Tunes for Tuesdays: Amanda Palmer

Her voice kicks it like a boot to the jaw. She is bold, brash, and dominates the stage with a sinister sexiness and a glitzy swagger. With drummer Brian Viglione, the world was introduced to the intoxicating sound of Brechtian punk cabaret via The Dresden Dolls. And now, in her solo status, she is poised to own the world.

She is Amanda Fucking Palmer.

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I cannot stop praising the wonder that is Amanda Palmer. Now, I'm sure the prologue up there hinted at that just a tad, but I needed to be clear. She is an explosive force when paired with a piano and I love the fact that she revels in the beautiful mess that is life. I swear, she thrives in the face of hardship and turns it into a punk-flavoured powerhouse of an album, every time.

Ms. Palmer launched her career as one half of the Boston-based duo, The Dresden Dolls. With her raw sound and razor-sharp lyrics, Amanda Palmer bridged the gap from indie band to established artist while still maintaining her electric and eclectic sense of style.

Palmer's first solo album, Who Killed Amanda Palmer? (2008), is a compelling release -- and I'm not just saying that because it's Amanda Palmer. It's an emotional tour-de-force and showcases an artist who is willing to pick at every metaphorical scab necessary to achieve an honest and sharp sound.

On this edition of Tunes for Tuesdays, I would like to draw your attention to the track "Guitar Hero" from Who Killed Amanda Palmer? -- Ms. Palmer taps into her glam rock alter-ego on this track and injects it with her fierce, uncompromising vocals. Crank those speakers and flip the eff' out:

LOVE IT. She is the embodiment of modern punk, that's all I'm gonna say.

Some other Palmer facts to swoon over:

• Published The Dresden Dolls Companion in 2006, that featured lyrics, an autobiography of the duo and of Ms. Palmer, sheet music, original artwork, and a 20-minute DVD showcasing the making of the book.
• In June 2007, The Dresden Dolls toured with Cyndi Lauper and numerous other artists for the True Colors Tour which included her debut at NYC's Radio City Music Hall.
• Conceived of at least two musicals, both performed in her home state of Massachusetts.
• Teamed up with photographer Kyle Cassidy and writer Neil Gaiman to produce the book version of Who Killed Amanda Palmer. The book is a series of short stories based on a portfolio of images shot for her solo album, all featuring the corpse of Amanda Palmer littered throughout various settings.

Umm, and speaking of Neil Gaiman -- the literary titan is now dating Ms. Palmer. It was confirmed during a press conference in July 2009. I mean, can you imagine the creative potential there? I know the ladies have lost out this time (Ms. Palmer is an out and proud bi girl, so yes, we DO have a chance), but the artistic projects that could stem from that pairing are mind-boggling.

Amanda Fucking Palmer will kick the ass out of any Tuesday, guaranteed. So strap on those combat boots and break out the glitter because Ms. Palmer is about to take over your iTunes, kids. 

Don't resist it.