Who Killed Amanda Palmer is an outstanding collection of piano-driven rock songs dealing with big issues in creative and challenging ways. We’re used to transparent three-and-a-half minute bubble gum radio tunes that produce their full effect the first time you hear them — but you won’t get that here. Even Amanda Palmer’s most straightforward songs have a sophistication that make them stand out and immediately demand a second listen. Her unique vocals and challenging lyrics are matched with richly orchestrated piano and string melodies. This is art for your ears — poetry with orchestral accompaniment, and the tracks are produced with a glossy retro-richness by Ben Folds.
Given the depth of Palmer’s songs and lyrics, you can expect to hear some controversial subject matter handled in a provocative way. "Oasis" is a brutal and no-holds-barred look at the difficulties some teenagers have prioritizing their lives. "Ampersand" is a spectacular take on (and personal response to) our tendency to “mate for life.” Other songs are inspired by current events and by the “legacy” that we carry based on our family’s history and culture. Palmer is an artist with an opinion, and she’d like you to reexamine your most fundamental convictions too. Amanda Palmer sees the elephant in the room and isn’t afraid to point it out. Maybe that’s why they killed her…
Palmer has recently (and deservedly) garnered attention for her innovative and creative use of the internet to connect directly with her rapidly growing fan base. Given this approach, it is not surprising that Who Killed Amanda Palmer is just one component of a multimedia project, including a book of photographs from the many possible murder scenes (with text by Neil Gaiman), and a website with videos for many of the songs. Scroll down the lyrics pages for some visual clues into the inspiration and subject matter of the songs. Palmer embraces this multi-vectored approach, asserting in an explanatory video for the project that this is not a concept record, but rather that she is a concept person! Check out this most recent example of Amanda Palmer’s exceptional art. You’ll be both floored and addicted in very short order.
For more from Amanda Palmer, check out No Virginia (including the mind-blowing Ultima Esperanza) by The Dresden Dolls.