Last year, I remember picking up The Dresden Dolls album Yes, Virginia. To this day, I am not exactly sure what it was that compelled me to pick it up, much less buy it. At my heart, I am a metal guy. Sure, a metal guy who will take excursions into other genres and styles, but it is metal where I feel most comfortable. Anyway, I did buy the album, and when I listened to it, I knew it was something special. Not to say it is brilliance, or any other such hyperbole, but there was something about it that was different, it brought a more fringe style and brought it closer to the mainstream. By purpose, or by happy accident the music that it contained was different, alluring, and I just really liked it. Now they have released their second DVD, and it, much like my experience with the CD was something different and just a little bit magical.I will be the first to admit that if given the chance to see them live, I would go, but I would also likely stick out like a sore thumb. I would likely be the only audience member in a Pantera t-shirt. The crowd that The Dresden Dolls draws is decidedly different than you would find at the shows that I typically frequent. Now this is by no means a bad thing, just different, no better, no worse. I only bring this up, as I am probably approaching them much differently than a fan would, not that I wouldn't consider myself a fan, but I think you know what I mean.
From the extensive notes contained in the included booklet, it seems like there is a good portion of the show that was not able to be included, or just did not make the cut. Fortunately, there is a documentary/interview section that includes some of this footage as well as interviews with some of the participants.
The Dresden Dolls are a musical duo that call their music and performance punk cabaret. It is not exactly punk in its sound, but the attitude is certainly there. It is probably the easiest way describing their music which brings a keyboard and drum sound together with a burlesque, avant garde performance together into one free flowing mash of expression and entertainment. The bottomline is that deliver more than a rock show, the bring the audience an experience which is much more than a mere concert, exposing them to an assortment of performers that they would likely not have seen otherwise.
The Roundhouse is a special place in the history of music, it is the place that was popularized by acts like The Who, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors in the 1960s. It was a place where all sorts of wild stuff went down at the forefront of those crazy rock and roll days. It had fallen into disrepair, and only recently was it restored. So, it came time for The Dresden Dolls to add their bit of artful insanity to the history of the building, and they came prepared. They were joined by a number of fringe performers to enhance the experience and take it all to the next level. Unfortunately, most are not present here, but what is here is am incredible 90 minute portion of this Punk Cabaret!
The set began with the same song as the Yes, Virginia album, "Sex Changes." It offered the perfect start to the set, following their introduction by comedian Margaret Cho (who also performs burlesque routines, glimpsed in the documentary section). This song included two of the Dolls crowd leaders and stage performers, as well as an aerialist performing while hanging from sheets suspended high above the stage, quite a sight! Throughout the show there would be guests coming out to add to the musical performance, and what they did was oftentimes quite odd to my eyes. At the same time it was stunningly different and a refreshing change of pace to what I am accustomed to. I can only imagine the energy that must have been coursing through that crowd.
Other highlights include "Mrs. O," "Coin Operated Boy," "Mandy Goes to Med School," "Backstabber," and "The Jeep Song." There is also the Tears for Fears cover, "Mad World," featuring a guest singer from a band called The Red Paintings. You know, when picking the highlights, I could have just listed the entire setlist, as they are all fantastic. The show is raw, Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione bring highly charismatic stage presences to bear. When they are on that stage, you cannot help but watch.
Audio/Video. The audio comes in three flavors, Dolby Digital 2.0, 5.1, and DTS 5.1. They sound great, the music is finely captured and represented here. The video also looks very good, capturing the energy of the show and giving everyone their screentime. There were no defects or problems that I found with the image. It is presented in anamorphic 1.78:1 widescreen.
Extras. The main extra is a near half hour long documentary on the show featuring interviews with Amanda, as well as many of the performers who made the trip to be a part of this night. It is interesting to see the many faces that did not make the disk and what they had to offer. The other extra is a pair of songs that did not make the cut of the film, but were still worthy of includion. The songs are "Missed Me" (featuring Edward Ka-Spel) and "Delilah" (featuring Lene Lovich).
Bottomline. The Dresden Dolls are a truly original band, bringing fringe performances and styles to a new audience. Their performance is electric and they do not merely duplicate the album, rather bringing an energy and freeform flow to them. This is a very good performance. If you are a fan, you will not want to miss this.
Highly Recommended.
Check out a clip from the disk, this is "Coin Operated Boy":
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