Photo courtesy of nutandbee.com
Well, that’s a self-explanatory album title to rival this recent headline.
Post-Dresden Dolls, lovely bizarro-babe Amanda Palmer has entertained in the purest and widest sense: “ninja” ukelele concerts (above), an upcoming stint in Cabaret, a Twitter-announced engagement with fantasy-oddity lit master Neil Gaiman, new work as half of Evelyn Evelyn, and even a little intentional nip-slip at the Golden Globes to keep up appearances.
But earlier this week, Palmer paid homage to Radiohead with a cover EP of six heavy-hitters from the band’s discography, all while strumming to her heart’s content on the hipster’s newest best friend: the ukelele.
“Idioteque” replaces the crisp beats of the original with sharp ukelele strikes—an interesting take that makes you rethink the first version, as a good cover should. As for “High and Dry”—one of my first favorites, way back when—the uke and Palmer’s deep voice take on a more nostalgic, regretful tone that, while not bringing much of the unexpected, is wholly welcome.
But the Radiocake goes to “Creep,” and it’s clear Palmer knows that too, having put two versions of the song on the EP. In stark comparison to her other covers, this song pushes the limits of her upper vocal range to highly impressive results. You’ll know when you hear it. She may have odd (or awesome, depending on your point of view) eyebrows, but this girl can belt—and here’s live proof.
Download the full album in a variety of formats for under a dollar at Palmer’s website.
Amanda Palmer – Idioteque (Radiohead Cover) (download)
Amanda Palmer – High and Dry (Radiohead Cover) (download)
Amanda Palmer – Creep (Live in Prague) (Radiohead Cover) (download)
