Sunday, December 30, 2007

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These

Great show last night at Boston's Orpheum Theater. The Dresden Dolls, with openers Meow Meow, The Luminescent Orchestrii, and the Lexington High School Drama Club. The traditional carnival atmosphere of Dolls shows prevailed, with performers throughout the venue - living statues, performance artists and more, including the girl dressed in the provocative nurse's outfit serving a platter of crushed strawberry shortcake that looked as if it may have just come out of the operating room. Gross - I didn't have any!

Amanda Palmer was under the weather, so I think they cut their set short. It was powerful and dramatic, even with Amanda's hoarse voice. I hope to one day see her in good voice! But the way she sings, I'm not too hopeful, unfortunately. She could definitely use some vocal training. But musically, she's the whole package, so it is easy to forgive her technical shortcomings since it is rock 'n roll after all.

Brian Viglione was in top form, and all that was missing was an extended drum solo. Why they didn't think of that, I have no clue. He has at least as many admirers in the audience as she does, if not more.

Anyway, it was a fabulous way to end a great year of concert-going. Cheers! and here is the Dolls' Set List:

In The Flesh (cover of Pink Floyd) - Brian opened the show with vocals - a refreshing surprise!
Girl Anachronism
Missed Me
Gravity
Ultima Esperanza
Coin-Operated Boy
Mrs. O
The Gardener
Two-Headed Boy (cover of Neutral Milk Hotel)
Fool (pre-recorded by Neutral Milk Hotel with dancing by the Lexington High School Drama Club)

Mein Herr
Fight for Your Right (to Party) (cover of Beastie Boys) - with Brian on electric guitar and singing, Amanda on drums, and guest Sxip Shirey on what looked like a melodia
Mandy Goes to Med School - with Meow Meow's accompanist Lance playing piano four-hands with Amanda
Boston
Encore: Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (cover of Eurythmics)

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