Dresden Dolls
No, Virginia
Roadrunner


As indicated by the albums title, 'No, Virginia' is the companion piece to Dresden Dolls' 2006 release 'Yes, Virginia'. It is in essence left over material from recording their sophomore album as well as random b-sides, re-recorded demos, a few new songs and an odd cover thrown in for good measure. Possibly the most surprising thing is that in contrast to most b-side compilations, the whole album holds together surprisingly well and it all has similar production values.

The penchant for strange tales of freaks and geeks continues with Ultima Esperanza a girl who is in the process of searching for romance and replacement legs online. Sorry Bunch has a sweeter melody in the chorus than Dresden Dolls usual fare while Lonesome Organist Rapes Page-Turner races along with their classic sound; fast, exciting, cynical and controversial. The accordion-powered version of the Psychedelic Furs' Pretty In Pink is a great choice of cover song, it brings freshness to the album from a musical perspective and lyrically it suits Amanda Palmer's mocking snarl perfectly. Boston concludes the album in similar way that Sing concluded 'Yes, Virginia', with a slowly building stirring ballad.

The greatest weakness of 'No, Virginia' is not what the Dresden Dolls have screwed up, but instead it is sins of omission. This album is likeable and interesting but at times it is a little pedestrian and lacks the vision that made their previous releases so captivating. This may be harsh criticism considering it is just a b-sides compilation, but the reality is 'that No, Virginia' won't win The Dresden Dolls new fans, but there is certainly enough to keep existing fans more than sated while they wait for the next album proper.

Scott Berry