48 minutes of glorious Dresden Dolls madness. An excellent selection of songs with intriguing lyrics - the punk cabaret is growing up but it's still there with its tongue firmly in its cheek and a glint in its eye.
A few favourites:
'Dear Jenny' is a new song with the marvellous opening line of, 'Boys wear overcoats in the heat like this to keep themselves from showing..' - when was the last time you heard a song opening with a rationale for wearing a coat?
'The Mouse And The Model' is six minutes of glory for Brian going well overboard with his delicate and wild and careful drumming proving (if it's needed) what a great drummer he is.
'The Gardener' is a strange song, menacing with the threat of 'we will plant brambles in your bed'. It's very atmospheric and spare, showing what good musicians they both are, creating moods and terror with a gentle tap on the keyboard or drum. It ends with the refrain, 'The Gardener's coming to collect...'.
'Lonesome Organist Rapes Page Turner' is one of my long-term favourites, the 'B' side to 'Sing' from 'Yes, Virginia'.
'Pretty In Pink', the Psychedelic Furs classic from the film. It's a great version of the song and I love Amanda's world-weary tone throughout the song.
'Boston' is a trademarked Amanda song, whispering one minute, shouting the next, but with some interesting piano twiddles and seduction lyrics, keeping score for who you've had sex with. "Come back to bed my darling" Amanda croons...
I'm very pleased with this small slice of heaven. They make so much noise for a duo that the noise-demons must have them on the payroll.
