track on the album, Vocalist Palmer has been quoted as saying this song is for the lonely innocent students being seduced by an older creepy piano teacher, even after knowing this I still feel a bit uneasy about liking the song so much.
This album is certainly not going to be everyone’s taste, however if you are looking at expanding your musical tastes, this quirky album might just be the best place to start.
Review by Andrew Short |
| Send
this article to a friend | |
|
