What really drew me to the Dresden Dolls was the air of unpredictability they had. There is something absolutely terrifying about them, yet I can't really put my finger on why. Listening to the first album was a bit like watching a cat amongst pigeons. You knew it'd go mad, you knew it was kind of wrong to wait and watch for it to happen, but absolutely impossible to ignore. The Dresden Dolls sound is one that rests in 1950s Burlesque piano jazz, which occasionally travels to the modern day, punches you in the face with something bonkers and loud, and then retreats back to a smoky jazz café.
But now, to the layperson. The Dresdon Dolls are a duo from Boston. You have Brian Viglione on drums and occasionally on guitar. One of the reasons why this bands sound is so unique is that Mr. Viglione actually manages to add expression to the songs with his drumming, rather than just keep time. Then, we have the absolutely, mind numbingly impossibly beautiful Amanda Palmer on piano and lead vocals. Her vocals are very unique.
Deep, with an air of withered, weathered temptress about them. Imagine someone with a bottle of scotch, a roaring fireplace and several dead ex husbands - that kind of voice.
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 track "Sing". But to be doubly concise, here is 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. 7/10
3. Modern Moonlight - Thrash metal drumming with classical piano. Again, very fast/slow between chorus and verse. I hated this when I first heard it, but it is a grower. Definitely one of the top three tracks. 8/10
4. My Alcoholic Friends - Very broadway sounding, with those fantastic high kick moments. Again, more vocal dueting, to excellent effect. 9/10
5. Delilah - Slow paced, but Amanda Plamers vocals are really showcased in this ballad. Perhaps a little uninventive though. 6/10
6. Dirty Business - Very energetic, straightforward song about a promiscuous harlot (my opinion). A little bit too teen angsty for my liking. 4/10
7. First Orgasm - Dresden Dolls at their absolute best. Misleading title, calm yet provocative lyrics and beautiful piano section. Top track. 10/10
8. Mrs. O - Again, has a broadway, film score feel about it. Goes a little mad at the end, and not necessarily for the better. 7/10
9. Shores of California - Slight Latin feel, which in the context of the album, really stands out. Good singalong chorus. 8/10
10. Necessary Evil - Going back to high tempo, high energy music, with a fantastic piano solo and key change in the middle. Let down by substandard vocals at the end. 7/10
11. Mandy Goes to Med School - Not really for the feint of heart or easily offended. Seedy jazz and lyrics that imply things that the casual listener may not like to hear in songs. If you like something a little controversial however... 9/10
12. Me and the Minibar - To be honest, the last 4 tracks on the album are wirth the price alone. Another big, glamorous sounding affair, but done with absolute delicacy and poignancy. 9/10
13. Sing - Not often you hear a Dresden Dolls song dealing with current affairs, but there are definite references to the current state of the world. Rousing and intelligently written. A fantastic way to end the album. 9/10
If you haven't heard of this band, and are still unsure whether to invest in the album, the best way to surmise is this. If you are feeling jaded by all the soundalike bands kicking around, and you want something new, challenging and just a little bit intimidating, there is no better band on earth. If you are a casual listener, saw the word piano and thought "ooooh, chillout", then steer well clear. This is an album and band for those who love music, not those who just listen to it.
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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...
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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: Plenty of wonderfully quirky and unique songs. Disadvantages: A little less punk-cabaret than their debut album - some people won't like that...
Advantages: Plenty of wonderfully quirky and unique songs. Disadvantages: A little less punk-cabaret than their debut album - some people won't like that...
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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