Who Killed Amanda Palmer

johnny_ultimate

Surprised theres been no discussion of this, as there are a few Dresden Doll fans on here.

Really loving the solo debut of Amanda Palmer though, absolutely fantastic. And as much as I like the Dolls, I think this feels like a far fuller album on the whole (the fantastic production by Ben Folds really gives some of the songs a powerful edge). While it loses a bit of steam in the last three or so songs (although Oasis had me grinning on the first few listens) there are a at least six or seven wonderful tracks on here (the whole first 'act' is mostly solid gold).

Driver 8

I like it a lot, but i don't think it touches either proper Dolls record, to be honest. Some really inspired stuff (Leeds United, Guitar Hero amongst others) but it's got a few too many aimless ballads. Still, should be good live

johnny_ultimate

Driver 8 wrote: »

I like it a lot, but i don't think it touches either proper Dolls record, to be honest. Some really inspired stuff (Leeds United, Guitar Hero amongst others) but it's got a few too many aimless ballads. Still, should be good live

Was never a big fan of the Dolls ballads (which is why I felt their albums sometimes lulled, only to really pick up when they threw something mad and brilliant like Necessary Evil or Shores of California into the mix), but the ones on here are growing on me, especially Ampersand and Blake Says. But I still think she excels as a songwriter when it comes to the breathless stuff like Runs in the Family. When the lyrics are this witty and the piano so energetic you can't help but be won over.

Driver 8

Well yes, but that brings me to my ultimate question with the record, wouldn't those songs have worked just as well, if not better with the Dolls? Fair enough if she wants the independence of a solo career, but it's not drastically different from what she was doing for the most part. Which is hardly a problem, given the quality of the songs, but still.

You busy Saturday Johnny? :P

johnny_ultimate

Driver 8 wrote: »

Well yes, but that brings me to my ultimate question with the record, wouldn't those songs have worked just as well, if not better with the Dolls? Fair enough if she wants the independence of a solo career, but it's not drastically different from what she was doing for the most part. Which is hardly a problem, given the quality of the songs, but still.

You busy Saturday Johnny? :P

Yeah it isn't entirely different to the band stuff, but apparently the band are on hiatus at the moment, so perhaps it was a case of loving the songs but the not being able to record them before the end of the relationship. I dunno, I see your point, and the album isn't shockingly new for Dolls fans, but as you say, the quality wins out for me in the end.

Driver 8

Well I assumed it was a case of these new songs having no outlet, but the reviews and interviews all suggest these are songs that have stockpiled over the last several years, so maybe not. I mean, I know i'm nit-picking in the criticism, but still.

Maybe the ballads will grow on me, even if the only Dolls ballads that ever won me over were Truce and Delilah

johnny_ultimate

Now this is cool. Just read on her blog that amanda st al will be hanging around meeting house square tomorrow evening, chilling out and signing cds. Would be there, but employment calls. Boo.

Driver 8

SourcE?

johnny_ultimate

Driver 8 wrote: »

SourcE?

http://blog.amandapalmer.net/post/51715621/all-ages-convergence-in-dublin-on-friday#disqus_thread

From the lady herself!