By: Sean R. Grogan



From their debut record till now, the Dresden Dolls have managed to elude classification, reaching styles from glam-rock to punk cabaret. Despite this, the duo, comprised of New-Wave singer/pianist Amanda Palmer and heavy metal drummer Brian Viglione, still have found their way into the mainstream spotlight on their own unconventional terms. Palmer's breathy and poignant vocals send a shiver of excitement down our spine and we can't help but tap to the beat.

Songs like, "Mandy goes to Med School" showcase the Dresden Dolls darkly humorous look on life with a song that tells a fictional tale of the pair's work as back-alley-abortionists: "Yes I can do everything you need from out of my new SUV . . . How about a nine month long vacation and a two-foot coffin." By comparison, "First Orgasm" tells the tale of a woman's daily routine including her favorite time of the morning. Palmer's sensuous vocals let out a low moan declaring "The first orgasm of the morning is like a firedrill . . . A lover will just complicate my plans . . . I am taking matters into my own hands." By mixing twisted humor with catchy tunes, this album is bound to be one of this year's best records.