RSSAmanda Palmer Excels on Solo Album
Sep 10
Music Album, Amanda Palmer Comments Off
Amanda Palmer is set to release a solo album, Who Killed Amanda Palmer, on September 16. Palmer collaborated with Ben Folds and other artists throughout the twelve song set, but this album is wholly Palmer’s unique sonic aesthetic. Who Killed Amanda Palmer is excellent. It is a challenging listen, at times the music and the lyrics render powerfully disparate reactions, like on the track Oasis which is melodically almost a Beach Boys song but the story told is dark and almost more sinister for the music it accompanies.
Palmer is the voice and keys of the Dresden Dolls, an arresting duo self-described as punk cabaret. The Dresden Dolls used to be an eclectic taste, but with their second album (and subsequent b-sides collection) their sound has evolved with a lot more pop and is a lot less avant garde as a result. Lyrically, their songs tend to run the gamut from wordplay to epic storylines. Musically, no style, from pop rock to show tunes, is spared in their creative effort.
In that respect, Who Killed Amanda Palmer, isn’t that much of a departure from expectations. From the pop opener Astronaut to the radio ready Leeds United, there is a lot about this album that is fun and flirty. Among the most playful tracks is the rollicking Guitar Hero, which she tells a guy “and I could save you baby but it isn’t worth my time” because he’s addicted to his video game.
Other tracks get serious, like the gorgeous Have to Drive and Blake Says an album highlight about depression. The thing is, however Palmer tackles a serious topic, the songs draw you in and force you to think about them. Like the Ritalin-induced Runs in the Family, which is another track that sounds like a totally different song if you don’t consider the lyrics. Maybe that’s the point, by contrasting the melodies with the words, Palmer succeeds in getting our attention.
It’s hard to pick a favorite track. Just when you are ready to declare a winner, another song gets a second chance to redeem itself (like the track Ampersand which didn’t have the impact on the first listen as it did on the second). Get your hands on, if you can, two bonus tracks I Google You and Straight.
