I can't remember for the life of me how, why, where, or when I came across this album. It really just feels as if it's always been a part of my life. It's like that one childhood friend or relative you still make sure to keep in contact with, regardless of the distance between each other, because more than anyone else, they get you. They understand what makes you tick.
This album is comfort food for my heart. What I find interesting is that, unlike some of the music I enjoy, this album doesn't carry any of the emotional weight of being a part of my life during any major events. There's no nostalgia in this for me. I have no memories of listening to this album either in times of turmoil or triumph. And yet, it still holds some deep, undefinable power over me.
I think that's enough of the overly saccharine introduction, don't you? I don't want to be responsible for giving anyone diabetes. Let's get this show on the road.
I'm almost certain I came across this album within the last five years or so which was a couple of years after it's 2008 release. I think the first Amanda Palmer song I ever listened to was Runs in the Family, which is the second track on the album. I had never heard of The Dresden Dolls before listening to Who Killed Amanda Palmer and even if I had I probably wouldn't have liked them because I was listening almost exclusively to metal in it's various forms in the 00's.
That brings me to another little tidbit I found interesting. This album was released on Roadrunner Records, a label that I mainly associate with bands like Slipknot, Devildriver, and Sepultura to name just a few. So I'm sure you can understand why I was a little surprised when I saw Who Killed Amanda Palmer was a Roadrunner release.
I could go into each song on this album and tell you why they are so fantastic, and with such a range of styles and themes that deserve exploration, but I'd be here typing this out for another two or three days, and besides, other people have done a better job than I ever could.
I'm going to leave you with this video of an upbeat pop song about a girl who has to get an abortion after being date raped at a party. Musically this is definitely the odd one out from the album, it's just too... happy. But I think that's what makes it work.
Oh, and if you have the time and inclination here's a playlist of the "video series", which is sort of like watching a musical. It's definitely worth a look.
I hope you enjoy this album, I hope you manage to find the same comfort in it that I do, and I hope your day is all the better for it.