Taken on its own terms this record is every bit as exciting as the first. It takes a little getting used to, but once you let go of whatever baggage you bring to it, if you're a fan you will love this record. If you're not a fan thisprobably won't turn you into one. Then again it just might.

I just recently discovered the Dresden's so I don't have the POV of a longtime fan. This album, for me, is a masterpiece. Every moment grabs and shakes me. I'm under Amanda's spell. The lyrics are witty, funny as hell, and gut-wrenching at times. Deliah stands out as a mini 3-Act play. This is a desert-island disk for me that will last a lifetime.

imho, even better than the first one. On 'Yes, Virginia' the melodies and rhythms are more mature, most of the songs are even darker and at least as powerful as 'Girl Anachronism' or 'Half jack'. Clearly a "grower" and, as it seems, divides the listeners in very contrary positions. Well i vote for, not against.

If one can get away from the tedious requirement of journos to respond to this band's aesthetic for a moment, Yes Virginia contains simply astonishing songwriting. Things you just don't hear much anymore: Foreshadowing of melodies, genuinely inventive transformations of songs and subtlety brilliant wordplay. Add to this other unfashionable eccentricities, such as a sense of humour and subject matter which leaves even the most liberal commentators slightly nervous (...Med School, anyone?), and you've got something of a masterpiece.… Expand

I can always use more songs about jerking off. I am also delighted at the prospect of following Palmer and Viglione's glorious musical conversation wherever it may lead. The joy you hear as they beat out the songs together can move me to tears. This record is more than a bit of a treasure.

Great band, sometimes i just cant understand the critics....Maybe not better from the first album, but how many bands have a second record better than their debut anyway...

This is like the White Stripes with more piano and a good drummer.