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Track Listings
| 1. Astronaut: A Short History of Nearly Nothing |
| 2. Runs in the Family |
| 3. Ampersand |
| 4. Leeds United |
| 5. Blake Says |
| 6. Strength Through Music |
| 7. Guitar Hero |
| 8. Have to Drive |
| 9. What's the Use of Wond'rin? |
| 10. Oasis |
| 11. The Point of It All |
| 12. Another Year: A Short History of Almost Something |
Editorial Reviews
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
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
44 of 45 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Taking a break from her main gig as singer/songwriter/pianist/mastermind of Boston's Dresden Dolls, Amanda Palmer has taken a strong leap to the solo album business. Fans expecting/fearing a radical change in style can rest assured that her melodic and lyrical senses remain sharp as ever, even as she takes a few new directions. Working with producer Ben Folds, she builds up her piano-driven cabaret punk with string and horn sections, organs and even afew guitars here and there. She even allows a few special guests such as ex-Rasputina member Zoe Keating on violin and a particularly odd camoeo from East Bay Ray of punk legends the Dead Kennedys. Beneath the attractive new window dressing, this is still the same Doll's house, even if drummer Brian Viglione is newhere in sight (there are drums on the album, of course, but played by others).
Advance word had it that the album mainly consisted of slow ballads, but the reality is a much more varied affair. The opening track, "Astronaut," with its pounding pianos while "Runs in the Family," a tale of mental instability (a favorite lyrical theme of Palmer's) is reminiscent of the Dolls' "Girl Anachronism." Track three, "Ampersand," is the first ballad, and a disarmingly personal one at that, performed with just piano and voice. Other songs are clearly character studies: "oasis" is about a teenage girl who gets drunk, raped and goes for an abortion. Unbeleivably, it's played for humor, which would be ugly and tasteless, except that Palmer clearly has sympathy for the character. Likewise, the school shooter of "Strength Through Music" is a misfit that Palmer identifies with, even if the tone of the song and the whispered "tick tick tick tick" of the chorus belie a more despairing undercurrent.... Read more ›
Advance word had it that the album mainly consisted of slow ballads, but the reality is a much more varied affair. The opening track, "Astronaut," with its pounding pianos while "Runs in the Family," a tale of mental instability (a favorite lyrical theme of Palmer's) is reminiscent of the Dolls' "Girl Anachronism." Track three, "Ampersand," is the first ballad, and a disarmingly personal one at that, performed with just piano and voice. Other songs are clearly character studies: "oasis" is about a teenage girl who gets drunk, raped and goes for an abortion. Unbeleivably, it's played for humor, which would be ugly and tasteless, except that Palmer clearly has sympathy for the character. Likewise, the school shooter of "Strength Through Music" is a misfit that Palmer identifies with, even if the tone of the song and the whispered "tick tick tick tick" of the chorus belie a more despairing undercurrent.... Read more ›
46 of 52 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Music
If you're a fan of Amanda Palmer,
please buy direct from HER website,
or buy in person at one of her shows.
The record company is withholding all profits if you buy
anywhere other than directly from her.
Please repost this review anywhere her products are sold.
please buy direct from HER website,
or buy in person at one of her shows.
The record company is withholding all profits if you buy
anywhere other than directly from her.
Please repost this review anywhere her products are sold.
36 of 44 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
If you are a fan of Amanda Palmer please buy directly from HER her website, or in person at one of her shows.
The record company company is withholding all of the profits if you buy this anywhere other than directly from her.
Please re-post this review any where see any of her products for sale.
The record company company is withholding all of the profits if you buy this anywhere other than directly from her.
Please re-post this review any where see any of her products for sale.
18 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By M. C. Howell
Format:Audio CD
that I take on the task of being the first to review this work of art. Life-changing, breath-taking, make you blush, make you feel strong and weak and then strong again. Here within are some of the most biting, clever, powerful, witty charming lyrics set in a style unto themselves. Amanda Palmer, of The Dresden Dolls, makes her own history here- with support of the very talented Zoe Keating and others. "Astronaut", "Runs in the Family" and "Guitar Hero" stand strong, each in their own way. I have been addicted to "Astronuat" for months now....before the album even came close to release, but have found equal affection towards "Runs in the family"- my new favorite song of the entire Palmer/Dolls catalog. "Ampersand" is a whole biography in about 5 minutes. "Oasis" and "I google you" are the epitome of witt. Oh- and there are still more brillant tracks to talk about. If Dorothy Parker could sing, it would sound like this. Buy it now!
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By C. Chavez
Format:MP3 Music
I was pondering a few days how to really review this album. It also took me quite awhile to figure out if I should buy the Special Edition (download only) album of the actual CD. I ended up with the digital just for the extra two tracks. Anyhow, back to the review. This album by far surpasses anything the Dresden Dolls have done before (and believe you me, i'm a huge DD fan). This album is intimate and has such an emotional quality that you sometimes can't contain yourself. It is raw, it is edgy, it is beautiful. The orchestrations add to Amanda's amazing talent (both as a musician and a lyricist). This album has to be and will be the most stunning of the year. I can not say better things about it.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Aeschylus
Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've never heard of Amanda Palmer (yes, I've somewhat been living under a rock musically speaking), so I'm coming into this with objectivity in regards of being able to dissociation this single album from her Dresden Dolls career. Ms Palmer has a unique talent in her voice and piano playing, making this album a very enjoyable experience. There's a good mix, with songs ranging from fast paced and hard hitting [Runs in the Family] to the slow and exquisitely beautiful [Have to Drive]. I can honestly say I liked every song, and won't hesitate to recommend it.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I have to agree with the reviewer who said that they don't normally repeat an album. I don't ever do so either, but every chance that I get, I'm playing this album again, and yes, sometimes with the lyrics in front of me.
Track 1, Astronaut, has of course been available for some time now, and not much remains to be said about it, except that it is, of course, great.
Track 2, Runs in the Family, is a great track, and puts to rest the notion that this album would be loaded with ballads. It is reminiscent of Girl Anachronism, in its placing on the album, its intensity, its themes of mental instability, and simply the fact that it is the fastest track on the album.
Track 3, Ampersand, has also been available for a while. Here, I have to say that I enjoyed the live version more. The production here, while great on the rest of the album, doesn't seem to add much to it, and I think her vocal performance is lacking compared to her live performance. Still, a fantastic song.
Track 4, Leeds United, is not one of my favorites. It is a faster number, but I just can't seem to get into it.
Track 5, Blake Says, is wonderful and a great lead into Strengh Through Music.
Track 6, Strength through Music, and its accompanying video, paint a vivid picture of a school shooter. The music is beautiful in its simplicity, and it is so ominous, it just frightens me to know that it probably won't be long until we have another school shooting.
Track 7, Guitar Hero, actually took me some time to get into, but after reading the lyrics, it follows Strength through Music brilliantly.
Track 8, Have to Drive, is another gem, nothing much to say there.
Track 9, What's the Use of Wondrin', is great, and it helps to tell the story.... Read more ›
Track 1, Astronaut, has of course been available for some time now, and not much remains to be said about it, except that it is, of course, great.
Track 2, Runs in the Family, is a great track, and puts to rest the notion that this album would be loaded with ballads. It is reminiscent of Girl Anachronism, in its placing on the album, its intensity, its themes of mental instability, and simply the fact that it is the fastest track on the album.
Track 3, Ampersand, has also been available for a while. Here, I have to say that I enjoyed the live version more. The production here, while great on the rest of the album, doesn't seem to add much to it, and I think her vocal performance is lacking compared to her live performance. Still, a fantastic song.
Track 4, Leeds United, is not one of my favorites. It is a faster number, but I just can't seem to get into it.
Track 5, Blake Says, is wonderful and a great lead into Strengh Through Music.
Track 6, Strength through Music, and its accompanying video, paint a vivid picture of a school shooter. The music is beautiful in its simplicity, and it is so ominous, it just frightens me to know that it probably won't be long until we have another school shooting.
Track 7, Guitar Hero, actually took me some time to get into, but after reading the lyrics, it follows Strength through Music brilliantly.
Track 8, Have to Drive, is another gem, nothing much to say there.
Track 9, What's the Use of Wondrin', is great, and it helps to tell the story.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love for Amanda Palmer is Endless
I have loved her since The Dresden Dolls. Still amazing to this day. She writes lyrics that resonate with everyone, and listening to her music is pure therapy.
Published 2 months ago by Lauraleigh Shealey
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love it.
A must have if you like her music, not a bad price either. I also recomend Theater Is Evil, awsome album.
Published 5 months ago by Julie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love her sound!
I love the music on this album, I honestly say it's better than Theatre is Evil. It sounds more... honest i guess.
Published 5 months ago by Rafael A.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Gift
My daughter loves Amanda Palmer and I found this cd to be very reasonably priced. It arrived promptly, and she loved it.
Published 7 months ago by Lynda L
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing album
While the production value isn't always the best, Amanda's lyrics and music will more than make up for it. If you like singer/songwriters ten you should buy this album.
Published 8 months ago by Amanda Albert
5.0 out of 5 stars
Immediately Catchy but Stylistically Long Lasting
I kept running across the book "On the Many Deaths of Amanda Palmer" by Rohan Kriwaczek and wondered who is this Amanda Palmer person? Read more
Published 14 months ago by Allen Salyer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it.
Excellent quality and excellent service. Shipment was so quick! I love, love, love that I was able to have and enjoy my AFP as soon as I did.
Published on April 1, 2011 by gowiththebeard
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Album
I was really worried, I had never heard Amanda Palmer on her per se-- I am a huge Dresden Dolls fan though so of course I gave it a try. Read more
Published on September 20, 2010 by Nicole Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars
My favorite album
I bought this album on iTunes and it was the best $9.99 I have ever spent. The songs are completely original and her sound captures you like no other artist ever will. Read more
Published on July 18, 2010 by J. Schnabel
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love this album
I am a Dresden Dolls fan and was very excited when I heard Amanda was doing a solo album.
I really like both versions of this album. Read more
I really like both versions of this album. Read more
Published on May 21, 2010 by Shala Kerrigan
