Amanda Palmer Performs the Popular Hits of Radiohead on Her
Magical Ukelele has a unique ring to it, which sounds a lot like
“extremely lame pile of hipster shit”. Pushing initial assumptions
and speculation over the existence of a magical ukelele aside, I gave
this EP a listen. Amanda Palmer's musical talents are rarely
disputed, and she's earned the status of a musician who can do no
wrong.

The EP kicks off with the high pitched whinges of a ukelele
rippling through the opening chords of “Fake Plastic Trees”.
Being one of Radiohead's most beautiful songs to date, it's a real
shame to hear Palmer bring the track down with her over-done
simplicity and bland singing. The song really is just Amanda Palmer
and a ukelele, and that leaves a lot of the music hungry for the
intensity it deserves. “High and Dry” follows with the addition
of a soft piano. Rather than successfully interpreting Thom Yorke's
brooding vocals in this track, Palmer's voice at times dives into an
awkward deepness, giving the music a sort of unpolished and rushed
sound.

With “No Surprises” and “Idioteque”, the EP opens up its
potential to those eager, disappointed, ears. Palmer really exerted
her full capabilities for these two songs, and the music is just as
hauntingly beautiful as it was written to be. With the ukelele still
strumming defiantly, and the added power of strings chiming along
with the piano, both songs are given a fullness which fails to
complete the other tracks on this EP. “Exit Music (For a Film)”
is the standout on the album, an absolutely chilling cover. Palmer's
voice is piercing and heavy, with a hollow emotion that is echoed in
the dark chords of the piano and violin. Funnily enough, this is the
only song featuring absence of the ukelele.

This EP in no way serves as a substitution of the original
“popular hits of Radiohead”, but rather showcases the very
flexible interpretations of Amanda Palmer. Putting the first two
tracks and the awful, whiney, cover of “Creep” aside; whilst her
instrumental choice was not always the best for songs of this weight
and intensity, her monumental vocal power makes up for what the
ukelele destroys.

Rating Score: 5/10

[Photo: http://www.amandapalmer.net]