The Dresden Dolls - Yes, Virginia... (2006)
    Wow, simply put: this album blows their debut away.  Overall the songs sound happier, the lyrics are wittier, and every last song is catchy.  All of the attitude is there, but none of the teen angst. As much as I enjoyed the previous album, I couldn't escape the feeling that I shouldn't be enjoying it since I didn't have a vagina.  This disc contains plenty of songs about alcoholism, masturbation, and alienation, it's safe to say that anyone reading this website will identify with it.  
    Amanda's singing ability has improved a lot, though she hasn't lost the occasional demented screams and talking that make up a big part of their sound. The piano seems to be catchier and more memorable. Brian's drumming sounds more complete this time around. No one thing really carries the music. These two people are a band, and every part of the music makes it what it is.
   I can't really name off any song in particular as the best song to check out. My favorite song on the album is "Shores of California" it has an incredibly catchy chorus and the unforgettable line "The girls are crying, the boys are masturbating".  "Necessary Evil" is the only album that comes close to the punk feel of "Girl Anachronism", though it's not nearly as harsh. "Dirty Business" and "Sing" are obviously going become the band's anthem songs.
  On the surface this album would seem to be poppy, though the lyrical content and song titles dispel that thought. The feel of it reminds me of  The Misfits, the music will sound so happy and  then you hear the lyrics and say "wait, wait.. how can that say that and sound like that?". Fans of lounge music, cabaret, pianos, sex changes, non-cliché lyrics, and well, music all together will enjoy this.  Check out the songs and videos on their Myspace page, buy the CD on April 18th 2006, you won't regret it.

  5 out of 5 skulls
www.dresdendolls.com
www.myspace.com/dresdendolls
www.roadrunnerrecords.com