Customer Reviews

Two Penny Opera

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It's no secret that "Two Penny Opera," by The Tiger Lillies, is based on Kurt Weill's "Die Dreigroschenoper" (Threepenny Opera). However, this is not simply a strict translation dressed up in modern rags. Instead, Martyn Jaucques and co. bring the tale of Mackie into the modern age by looking back. A fine example is the stunning opener "Moon Over Soho," whic is a startling rendition of the famed "Mack the Knife" piece. Instead of translating it line for line, The Tiger Lillies strip down the strucure and give it a complete makeover, so much that those already familiar with the original song may not immediately recognize it at first. This is followed by four of what may be some of the finest pieces in the Tiger Lillies canon. "Piss On Your Grave" especially, is a hilarious track that is presented form the viewpoint of Mackie, as he details the various iconic figures that he has murdered "in exactly the same way." Later in the album, the Tiger Lillies present an inspired cover of "Twenty-Five Minutes," to both comic and horrifying effect.

This album is not for the faint of heat, nor is for the easily offended. However, this IS both a brilliant restructuring of "Die Dreigroschenoper" and a beautiful, hilarious and horrifying work of high art.

This is one of my favorite records ever - if you like carny,side show ,circus and Oliver Twist like atmospheres with a great dab of black humour this is a must have!