Summary:The third solo studio album for the former Dresden Doll singer is her first with her new band, The Grand Theft Orchestra and was recorded in Australia with producer John Congleton.
Theatre is Evil bristles, crackles, aches, and moans with surprising efficiency considering its 15-song length, pairing fractured synths and staccato guitar riffs with Palmer's throaty, untamed pipes, sounding for all the world like a brazenly cool, alternate-universe version of No Doubt.
This isn't a record you dismiss on one spin and parts require some work from the listener, but given proper attention Theatre Is Evil unfolds into something multilayered and quite lovely.
The gut-wrenching moments are too often usurped by lost wallets, Instagram photos, and tales of songs on the radio--none of which add up to anything greater than the sun of their parts. [Aug/Sep 2012, p.113]
this. is. her. best. album. yet. there's so much right with this album that i just can't fathom how anyone can not like this album. from thethis. is. her. best. album. yet. there's so much right with this album that i just can't fathom how anyone can not like this album. from the second track (the first is a silly little intro) to the last, you just cant turn it off. i find myself listening to it and being like "i don't really need to go to class". The melodies are there, the lyrics are brilliant and the band is perfect.…Expand
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view.
Having been a fan of some of her previous work but never actually listening to anything from Theatre is Evil, I didn't know what to expect... I have been listening to this album for the last 3 weeks straight on my 30 minute drives to and from work... It really is THAT good.
Theatre is Evil is a rollercoaster of screaming ballads and soft and raw emotional pieces. The album is just full of catchy songs that have me singing along and the music composition is just leagues beyond most other artists in recent memory (And yeah, this came out in 2012. Still better than most new stuff).
Really, this album is just kickin' the entire way through.
The lyric that hits me the most is from Trout Heart Replica, "Killing things is not so hard. it's hurting that's the hardest part, and when the Wizard gets to me I'm asking for a smaller heart, and if he tells me no, I'll hold my breath until I hit the floor. Eventually I know I'm doomed to get just what I'm asking for." Just. BEAUTIFUL.…Expand
it's worth every penny.
honestly I didn't expect anything like this at all.I was expecting something familiar like "Dresden Dolls" , a "Lizait's worth every penny.
honestly I didn't expect anything like this at all.I was expecting something familiar like "Dresden Dolls" , a "Liza Minnelli-Dark Cabaret" album,but the songs are well written and moreover perfectly arranged.she tried so hard to de-familiarize her earlier works,and she did it absolutely great. "A Grand Theft Intermission" will be a great surprise for you.be sure about it.
in the end,Ben Fold is right; "You're going to **** when you hear it."…Collapse
When I first this I thought 'What an overproduced monstrosity' after a few listens its 'What a brilliant overproduced monstrosity' Now it isWhen I first this I thought 'What an overproduced monstrosity' after a few listens its 'What a brilliant overproduced monstrosity' Now it is granted that you may have to have a sense of humor to fully appreciate the slanted wonder of this album but individually the songs are strong, memorable and Ms Palmer's delivery perfect.…Expand
Amanda delivers her finest album yet. It covers a wide space, but is consistently great at whatever it tries. The progression of songs is aAmanda delivers her finest album yet. It covers a wide space, but is consistently great at whatever it tries. The progression of songs is a nicely tuned rollercoaster and while a good chunk of the lyrics are not immediately clear in and of themselves, in combination with the music, delivery, and some introspection, they have more meaning than per syllable than most other albums out there.
Amanda may be the first to admit she does not know how to sing, or at least know how to sing like some specific other people, the style grows on you and does not seem at all amateurish, quite the opposite.
While I think the album compares favorably to earlier Dresden Dolls fare, be aware that the style has changed and expanded.
If you buy an album today, let it be this one.…Expand
Amanda Palmer cannot sing and despite her histrionic delivery, she has no sense of musicality. I find it astounding that she continues toAmanda Palmer cannot sing and despite her histrionic delivery, she has no sense of musicality. I find it astounding that she continues to peddle such badly drawn songs. Rather than learn her craft, Palmer piles on musicians and sounds drawing even more attention to the inherent emptiness of the each track. The songs are bad on two levels, the insensitivity of her voice and the shallowness of her lyrics. The harder Palmer tries, the more apparent it becomes that she is deeply untalented. I have heard people at karaoke bars with better technique. Avoid at all costs.…Expand
Amanda Palmer turns in a dreary, childish effort. The lyrics are nonsensical. The anger is a narcissistic demand for attention. The one thingAmanda Palmer turns in a dreary, childish effort. The lyrics are nonsensical. The anger is a narcissistic demand for attention. The one thing Amanda Palmer seems to be consistent about is to never learn about her craft. This record is completely amateur. The production values make the - drama kid freaking out and showing her poo panties- quality, even more obvious. A complete waste of time.…Expand
Published: September 28, 2012Listen to the best albums released over the past month, including new releases from Grizzly Bear, Bob Dylan, Amanda Palmer, and more.