Very fine solo album by Amanda Palmer, one half of punk-cabaret The Dresden Dolls. Without drummer Brian Viglione it is obvious that the piano will play the main role in this theatre. But don't worry, drums and strings and other instruments and sounds join the show as well. I read that the title should be inspired by the series Twin Peaks, which revolves around events surrounding the death of Laura Palmer. I can't say if the lyrics also dwells on that topic since I'm still searching for the complete lyrics. The album comes as mainly a piece of cardboard and a disc. Record companies don't do much to please their customers these days...
Lyrics like Runs In The Family: "This family that carries me to such great lengths to open my legs up for anyone who'll have me. It runs in the family, I came by it honestly, do what you want who knows it might fill me up me up me up me up me up..."
...or how about Strength Through Music: "locked in his bedroom he saw the world, a web of answers and cum shot girls."
It's not exactly what you typically hear on MTV...
...and the pop tune Oasis that hits topics like date-rape and abortion all with a totally catchy melody and music and totally filled with black humor:
"When vacation was over the word was all over that I was a crack whore, Melissa had told them. And so now we're not talking except we have tickets to see Blur in October and I think we're still going. Oh, I've seen better days but I don't care, Oh, I just got a letter in the mail, Oasis sent a photograph, It's autographed and everything, Melissa's gonna wet herself I swear."
It is simply hilarious and excellent.
One more song you got to hear is Guitar Hero that also features Dead Kennedys guitarist East Bay Ray. It is fucking cool and very catchy.
I guess I should mention Ben Folds as well. I don't really know the dude but he has produced the album together with Amanda and he should be a well known pianist, singer-songwriter and more.
I really think that Amanda Palmer (and the Dresden Dolls) are among the most exciting acts these days and Amanda's lyrics are simply fantastic compared to most of the rest out there. At times it reminds me a bit of Björk from the days of way back when Björk wrote great melodies and made great music. Unfortunately those days are long gone.
The music moves from slow to fast and from solo piano to multi instrumental. It moves from quiet thoughtful songs to Dresden Dolls like fast-paced chaos mixed with great pop tunes with an insane twist. This album is recommended if you like the Dolls, and if you like to be challenged a bit by the music you put on. Only song that I have problems with is What's The Use Of Wond'rin? which is simply annoying greatly due to Amanda's well known vocal limitations. She's not a great singer and sometimes she crosses the line and goes over the top, but most of the time she just smashes it right in your face and that's how we like it! Is it pop or is it punk? Is it cabaret or is it just great music?
"Who needs love when there's law and order?"
Rating: 
Band: Amanda Palmer
Record Title: Who Killed Amanda Palmer?
This Release: 2008
Record Format: CD
Record Label: Roadrunner
Content Type: Record Review
Language: 
Updated: 2008-09-19 19:39
Created: 2008-09-17 19:46
