... After getting the Dresden Doll's debut album, I couldn't wait for the release of the follow-up Yes, Virginia. And I wasn't disappointed!
01. Sex Changes.
A highly eccentric, catchy, up-tempo song that attempts to draw a parallel between sex change operations and the way that actually having ... Read review
Advantages: Plenty of wonderfully quirky and unique songs. Disadvantages: A little less punk-cabaret than their debut album - some people won't like that...
First off, a bit of background information about the band. The Dresden Dolls are a piano and drums duo from Boston, made up of Amanda Palmer (vocals, piano, songwriting) and Brian Viglione (drums). They've managed to create a their very own trademark style, even coining the genre Brechtian Punk Cabaret. Which is about the best way one can describe them. After getting the Dresden Doll's debut album, I couldn't wait for the release of the follow-up ... ...Sex Changes.
A highly eccentric, catchy, up-tempo song that attempts to draw a parallel between sex change operations and the way that actually having sex can change a person. So strange, that it actually works! A fantastic opener.
Key lyric: "They always said that sex would change you."
Rating: 5/5.
02. Backstabber.
A very tuneful, melodic song (probably the most 'poppy' on the album, but I don't ... more
First off, a bit of background information about the band. The Dresden Dolls are a piano and drums duo from Boston, made up of Amanda Palmer (vocals, piano, songwriting) and Brian Viglione (drums). They've managed to create a their very own trademark style, even coining the genre Brechtian Punk Cabaret. Which is about the best way one can describe them. After getting the Dresden Doll's debut album, I couldn't wait for the release of the follow-up Yes, Virginia. And I wasn't disappointed!
01. Sex Changes. A highly eccentric, catchy, up-tempo song that attempts to draw a parallel between sex change operations and the way that actually having sex can change a person. So strange, that it actually works! A fantastic opener. Key lyric: "They always said that sex would change you." Rating: 5/5.
02. Backstabber. A very tuneful, melodic song (probably the most 'poppy' on the album, but I don't think that's a criticism). It builds up very nicely... getting more and more aggressive throughout (like any good Dresden Dolls song should!). Key lyric: "Backstabber! Hope grabber! Greedy f*cking fit haver!" Rating: 4/5.
03. Modern Moonlight. A song about the negative effects of technology; thought-provoking lyrics, and some really frantic piano. But that's is why I love the Dresden Dolls... their songs sort of channel all this nervous energy in just the right way! Key lyric: "When the war is over, you can read the paper." Rating: 4/5
04. My Alcholic Friends. Possibly my favourite song on the album. A very catchy, and sing-a-along type melody. It'll be stuck in your head for days! Key lyric: "I'm trying hard not to be ashamed not to know the name of who is waking up beside me... or the date, the season, or the city. But at least the ceiling's very pretty." Rating: 5/5
05. Delilah. The first 'slow song' on the album-- and it is by no means a let down. The gradual build up of intensity is perfect... and it's beautifully sung... with a very Thelma & Louise type ending. However, it's not the most upbeat of songs... and it took me a while to fully appreciate it. Give it a few listens before you hit the skip button! Key lyric: "You thought you could change the world by opening your legs. Well it isn't very hard; try kicking them instead." Rating: 4/5
06. Dirty Business. Another stand-out track... exciting and energetic right from the start, and very up-tempo throughout. Again, the piano playing is outstanding. Key lyric: "Am I the poster girl for some suburban sickness? Better keep a healthy distance. Now it's up to you, know what to do; it's pretty Dirty Business." Rating: 5/5
07. First Orgasm. First off: no, it's not as crude as it sounds (some of you will feel let down by this, I'm sure!). The second slow song on the album... but once you are familiar with it, it's easier to appreciate it, and how tragic it is. But because of it's delicate composition, it can be easy to forget. But give it a few listens. Key lyric: "I am too busy to have friends; a lover would just complicate my plans... so I will never look for love again." Rating: 4/5
08. Mrs. O. Not the strongest of melodies, and again, it takes a few listens to become familiar with it. The lyrics and vocals are top-notch however, and I certainly recommend you give it a chance... it's by no means the weakest track on the album-- but it's not the best, either. Key lyric: "You can stop the truth from leaking, if you never stop believing." Rating: 3/5
09. Shores Of California. Yet another of the standout tracks on the album... about the possible causes of conflict within relationships, with one of the best melodies of them all, which in turn makes it very easy to familiarise yourself with. Key lyric: "Why all these conflicting specifications? Maybe to prevent overpopulation. All I know is that all around the nation, the girls are crying and the boys are masturbating." Rating: 5/5.
10. Necessary Evil. Another very interesting (in both sound and subject) song about the way technology is effecting the world. Distorted vocals (but not -so- distorted that the melody is lost) and more of the aggressive piano playing and the kind of driving melodies that the Dresden Dolls do so well (not to say that the songs are boring or repetitive or whatever, because if there is one thing that the Dresden Dolls are not, that is it!). Key lyric: "I remember golden days when all this was a mystery, and you could write a letter then or, God forbid, come visit me." Rating: 5/5.
11. Mandy Goes To Med School. Nevermind what I said about My Alcoholic Friends before. As much as I love it, Mandy... is definitely my favourite. Despite the upbeat, tongue-in-cheek, sarcastic tone of the song, and the slightly cabaret-ish, almost jazzy melody and piano playing, the song has a very serious subject: back alley abortions. If you properly listen to what she's saying, it becomes something else... somewhat morbid. But I love it. It's sinister, entertaining, and absolutely brilliant. Key lyric: "In some states they say you can burn for it, but I'll burn that bridge when I get to it." Rating: 5/5.
12. Me & The Minibar. The one track on the album that I just can't get myself to like (yet). It's very downbeat, and just pales in comparison to the rest of the material on the CD. A skipper, for me, I'm afraid. Hopefully it'll grow on me! Key lyric: "I was so excited to do such normal things with you." Rating: 2/5. Edit: I actually like this a lot now. So, give it a chance and don't skip it. A few listens and... you'll see! NEW Rating: 4/5.
13. Sing. A sort of... ode to music type thing. It's another one of their songs that starts off very slow and solemn, and keeps on building up, until it finally erupts at the end. Key lyric: "Life is no cabaret. We don't care what you say. We're inviting you anyway. You motherf*ckers you'll Sing someday". Rating: 5/5.
Advantages: Much more polished, mature and awe inspiring sound Disadvantages: Maybe too different for some listeners to appreciate
The Dresden Dolls self titled debut album was a real burst of adrenaline in the stagnant alternative music scene; it's combination of raunchy yet raw lyrics with powerful drums and crazy piano melodies made it a very unforgettable listen, an album that I shall take to my grave as one of my all time favourites.
So when I got the follow up album 'Yes Virginia' for my last birthday, I was curious, excited and even a little sceptical; I'd never heard ... ...of what I was going to be gracing my ears with. Then, their was my ever present bout of cynicism that doubted that the band could make a second album with at least the same amount of promise and aptitude as their first.
How wrong could I possibly have been?
The album starts with 'Sex Changes', a positively wacky bundle of energy in it's self. Aggressive with amusingly true lyrics (as you often find with the Dolls), it was a great way for the second ...
MizzMolko 25.06.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Yes Virginia - Dresden Dolls (The)
Advantages: Much more calm and methodic than the first album Disadvantages: Much more calm and methodic than the first album
...But enough pretext. Yes Virginia is the second album, and differs so much from the first, comparing the two would be a bit pointless, so this review is directed at this album alone. Despite the minimalistic set up, the sound is very clear, and every song sounds as though there is so much more going on than just drums and piano. The tracks are put in a good order - starting with the loud and energetic, and eventually ending in the calm, yet rousing ... ...a track by track review:
1. Sex Changes - This is close to the sound of the original albums sound. Stop start, angry, and it keeps you hooked with threatening menace rather than outright agression. Listen out for the lyrics - the title is deliberately misleading. 9/10
2. Backstabber - Rather more anthemic than anything else on the album, it is a straightforward song that does what it says on the tin, and makes good use of Amanda's and Brian's vocals. ...
badongism 06.09.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Yes Virginia - Dresden Dolls (The)
Advantages: Full of amazing and unique songs that only this band could pull off. Disadvantages: A bit calmer and more mature compared to the previous album.
The Dresden Dolls are Amanda Palmer (lead vocals and piano) and Brian Vigilone (vocals, drums and guitar). They describe their style as ‘Brechtian punk cabaret’, and with dark lyrics and a piano, this is a rather accurate description. ‘Yes, Virginia’ (which is named after the article in the New York Sun which responded to the question ‘Is there a Santa Claus?’ with the answer ‘Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus’) was originally released in 2006 ... ...The album has some key differences from The Dresden Dolls self-titled previous album. In a way it seems a lot more mature as there is less of the bizarre punk cabaret listeners became accustomed to in the previous album. Instead of featuring tracks which are more like darker children’s stories, this album seems a lot easier to relate to. In ‘Yes, Virginia’ Amanda and Brian attempt to tackle a lot of serious issues. This is shown in the amazing and ...
xradishx 19.04.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Yes Virginia - Dresden Dolls (The)
Advantages: Every song has a deep meaning, and is sung passionately. Disadvantages: You won't want to listen to anything else for a while :)
After hearing a lot of songs from the Dresden Dolls' first self-titled album, I decided that it would be a crime not to listen to "Yes, Virginia...", an album that derives its name from a letter written from a young girl, Virginia O' Hanlon, asking if there is a Santa Claus. Beautifully, the reply explains that as long as people believe in Santa, he will exist. The letter can be found on the Dresden Dolls' website, in the bio section.
The album ... ...the first track; Sex Changes, a song that seems to explore both Sex Changes and abortion at the same time.
There are also slower tracks, such as Delilah, a song about a woman subjected to domestic violence. These songs are filled with just as much emotion and double meanings as the faster tracks.
All in all, this is an amazingly individual album, packed with excitement and meaning. It is emotionally charged all the way through. Top 3 songs?
"Backstabber", ...
realxpainxtheory 29.04.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Yes Virginia - Dresden Dolls (The)
Advantages: Unique, Amusing, High Quality, Great Voices, Good Musicains, Interesting album art Disadvantages: Not the best value CD, Some songs to short, Not suitable for young children
The Dresden Dolls are a great band, very unique and quite funny at times!
Their song 'Sex Changes' is quite amusing, I love singing it and seeing how people give me weird looks!
I love their style of music as it is unlike any other bands I have heard. The lyrics are very original and the quality of this CD is very high. It is a great value for money and a must listen. The album art is quite good, with interesting pictures. The album cover is a ...
albal123 24.06.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Yes Virginia - Dresden Dolls (The)
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Quality and consistency...
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Reviews which might be of interest for "Yes Virginia - Dresden Dolls (The)"
Advantages: There really are a couple of stunning tracks and it is essentially the same Dolls sound Disadvantages: You get the impression that many of the tracks are recycled versions of better songs...
answer the conundrum of who did exactly kill Amanda. The answer is possibly her home grown pretentiousness or perhaps she topped herself whilst realising just how bad some of her solo stuff is.
Anyway, back to the Dolls, and their third release, 'No Virginia...' which cannot technically be defined as their third record. You see, 'No Virginia' isn't anything new or utterly original but that was never the albums intention as its eleven tracks are a compilation of B-Sides and forgotten material from album number deux, 'Yes, Virginia'. It's unfair to expect this particular release to offer something groundbreaking as the bands previous efforts, from the self titled debut and indeed the 'Yes' version of 'No'; both had room for promise and there was a significant jump in the right direction; 'TheDresdenDolls', as a CD, had a raw, rough feel ...
Product Information for "Yes Virginia - Dresden Dolls (The)" »
Product details
Title
Yes Virginia
Performer
Dresden Dolls (The)
Genre
Rock & Pop
Sub Genre
Punk Rock
Release Date
17/04/2006
Recomended Retail Price
14.99 GBP
Label / Distributor
Roadrunner / ADA/Cinram Logistics
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Format
Performer
EAN
16861808150
Additional notes
Album Notes
'Yes Virginia' is the sophomore album from Boston-based burlesque punk act Dresden Dolls. Combining the seemingly disparate elements of punk and cabaret to great effect, the band give us an exciting lesson in how to make startlingly original music without downplaying the theatrical elements of your performance. Includes the tracks 'Sex Changes' and 'Shores Of California'.
Titles on disc 1
1.
Sex Changes
2.
Backstabber
3.
Modern Moonlight
4.
My Alcoholic Friends
5.
Delilah
6.
Dirty Business
7.
First Orgasm
8.
Mrs O
9.
Shores Of California
10.
Necessary Evil
11.
Mandy Goes To Med School
12.
Me And The Minibar
13.
Sing
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09/04/2006
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