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.
Sex Changes @@us/euwm2/842/6645842_1_01.asx?obj=v60301@@ Backstabber ... more
@@us/euwm2/842/6645842_1_02.asx?obj=v60301@@ Modern Moonlight @@us/euwm2/842/6645842_1_03.asx?obj=v60301@@ My Alcoholic Friends @@us/euwm2/842/6645842_1_04.asx?obj=v60301@@ Delila...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
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.
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
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
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...
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