The Dresden Dolls, singer-songwriter Amanda Palmer and drummer Brian Viglione, are a unique cabaret punk band. They are known for their theatrical makeup and a sound that they describe as "Brechtian, punk-cabaret" in reference to German playwright Bertolt Brecht.
Unlike most musical acts, the duo has never made a name for itself through appearances alone. Rather, they've become an influential band based on their own music.
What is the song about?
What makes this song particularly unique is that it is actually performed by a human versus the eponymous dresden dolls (yes, you heard right) at the top of a tour de force if you ask me. The song is also a hoot to listen to with its squeaky clean lyrics and spirited performance by Brian and Amanda aplenty. The best way to describe this song is like an ode to the good old days when the music industry was truly inclusive and the good times were good. In addition to the aforementioned aforementioned sex aficionados, this song has also made me a believer in a happy marriage with a long list of perks, including an ever-growing cult of booze-loving friends and kin.
Is it about transphobia?
If you're a fan of punk rock cabaret meets dark-music, then you have probably heard the Dresden dolls. They're a highly unlikely duo, comprised of singer/songwriter Amanda Palmer and drummer Brian Viglione.
They're known for their pasty white porcelain doll faces and theatrical makeup, but they also make a great live band with their spinky staccato piano melodies and phenomenal drum solos. And they're also known for their alarmingly provocative lyrics that're both artistic and demented.
Despite their zany stage appearances, however, the duo is actually quite serious about their music. Often compared to the likes of the Fall and Queens of the Stone Age, their music is both dark and uplifting, with lyrics that explore issues such as sexual assault, death, suicide, and self-harm.
The song's title, "Sex Changes Everything," is a reference to how changing your gender can affect your life. Whether it's the way you feel about yourself, how you interact with other people, or how you handle your relationships with others, it can be a major impact on the world around you.
As a result, the dresden dolls are trying to raise awareness about the negative effects of transphobia and encourage people to stop discriminating against anyone based on their gender identity. The duo believes that they have done this through their music.
It's important to note that this is not the only way to raise awareness about transphobia, though. Other ways to do so include sharing your own experiences and knowledge of the topic, and asking others to respect your rights and safety.
In addition to educating yourself on the topic, you can also help to create a safe space in your community by supporting transgender rights organizations and advocating for your rights. The internet is a great resource for getting information on these topics, as well as finding out about local events and resources in your area.
You can even volunteer for a non-profit organization that works to fight against transphobia and other forms of prejudice. These organizations often provide services for children and adults that are victims of this type of prejudice.
Is it about abortion?
The Dresden Dolls are a highly entertaining Boston-based band that are best known for their gimmicky stage props and theatrical performances. Their music is a mash up of punk rock and German cabaret that's topped off with a dash of theatrical flair. Fronted by singer/songwriter Amanda Palmer and drummer Brian Viglione, the duo's latest release is "Fever." The song features a dazzling array of special effects including a large talisman shaped like a frog crafted from aluminum. Despite its glitzy visuals, it's actually the lyrics that stand out here.
Whether the Dresden Dolls are still touring or have hung up their sexy harps for good, one thing's for sure, they've done it in style. In fact, they've recently been lauded as the kings of the live experience, which isn't surprising considering that they're one of only a few bands to ever earn the coveted nebula award from Roadrunner Records. Here's to hoping they return soon with their much anticipated second studio album, a follow up to the aptly titled 'Fever'. Until then, check out their sexy new album for yourself!
Is it about teenage sex?
The Dresden Dolls, a Boston-based punk rock cabaret duo with a demented aesthetic and theatrical sensibility, are known for their zany stage appearances (pasty white porcelain doll faces, striped stockings, a bowler hat) and abrasive music. The group is composed of Amanda Palmer, vocals, piano, harmonica and ukulele; and Brian Viglione, drums, percussion and guitar.
The Dolls describe themselves as “Brechtian punk cabaret” and are part of an underground dark cabaret movement that started gaining momentum in the early 1990s. However, they have been accused of being overly theatrical by some critics.
Regardless of the controversy, the band has always managed to create a cult following among music fans. They’ve earned both critical and popular acclaim for their sonic mash-up of alternative pop and German cabaret, which has inspired a diverse array of cover versions from bands including The Fall.
Their edgy style has helped the band become a fixture in the Boston club scene, and they’ve also toured with Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails. But their appearances have been a concern for their label, Roadrunner Records, as they’ve been known to use red mouths and theatrical face paint when touring.
Sex Changes, the first single from their second album, Yes, Virginia..., threatens to take this brash, hyper-stylized aesthetic to the next level. On the song, Palmer sings, “Chop your clock off.” The line is a metaphor for undergoing sex reassignment surgery, which is often a risky and life-altering choice for those who undergo it. It’s an incredibly frank and emotional track, though it also uses homophobic language that could be misinterpreted by those who do not understand that sex is more than just a physical act.