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Portishead, The Dresden Dolls, and my 'fickle little bitch romance'.

Posted over 4 years ago

This is, admittedly, a rather self-indulgent, and unusually 'personal' post (read therapeutic); nevertheless, it does contain two great songs.

There are days when a beloved's presence imparts unfathomable bliss; there are other days when that same presence leaves one feeling as cold as a morgue is sterile. Today belongs to the latter...here's to you my sweet vexation:

The upcoming Nightmare Before Christmas ATP event which is being curated by Portishead has an extraordinary line-up thus far - take a peek here.

The Dresden Dolls 'Brechtian punk cabaret' music is simply enthralling. Superbly talented, this Boston duo's creativity never fails to delight me, and since I can't bear ending on a gloomy note...

Shores Of California from the Dresden Dolls '06 'Yes, Virginia' album has gloriously clever lyrics as does most of the duo's songs. It's a catchy tune - you'll find it included in comments. Lyrics are here - worth a read.

Amanda Palmer is co-presenting Sxip Shirey's 'Hour of Charm' performances in Boston this September, and will headline on the opening weekend of the three weekend fest. Sxip who is well known at Joe's Pub in NY's The Public Theater promises 'three weekends of music and performance that will delight, confuse and enlighten even the most cynical of Boston's seen-it-all audiences; exhilarating evenings filled with circus - music - cabaret - burlesque'; and trust me, Sxip delivers! Recommend.

Amanda performs September 14 - 16.More info at the American Repertory Theater site.
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Comments (32)

  1. Girlcrawl
    Girlcrawl says 'cause like any girl all she really wants that fickle little bitch romance that fickle little bitch romance' ~ReVWmmqBNsJ.mp3~
    Permalink posted 08/19/2007
  2. Augusts1
    Augusts1 says Romantic relationships always cause such dual feelings. The bliss & the agony go hand in hand & the thing is most of us prefer to have it that way than be alone since it's human nature. We have the capacity to experience great escatasy or great anger with the ones we love. The ATP looks like an incredible festival & the fact that Portishead is going to be performing their first live gigs since their breakup here in the US is almost enough to travel across the country to see them since I'm a huge fan. Doubt I can afford to do it though. Maybe they'll come & tour to CA soon. I sure hope so. Thanks for the headsup GC.
    Permalink posted 08/20/2007
  3. The Serenity Vortex
    The Serenity Vortex says MOG Brian isn't coping well with Monday today. No MP3 will play :(
    Permalink posted 08/20/2007
  4. HelenMarie
    HelenMarie says Brain is definitely having Monday morning blues...before I signed in I was able to listen to the first track. Now that I *am* in (after many attempts). I can't play either track. But none the less...LOVE Portishead Girlcrawl! With "Gloriously clever lyrics" & "Music and performance that will delight, confuse and enlighten" Im already hooked and will check back later when I might be able to give that second track a listen. Wonderful post...as always! Also...hope you'll soon be returning to that blissful state soon, I couldn't relate more to that. Have a good one!
    Permalink posted 08/20/2007
  5. Mike the Knife
    Mike the Knife says You have definitely hit me in my vulnerable underbelly with this post and these particular selections, Girl. What is it with me and fickle little bitches?!?
    Permalink posted 08/20/2007
  6. HelenMarie
    HelenMarie says Added Dresden Dolls to my "To Get" List...Thanks Girlcrawl.
    Permalink posted 08/20/2007
  7. Lady Miss Ian
    Lady Miss Ian says Beautious, GC. Making me wish the money fairy would come visit me so I could afford to fly to the UK for ATP. Sigh....
    Permalink posted 08/20/2007
  8. oceanrain
    oceanrain says portishead and dresden dolls on the same post nice cheers
    Permalink posted 08/20/2007
  9. Girlcrawl
    Girlcrawl says Augusts1 - Such an eloquently stated truth; yes, am rather familiar as of late with the inherent duality that appears to govern romantic relationships. For a gal who abhors amusement parks and the like it seems I've found quite the roller coaster ride, but I suppose he could claim the same. There are those who feel you can't experience great 'ecstasy' without too experiencing the inversed emotional states; love and hate are so similiarly close in nature, and I do not doubt that it is because they originate from one source and are both fed by the same passions. Am with you regarding the Portishead curated ATP event; it would be smashing to attend. Hope they return to America as well someday. Thanks for the lovely, and insightful comment - much appreciated! :-) The Boy Flood - Concur; MOG brain has not been cooperative at all the last day or so. Sorry for the inconvenience, but appreciate as ever you dropping over. Cheers! SunshineDaydream - Understand completely; the 'brain' ceased functioning on me a few times prior to, and then following, this post. It's been most difficult the last day or so to visit other MOG sites, and there are mounting posts that I would like to acknowledge if only... I've been a long-time Portishead fan, and Beth Gibbons has one of the most amazing voices in music as far as I'm concerned - such range, expression, and control. It's actually one of the few that I find truly evocative. 'Gloriously clever' refers specifically to Dresden Dolls' lyrics, and the 'delight, confuse, and enlighten' phrase to Sxip's Hour of Charm show although realistically it probably works well to describe the Dresden Doll duo as well. Would point out that I chose one of their more 'listenable' tracks as some of their songs may not be especially pleasing to 'mainstreamers' - they do create music that employs cabaret and burlesque type features, and there are definitely indie, punk, goth, and even classical references woven about so their sound at times is imbued with a near theatrical essence (meant positively). They are quite original especially given the era and musical climate, and always interesting. Explore the official site to soak in the 'vibe', and I believe there were numerous music downloads available though mosty early and live material. Am looking forward to arriving at that more 'blissful' state mentioned, and thanks so much for both the comment and the effort it took to actually listen to the songs posted! Appreciate the compliment :-). Mike the Knife - Found your 'vulnerable underbelly' aye - must have one of those as well. Fear I can't answer the question posed though I suspect it's rhetorical; probably fall into that 'fickle little bitch' category myself, but that's why in part I'm so damn impossibly charming and wickedly contradictory :-). As ever, appreciate both the visit and comment! SunshineDaydream - You are a person of your word! :-) Merci, and you're quite welcome.
    Permalink posted 08/20/2007
  10. Shud33
    Shud33 says I am a Portishead fan girlcrawl, and your post just made me realize it's been awhile since I have pulled that album out. Guess I know what I am doing when I get home. Thanks~
    Permalink posted 08/20/2007
  11. Girlcrawl
    Girlcrawl says Lady Miss Ian - Now how did your fabulous comment slip past me (oceanrain too)? Merci, and if that 'money fairy' appears then kindly point him/her toward my direction. The ATP festival is looking exceptionally appealing; given that emotionally I need a holiday, Isa (the pup) and I may turn it into a physical holiday as well! Have pup carry-on, will travel! Cheers. oceanrain - Ditto - you nearly slipped past; thanks for both the visit and comment! Thought after posting that Portishead and the Dresden Dolls played quite well with one another. Cheers as ever :-)
    Permalink posted 08/20/2007
  12. waydutch
    waydutch says Not much for the Portishead but found the Dresden Dolls rather interesting. Link to lyrics didn't work for me, but through link to their site got to this - http://www.dresdendolls.com/downloads_n_lyrics/lyrics/shoresofcalifornia.htm . Hope things are more toward the imparting unfathomable bliss end of the spectrum for you presently - the duality is always there, but if it's not more up than down, it maybe time to move on. . love the line from California Shores -why all these conflicting specifications maybe to prevent overpopulation
    Permalink posted 08/20/2007
  13. Thierry Castaing
    Thierry Castaing says Thanks for the great post Girlcrawl! and what an amazing line-up for the ATP: Boris, Sun o))), earth, sparklehorse, Glenn Branca!!!
    Permalink posted 08/20/2007
  14. Mike the Knife
    Mike the Knife says Mon plaisir, G-c. Rhetorical indeed. Oh, the push-pull of love with a willful, heedless woman...
    Permalink posted 08/20/2007
  15. goodmusiconly
    goodmusiconly says The ATP lineup looks tasty, indeed ... I'd love the chance to check out Portishead, Thurston Moore and Francoiz Breut, among others (the latter, if you are unfamiliar, I posted about "here":http://mog.com/goodmusiconly/blog_post/65059 a little while ago ... sounds like it might be up your alley.) And thanks for the introduction to Dresden Dolls - I will definitely be looking into them further. Here's hoping your romance woes turn to woos post-haste ;)
    Permalink posted 08/20/2007
  16. Girlcrawl
    Girlcrawl says Shudd33 - Great to 'see' you again; hope all is well with your band endeavours, and thanks for the lovely comment! Cheers. waydutch - Thank you for the viable link! Did attempt to correct, but it seems that the problem is on the Dolls' end so may send a note to their webmaster. Regarding 'but if it’s not more up than down, it maybe time to move on', you are absolutely right. Hoping a return to the blissful end of the spectrum is attainable. Glad you found the Dresden Dolls interesting; yes, love that line as well. You're posting some fabulous vibes over at your MOG site, and I've enjoyed listening. Appreciate the comment, and cheers!
    Permalink posted 08/21/2007
  17. Girlcrawl
    Girlcrawl says Thierry Castaing - Most welcome; amazing line-up indeed, and there may be a few others added. Appreciate you dropping over and commenting - cheers! Mike the Knife A toast to all the 'willful, heedless' gals out there! :-) goodmusiconly 'Tasty' indeed! Am familiar with Francoiz (have two of her cds), and she is an absolutely charming vocalist - will dfinitely check out the post. Am glad you enjoyed the Dresden Dolls intro, and appreciate both the visit and fabulous comment!
    Permalink posted 08/21/2007
  18. Marigold
    Marigold says What!?? I go away for five days and you have a rocky day? Hmm. I am sure the fact that I am back by a computer mogging again will help with your mood, thus assisting with righting the ship? Or maybe not. :) Either way, I wish you the best and hope your situation improves. You take care!
    Permalink posted 08/21/2007
  19. Girlcrawl
    Girlcrawl says Marigold - Hello dearie! Was beginning to grow concerned given your absence. How was the holiday and tour? Appreciate the comment, and yes it's been a rocky few days. The ship will right itself, and I'm an avid boater so no doubt I can weather these mildly rough waters. Glad you are back, and I'm sure numerous fellow moggers (or should we call ourselves devoted M-gold fans) have missed ya. Cheers!
    Permalink posted 08/21/2007
  20. ngtivspace
    ngtivspace says I love the personal posts - always feel safe to exorcise or at least just soundtrack your demons out here. :) Especially with such great songs. I've spent several black-relationship-days screaming along to the Dolls' myself.
    Permalink posted 08/21/2007
  21. poebegone
    poebegone says aw, girl, got the relationship bug, do ya? been taking a break from it since January, which sometimes rocks and sometimes sucks, exactly as you say. reading your post (great read, btw), i can't help but think about that song title: I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely Yet). (;
    Permalink posted 08/21/2007
  22. Girlcrawl
    Girlcrawl says ngtivspace - Appreciate the encouragement to 'exorcise' and 'soundtrack my demons' - you have such a beautifully creative turn of expression. Am generally candid regarding opinions/observations, but notoriously private concerning personal matters. MOG is simply not the forum to discuss these issues, therefore, was reluctant to refer to my relationship on a public, and essentially social-networking space. Am finding that 'screaming along to the Dolls' music' is rather delightfully cathartic! :-) Thanks for the comment and visit - you are always a welcome presence here. Cheers.
    Permalink posted 08/21/2007
  23. zoot
    zoot says i received an email from the band Autolux last week, saying they were sad to report that their new record would be on hold 'til they sorted out some business issues. however, they also said -- they were elated that Portishead had hand-picked them to be part of the ATP fest! wonderful post, tunes & comments gang.
    Permalink posted 08/21/2007
  24. Girlcrawl
    Girlcrawl says poebegone – Yes, afraid so…rather envy your unattached status. I’m actually far too independent and callous to be compatible with someone who is emotionally weak – takes a strong individual to stand alongside the girl, and usually the poor chap will remain more an accessory rather than a necessity :-) Appreciate, as ever, the lovely visit and comment!
    Permalink posted 08/22/2007
  25. Girlcrawl
    Girlcrawl says zoot - Thanks so much for the Autolux info though I wish that were not the case. Would feel honoured too if 'hand-picked' by Portishead as that is quite the nod. Appreciate the kind words, and the wonderful comment. Glad you are back within the mog-o-sphere - seemed you were absent, or near silent for awhile. Cheers!
    Permalink posted 08/22/2007
  26. FluxCapacitor
    FluxCapacitor says My gf uses a large polo mallet on me. Just a suggestion. Great tunes, tho'!
    Permalink posted 08/22/2007
  27. Girlcrawl
    Girlcrawl says FluxCapacitor – Brilliant suggestion! Actually have a polo mallet around here somewhere, and can’t believe I’d not thought of wielding it about :-). Play tennis 4 or 5 days a week and have a killer serve, so am fairly certain I could aim just as well with said mallet…will not disclose to boyfriend (he’s been demoted from beloved status) that he has Flux to thank for his concussion. Cheers, and great comment!
    Permalink posted 08/22/2007
  28. FluxCapacitor
    FluxCapacitor says Ha! You're welcome!
    Permalink posted 08/23/2007
  29. ongoingly
    ongoingly says i just love that Dres. Doll track! And word about relationships GC. I prefer the path of non-attachment myself...chahz!
    Permalink posted 08/25/2007
  30. 2Serenity
    2Serenity says Loving your post! Missed coming over here. Finally turned on and started reloading music on my computer that I had lost. Fortunately, I found most of my music files except for a few. I have to physically go home and get my CDs, albums and tapes. My family is too scared to touch my collection! I will be raiding their collection! =P
    Permalink posted 08/27/2007
  31. Girlcrawl
    Girlcrawl says ongoingly - I think it's a rather fab track too; the non-attachment path is becoming increasingly tempting...Merci! 2Serenity - Look who has at last returned...you keep disappearing :-). Am glad you were able to find most of the music files - what an ordeal. So your family is fearful of touching the collection aye - that might well be a 'good thing' otherwise they would probably 'borrow' tunes until you no longer had a collection. Glad you have found your way back into the mog-o-sphere, and have missed all the great posting you contribute. Cheers!
    Permalink posted 08/28/2007
  32. soulrocket
    soulrocket says getting a bit late to this post, but im very lazy lately to mog properly. there are a few rules to deal with relationships in a successful way, however when its over its over. time to move on the next one. we cant change other people (thats mostly a womens belief to think they can), all we can do is point the way and hope they get it right. i am not particularly romantic myself and tearjerkers only make me laugh in the best of situations. hope i dont sound like a total bastard but thats how it is, heh. to me a girlfriend is a great friend with a bed extension. working a relationship from the "friends" point of view makes things easier, at least to me. there is some kind of "scheme" on how a relationship must be, mostly provided by romantic novels ad sappy hollywood films... i avoid that at all costs. i noticed the whole thing is about projecting what we believe we dont have on others and when we find the person that does that right then we fall in love. my belief is that the secret of total independency resides on working on those grey areas we dont do well to avoid to become dependant on others virtues. hope you do well & have a great weekend!
    Permalink posted 08/31/2007

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