The idea was a simple one: songs for the piano and voice, recorded in one week in a bedroom, just to get them down on tape. But like all things surrounding the Dresden Dolls' Amanda Palmer-a one-woman machine who is a rock musician, artist, writer, yoga enthusiast, political activist and more-simplicity is not an easy thing to come by. Her small idea snowballed into something grand, exciting and nothing short of brilliant in the form of her debut solo album, Who Killed Amanda Palmer. Produced by Ben Folds, this is a departure from the music she creates as a critically acclaimed Dresden Doll and a major step towards showcasing her maturity as a songwriter, performer and most importantly as an artist.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Solo doll:
When I heard that Amanda Palmer had worked with Ben Folds on her solo album, I had high expectations for it and thankfully it doesn't disappoint. While this album has some of the same flavor as the Dresden Dolls albums, it still manages to have a unique identity of its own. A song like "Blake Says" - my favorite song which also happens to be stuck in my head right now - might be a bit out of place on a Dresden Dolls album. Just because it's Amanda on her own though, don't think it's all ballads as she still... more info
Most of the songs were amazing...:
I was very impressed by this album. Amanda has come a long way since The Dresden Dolls began, and I hate to say it--but she's better solo. My favorite songs on this album were: *Runs In The Family
*Guitar Hero
*Have to Drive
*Oasis
*Leeds United However, those were the only songs that really stood out on the album. The other's had a horrible habit of sounding the same after a while. I especially dislike "Blake Says" and "Point of it All". In many cases, I was unable to tell... more info
Bob Dylan with breasts and a Piano:
Amanda Palmer is the best songwriter living today, and I should know, I'm a songwriter! She reaches into the core of every subject matter she touches, and she does it with wit, intelligence, humor, and a side of sincerity. If you've yet to experience Amanda Palmer, this record is a supreme introduction. You should also check out her work with The Dresden Dolls.
Amazing talent and variety:
What hasn't been particularly mentioned in any of the previous reviews is Amanda Palmer's amazing capability to move from intense, break-the-piano, emotional punk-cabaret songs to lulling and beautiful ballads. The latter being just as moving and emotional as the former, but tender and tear-jerking on top. Perhaps the cherry on top that makes this album a real gem is the versatility that Amanda harnesses on this album with genius and originality.
Tracks:
Astronaut: A Short History of Nearly Nothing
Runs in the Family
Ampersand
Leeds United
Blake Says
Strength Through Music
Guitar Hero
Have to Drive
What's the Use of Wond'rin? - Amanda Palmer, Rodgers
