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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.
Although I wonder what these songs might sound like as Dresden Dolls productions, with just piano and drums, The material here is strong enough for many repeated listens. It must be said: Amanda Palmer is, in my mind, one of the best songwriters working today. I just hope the people who agree with me outnumber those who are calling me an idiot.
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.
Although I wonder what these songs might sound like as Dresden Dolls productions, with just piano and drums, The material here is strong enough for many repeated listens. It must be said: Amanda Palmer is, in my mind, one of the best songwriters working today. I just hope the people who agree with me outnumber those who are calling me an idiot.
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.
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 1 month 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 4 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 6 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 13 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
Listmania!
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