No, Virginia (Roadrunner): B
B-sides and rarities albums are typically forgettable hodgepodges of lame leftovers, live tracks and covers. But the Dresden Dolls have never been typical. A companion to 2006’s “Yes, Virginia,” this collection of outtakes and extras works as a unified piece thanks to the constancy of Amanda Palmer’s histrionic vocals, melodies and thunderous piano paired with Brian Viglione’s staggeringly manic drumming. There are lesser moments: the “Pretty in Pink” cover seems both obvious and flat, the wannabe-epic “Boston” doesn’t build like it should. But most of it matches the duo’s best work. To hear Viglione go animal on his kit behind one of Palmer’s most poppy tunes download: “Ultima Esperanza.”
