What is it about the piano that makes it so good for rock and roll?
Something about the complex wavy chords floating in between drums and guitar that adds a richness to the sound, a catchy melody that makes a song stick. Maybe its the fact that the piano doesn't need any other instruments, as Ben folds has proven with his latest tour.
Amanda Palmer knows this too well.
One half of the Brechtian punk cabaret duo The Dresden Dolls Amanda temporarily strayed into solo work in 2008 with her release of Who Killed Amanda Palmer. Assisted by Ben Folds on keys this album showed that Amanda was just as strong on her own as she was in the Duo. The Deep sounding arrangements of heavy pounding piano work overlayed with equally rich but ever so bitter lyrics this was a really well produced album that always left you finding new things within it each time you listened.
Amanda knew about the secret of piano rock. She hired one of the best.
To me Amanda Palmer has been my anger middle ground. If i am really pissed off i will listen to Rage against the Machine or Metallica.... if i am happy i will listen to Ben Folds, or the Beatles. But if i am neither, if my day has been lousy but i am heading home away from it all, nothing is better. The lyrics are so well crafted, songs ranging from someone playing Guitar hero... to a jaunty tune about getting drunk and taken advantage upon at a party. Amanda definitely has a thing for words.
She doesn't let you get used to what you are hearing, just when you think she is cold and dark she throws in a cover of Rodgers and Hammersteins 'What's the Use of Wond'rin', a light piece that when juxtapositioned against the other tracks has an entirely different, possibly darker feel to it.
And throughout this, the piano makes itself known. Ben folds accompanies amanda really well... not overpowering, but still making himself known, and it couldn't be a better team up.
I am happy Amanda Palmer is back with the Dresden Dolls... but i am also glad she gave this one peice of herself... listen to this and judge for yourself.
Triple J Unearthed Search of the Week:
"Sounds like" - Amanda Palmer
Girl with Cake (Brisbane QLD)
http://www.triplejunearthed.com/artists/view.aspx?artistid=498
Song:Dead Girl
Website: www.myspace.com/thenancies
Sounding more like the Yeah yeah yeahs these guys have got some good sounds. The Lead singer Sarah Vardy definatly has takena cue off of Patience Hodgeson, her voice high in range and emotion. Would be great to see in concert. Lovin the angry chick rock!
Kage: (Central Coast, NSW)
http://www.triplejunearthed.com/artists/view.aspx?artistid=876
Song:6-21
Website: www.headmess.com
Great cinematic sounds, rolling piano and a heavy dance beat. Harmonies between the two vocalists are effective and this band seem comfortable in this style. A lot of potential here.
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