Evelyn Evelyn is an album by two conjoined twins named Evelyn and Evelyn – kind of. In reality the album is written and performed by the duo of Amanda Palmer (of The Dresden Dolls) and Jason Webley. I’m not sure how and why the Palmer and Webley decided to do an album in the guise of two conjoined sisters but it really doesn’t matter because the disc is sitting right here in front of me regardless of reason. Considering this isn’t exactly the most “serious” album, the songs and production on Evelyn Evelyn are really quite good. Knowing this wasn’t exactly the most “serious” album I expected much less and more along the lines of a Weird Al album or a Kelly album. But I guess the musicianship of Palmer and Webley transcends the “joke.” The songs are interspersed with the story of the twins as told by the twins. While these narrations are kind of funny, kind of clever and kind of entertaining, they really just distract from the songs. And once you’ve heard the story you really don’t want to hear it again. So you ultimately end up skipping several tracks after the first listen. As I said, the songs are quite good. The opening song, “Evelyn Evelyn,” is the best on the album. The song slowly waltzes around the piano and bells while the strings fade in and out with the turns. The other highlights on the album are carnival barking “A Campaign of Shock and Awe,” “Have You Seen My Sister Evelyn?” and the country ballad “You Only Want Me ‘Cause You Want My Sister.” The main problem with this album, and as I alluded to earlier, is that there is very little staying power here. Like most clever and humorous albums the songs get old quick and the law of diminishing returns takes over pretty fast. I’ve listened to the album about five times now and I have very little interest in really listening to it again. The songs may server better included in a mix but not the narratives. Those I could do with out again. I suggest checking out the album for sure but buying it? I’m not sure I can say it’s worth it. I really do like most of the songs so it pains me to say that but I can say the exact same thing about every Weird Al album and that album by Kelly.
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