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No, Virginia...
by Roadrunner Records
| List Price: |
$17.98 |
| Price: |
$13.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. |
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$3.99 (22%) |
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Audio CD
Publisher: Roadrunner Records
The band toured the world for almost two straight years in support of the hit song "Yes, Virginia" and in 2008 the Dresden Dolls felt it was the time to release to their devoted fan base the remainder of songs from that era, while adding some new songs they were passionate about. 11 tracks.
| Customer Reviews: |
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| Yes, and No |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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Definitely a solid follow up to Yes, Virginia, and partially because many of the songs are those that didn't make it on the previous CD.
Its a fun album but does feel a little B -side at times. Despite this its still immensely enjoyable, and indicative of the Dresden Dolls unique sound, lyrics, and energy. A must have for the DD fan.
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| Long live punk caberet |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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So this CD is supposed to be the leftover scraps from Yes, Virginia, but you wouldn't really know it. I wouldn't be suprised that the Dresden Dolls knew they had 2 albums worth of material at recording time much like Radiohead Kid A/Amnesiac. Some of the tracks are so strong, I'm suprised they didn't make the first album (again, leading me to believe they were planning this 2 album deal the whole time). It's worth buying, go do it.
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| Doubling entendres with the voicings |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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Back in May 2006 I reviewed the album Yes, Virginia... by the Dresden Dolls, and I quote myself (after all, nobody else is going to quote me):
"You'll need to keep an open mind for this one, but The Dresden Dolls are the most excitingly different duo that I've come across in ages."
Fast forward to 2008 and here's "No, Virginia..." which isn't technically a new album, because it's made up of left-over tracks from previous albums and B-sides, but it's definitely good enough to qualify for "new" status.
Amanda Palmer is as brilliant as ever with her dark, edgy lyrics, pounding piano and impossible-to karaoke vocal performances. This type of music (punk cabaret) may be an acquired taste, but for originality and audacity it can't be beaten.
The songs that I have been playing from this album are:
"Dear Jenny"- listen for the howling at the end
"Night Reconnaissance", where she observes "Nothing is crueler than children who come from good homes"
"Lonesome Organist R@pes Page-Turner" - not only a naughty name, but witty lyrics such as "So on the bench I watched his left hand crossing / While doubling entendres with the voicings"
"Sorry Bunch" - great piano performance
"Pretty in Pink" - my favorite track. Begins like Dire Straits "Walk of Life", and just gets better
"The Kill" - love the lyrics
"The Sheep Song" - a punk cabaret lullaby
If you know somebody whose musical taste is off-mainstream, you might want to put this on your Christmas list to convince them that Santa Claus is alive and cabaretting.
Amanda Richards, June 6, 2008
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| No, Virginia -- Better than Yes |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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I was pleasantly surprised to find this B-Sides album better than the regular album, Yes, Virginia. Yes, Virginia lacked some of that subtle quality of the Dresden Dolls earlier work that grabs your psyche and won't let go, but that quality is back in No, Virginia.
It doesn't have quite the endless cavalcade of amazing songs that The Dresden Dolls debut album had, but it's every bit as catchy and soulfully twisted as A For Accident, and with higher production values. The Gardener is a particular favorite track of mine.
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| A little global warming never hurt anyone |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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You know what gets me? The fact that the Dolls' sophomore effert, Yes, Virginia, was so highly touted by fans and critics alike and yet No, Virginia, has gotten NO publicity. I understand that it's not a proper follow-up but come on, these songs are incredible!
In case you are oblivious to The Dresden Dolls, this is, and I quote:
"A collection of unheard treasures from the Vault of The Punk Cabaret taken from the Yes, Virginia Sessions & featuring new songs from the winter '08 Sessions."
I was worried all the attention they got for their last record would go to their heads, but no. Quite the contrary, all these songs remain true to the Dolls' former releases in every way without feeling like a cash-in or a lame attempt to remain relevent. Amanda and Brian are simply having fun and you can tell through the duration of No, Virginia.
Where's the love for Dear Jenny? That is by far my favorite song on here and ranks among my favorites of their's period. Past that, other stand outs include The Mouse and the Model, The Gardener, Sorry Bunch, and The Kill. Much like the past two releases, No, Virginia is a record that is totally easy to listen to completely with no reasons to skip any song.
As a side-note type of thing, I must say that Amanda and Brian sound incredible. Amanda's voice is only getting better with each new CD and the chemistry between the two musically is enthralling. Listening to how they feed off of each others energy at some of this CDs most intense moments are so fun to hear.
My favorite songs are Dear Jenny, The Mouse and the Model, The Gardener, Sorry Bunch, and The Kill. When it seems there's rarely a truly great b sides collection anymore The Dresden Dolls come out of nowhere and offer up a glimmer of hope for future b sides CDs from other bands. However, with a band as unbelievably original as the Dolls, does it really surprise you that they delivered? I think not. Highly recommended.
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Dear Jenny
Night Reconnaissance
The Mouse and the Model
Ultima Esperanza
The Gardener
Lonesome Organist Rapes Page-T
Sorry Bunch
Pretty In Pink
The Kill
The Sheep Song
Boston
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