Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under cover

Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under

Amanda Palmer · 2011

56 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A whimsical blend of theatrical storytelling and eclectic instrumentation, capturing the essence of Australian culture through a personal lens.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Australia — This track encapsulates Palmer's love letter to her new home, blending humor and nostalgia while revealing her struggles with identity in a foreign land.
  • →
    Map of Tasmania — The song's playful lyrics and catchy melody address themes of body positivity and self-acceptance, making it an anthem for individuality amidst societal expectations.
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    Vegemite (The Black Death) — In this track, Palmer cleverly critiques cultural food experiences while weaving in dark humor, showcasing her characteristic wit and commentary on local customs.
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    The Ship Song — A cover of Nick Cave's classic, this rendition highlights Palmer's emotive vocal delivery while paying homage to Australian music history, connecting past and present.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album blends personal narrative with cultural exploration, showcasing distinct instrumentation and varied pacing.

What we noticed

  • Tracks such as 'Australia' and 'Map of Tasmania' employ playful lyrics that reflect cultural themes, while others like 'In My Mind' shift to more introspective storytelling.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical storytelling experiences
  • steady mid-tempo flow
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • eclectic cultural reflections

Where this album fits

Career context
Amanda Palmer was riding high on the success of her previous album, 'Who Killed Amanda Palmer,' which had established her as a distinctive voice in alternative rock. 'Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under' serves as a follow-up, showcasing her unique blend of cabaret and punk influences while deepening her connection to Australian culture after her relocation there.
Stylistic neighbors
Regina Spektor· Tori Amos· Fiona Apple

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Makin’ Whoopee 4:55
  • 2 Australia 5:42
  • 3 Vegemite (The Black Death) 4:51
  • 4 Map of Tasmania 2:41
  • 5 In My Mind 4:13
  • 6 Bad Wine and Lemon Cake 5:46
  • 7 New Zealand 4:38
  • 8 On an Unknown Beach 5:44
  • 9 We’re Happy Little Vegemites 1:23
  • 10 Doctor Oz 4:51
  • 11 Formidable Marinade 5:54
  • 12 The Ship Song 6:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata