If the songs found on No, Virginia, are outtakes from the Yes, Virginia sessions then we have winners in the duo known collectively as The Dresden Dolls.  No, Virginia is a collection of B-sides, a demo from the Yes, Virginia recording sessions, a Psychedelic Furs cover of “Pretty in Pink,” and some newly recorded songs to round out the album. And yet, this album of “push-asides” sounds wonderfully capable of being an original album on its own.  If you haven’t heard of The Dresden Dolls yet, you should.  They play a brand of cabaret-styled music known as dark cabaret (or punk-cabaret in some circles) that is a growing genre (hear Revue Noir with Nico-like vocals by smoky chanteuse, Nicki Jaine for more).

Amanda Palmer has a strong skill in song-craft.  The tunes found on No, Virginia are well-done pieces including the exceptional “Night Reconnaissance.”  “Hello Jenny” and “The Kill” also add their viral charm to the album.  With songs that follow closely on their usual style, Dresden Dolls and RoadRunner Records were right to release this collectible set of extra tracks from the Virginia sessions.  No, Virginia is a perfect complement to Yes, Virginia and will please fans.

With the band on short hiatus, Amanda Palmer is engaging in a solo mystery project called Who Killed Amanda Palmer.  Brian Viglione is performing with his side-project, Humanwine.  But no doubt, their creative juices have been flowing and they’ll return with another expected Dresden Dolls classic.