The Dresden Dolls - No, Virginia... Review

The Dresden Dolls’ previous CD, Yes, Virginia, was divided between jagged punk outbursts and torch ballads; the latter found Amanda Palmer in a surprisingly world-weary mood. True to its title, No, Virginia is the emotional opposite: this is a pop album with a warm, inclusive tone. The songs largely celebrate the artist/misfit subculture that the Dolls have gathered around them; in this context, the cover of the Psychedelic Furs’ “Pretty in Pink” fits perfectly, and it’s faithfully done, with an accordion standing in for lead guitar....full text Considering that it's an album of leftovers -- one B-side from Yes, Virginia..., four unreleased recordings, one old demo, a cover, and five new recordings, to be exact -- the songs on No, Virginia... are unexpectedly strong. Comprised of material from five years together as a duo, these are the numbers that were left off the Dresden Dolls' prior releases because, according to singer/pianist Amanda Palmer, she tends to shy away from her pop side. This definitely seems to be the case, as the pop sensibilities on this record are more exposed, and shining brighter than ever before. When compared to the edgier numbers on the first two albums, the majority of tunes feel like potential singles: a strange concept for a punk cabaret group. But it's a kinder, gentler burlesque show this time around....full text Dresden Dolls vocalist Amanda Palmer is a showstopper. She can be as a calming as a member of a church choir or as towering as a Broadway lead, and the chaotic, piano-driven cabaret of the Dresden Dolls often requires Palmer to capture both extremes in a single verse. She'll have a starring role later this year when she releases her first solo effort, but in the meantime, the Dresden Dolls' "No, Virginia . . . " serves as a placeholder, a collection of odds and ends to tide fans over. Some cuts, like the cover of "Pretty in Pink," or the tensionless march of "Mouse and the Model," didn't need to be resurrected. But others, like the singalong rolling notes of "Sorry Bunch" or "Night Reconnaissance," a multipart romp about middle-class vagrants, can stand with the Dolls' A-sides....full text