Review: Who Killed Amanda Palmer

“The music director [in high school] once famously stopped the entire orchestra during a dress rehearsal to storm down the aisle screaming 'Amanda!!!! You CAN’T SING!!'”-Amanda Palmer’s The Dresden Dolls Companion.

For the past eight years, Amanda Palmer’s eccentric style has acted as the foundation for her work with Weimar punk cabaret two-piece The Dresden Dolls; her signature wailing and piano key banging fuel such tracks as “Girl Anachronism” and “Missed Me.” However, on her debut solo album Who Killed Amanda Palmer, the singer/songwriter embarks on a welcome exercise in artistic advancement.

“Astronaut,” a tragic story of an astronaut’s widow, is a strong opener to WKAP; by featuring guest cellist Zoë Keating along with Palmer comfortably at her piano, the song cues the listener that they aren’t in Doll-land anymore. It’s a much fuller sound than the simplistic keyboard and drums used by The Dresden Dolls. Palmer’s theatrical style is a presence throughout, notably in “Leeds United,” recorded on a drunken night in Scotland, and “Guitar Hero,” (featuring East Bay Ray of The Dead Kennedys) is about kids obsessed with the video game and is metaphorical for the Iraq war.

Palmer has always been noted as a strong lyricist and along with the help of producer Ben Folds, Who Killed Amanda Palmer perfectly showcases her way with words. Ballads “Have to Drive” and “Another Year” reveal a persona with an unshakable sense of ennui and dread propelled by some of her most powerful lyrics. “I’m getting smaller by degrees/You said you’d help me disappear/But that could take forever/I think I’ll wait another year” she sings on “Another Year.” When coupled with the haunting piano and backed by violins and cellos, it becomes a truly emotional listening experience.

WKAP does fall short, though, in regards to its lack of variation in song pacing The transition of “Blake Says” to following track “Strength Through Music” isn’t vastly different in terms of dynamics, tiring the listener’s ear. Some listeners also might be confused by ironic cover “What’s the Use of Wond’rin,” a ditty from the musical Carousel. The song is about loving one’s husband no matter what, even if he beats you; those who casually listen may not pick up on the lyrics’ significance.

The most impressive part of “What’s the Use…” is Palmer’s ability to go shot-for-shot with guest vocalist Annie Clark of St. Vincent. It took me two listens to realize that Palmer was actually part of the recording, busting out an accomplished, throaty, jazzy style I’ve never heard her use in previous recordings.

I’m sure you’ve figured it out by now Amanda, but be rest assured: You CAN sing!

Originally appearing in The Rutgers Review.