Dresden Dolls "No, Virginia" [Album Review]

I am typically not a fan of those "B sides and rarities" records, simply because typically if songs end up on the cutting room floor they belong there. It's just an easy way (along with the "greatest hits" records) for artists to finish their recording contracts with the big record companies when they just don't have it in them to write new material for whatever reason, or the bands break up. Case and point: No Doubt's B sides and rarities released several years ago. I bought the record, listened to it all the way through once, and it has sat collecting dust ever since.

The Dresden Dolls No, Virginia however has been an exception to the rule. Considering the fact that the songs from this record are B sides and left overs-four unreleased recordings, one old demo, a cover, and five new recordings, to be exact...it is exceptionally strong. This could have been released as a regular album and I would have been none the wiser as it stands up comparably with their other 2 albums The Dresden Dolls and Yes, Virginia. This record has not gotten a break out of my cd player since I bought it a week ago.

This album does have a lighter more pop tone than their 2 previous darker themed albums, which surprisingly works for this punk cabaret duo. The reason pianist/singer Amanda Palmer gave that the pre-recorded tracks never made it on their other albums is because she "tends to shy away from her pop side". Well it works! This album has most definitely cured my hunger for more Dresden Dolls...for now, so take as long as you need on that solo album Amanda. Your fans have been appeased.

Tracks you should download now:

Night Reconnaissance (Album Version), The Mouse and The Model (Album Version), Pretty In Pink (Album Version) (BEST COVER OF THIS SONG EVER!), The Kill (Album Version), and Boston (Album Version)