Yes to ‘No Virginia ...‘
By Susan Pugh on Jun. 12, 2008
The Dresden Dolls are a duo from Boston who specialize in a musical style they call “Brechtian punk cabaret.” Amanda Palmer, whose duties include vocals, piano, harmonica and ukelele, created the genre out of fear that they would be marginalized as “goth.” Musical partner Brian Viglione fills out the sound with drums, percussion, guitar, and backup vocals. Whichever style the Dolls want to be categorized in, they are definitely darker than most. They often straddle the fence between novelty and serious artistic expression.
The duo’s latest release is called “No, Virginia…” and is their second compilation album. There are unreleased songs that date all the way back to 2003 from previous albums as well as b-sides and other tracks included on various compilation albums with other artists. Surprisingly “No, Virginia…” has more of a pop-influenced sound than their previous released. There is even a cover of “Pretty in Pink.”
There are 11 tracks on “No, Virginia…,” but “Night Reconnais-sance,” “The Mouse and the Model” and “The Kill” really outshine the others. There are also three bonus tracks for those who manage to get the special edition. The fans who often take part in the group’s live shows, participating in such performance art classics as stilt walking, living statues and fire breathers, will not be disappointed in “No, Virginia…” For those who haven’t had a chance to experience the dark cabaret of The Dresden Dolls, this is an endearing, accessible compilation, and much brighter than most of the group’s records. For more information, check out http://www.dresdendolls.com.
— Michael Chagnon, The Burg
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