Guitars, Drums, Tones, and Saxophones

Amanda Palmer

I don’t normally do live reviews, but for special occaions, it feels appropriate. This, being a more unusual show than most, is one of those occasions.

Background information: Amanda Palmer, singer/pianist/etc., recenty posted to her Twitter that she would be performing a “secret show” in Cambridge, MA, and tickets would be given away via Twitter. Finally, for the first time since I joined the service back in 2007 (I’m old), it’s come in useful! I got a pair of tickets, received the information on when and where the show was to be, and excitedly made my way down there.

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Amanda Palmer - Who Killed Amanda Palmer

If you were hoping for a review of some rockin’ punk CD, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow, kids. Maybe. Or whenever I listen to something I decide is really killer, or at least worth talking about. Right now, what’s worth talking about is this here solo debut from Amanda Palmer, most notably of Boston’s own Dresden Dolls, self-proclaimed “cabaret punk” (so I guess I’m reviewing a punk CD. Take that) band.

A little background: the Dolls have been kicking ass at venues all over the damn place since 2001. They gained prominence early for energetic live shows, eventually earning spots opening on national tours for bands like Nine Inch Nails and Panic! At the Disco. After two studio albums- 2003’s self-titled, and 2005’s Yes, Virginia…- and a couple of b-sides/rarities comps, the band has gone on hiatus while the members, pianist/vocalist/songwriter Palmer and drummer Brian Viglione, went off to pursue their own endeavors; Viglione taking a place with the World/Inferno Friendship Society, and Palmer heading to Nashville to record her long-planned solo record with Ben Folds.

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