Restless

Just over a week ago, I was kneeling on the bottom of the sea. Ten metres of teeming blue water stood between me and the surface.

Last night, there were four people in the first karate class. The second one was just me and the instructor.

Restless today. Can't focus on work.

I can understand why people run away to become dive instructors, or warrior monks.

Who Killed Amanda Palmer?

Amanda Palmer's solo album Who Killed Amanda Palmer? is officially released today.

Being a total Amanda fanboy, I pre-ordered mine. In fact, I pre-ordered the US$100 deluxe package, which comes with a t-shirt, a vinyl LP, crime scene photos and an accompanying book with short stories by Neil Gaiman.

Since it's shipping from the US, I expect to see it around Christmas. Fortunately it also comes with a digital download. So I've been listening to over the last few days.


THE REVIEW

This isn't a radical departure from Palmer's work with the Dolls. Producer Ben Folds has added some big orchestral sounds, and the best songs are less Punk and more torch-song Cabaret. But I suspect that distinction between band and solo album is more important to the artist than the listener.

I'm deeply, deeply in love with some of these songs. They tend to be the darker, more introverted ones on the album. The poppier, upbeat songs are good, but they lack the muscular rawness of Dresden Dolls rockers.

Best track: Strength Through Music

Other Tracks That Are Astonishing: Astronaut, Runs In The Family, Ampersand, Have To Drive

Overall: An introverted album. Several breathtaking tracks, others that are taking their time to grow on me.

Should You Buy It: Are you a Dresden Dolls fan?  Yes or no, that's probably your answer.


( Track By Track )