The Dresden Dolls — Yes, Virginia...

The liner notes in the advance for Yes, Virginia... recount the Dolls' remarkable 2005, when they opened for NIN and played every prestigious festival from California to Japan. It's a surprise that they found time to make this record, and it's an even bigger surprise that it's so much better than their self-titled debut. Drummer Brian Viglione said last year that he and singer Amanda Palmer were aiming to make a rock record without guitars, and they've definitely succeeded in that mission. As always, it's hard to listen to the Dolls all the time, but when you're in the mood for goth cabaret, you can't go wrong with the bombastic "Modern Moonlight" or the melodic "Dirty Business." If Tori Amos still has fans after this LP comes out, there's no justice.

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