AMANDA PALMER & THE GRAND THEFT ORCHESTRA: "POLLY" (NIRVANA) OFFICIAL VIDEO

"Polly" - available NOW on Bandcamp* for 50¢+donation (w/ high-quality artwork) at bit.ly/PollyBC
________________
for your enlightenment....a little of the background of the song (from wikipedia):
"Bass player Krist Novoselic remembers Kurt Cobain writing 'Polly' after reading a newspaper article about the abduction, torture, and rape of a 14-year-old girl who had just finished attending a rock show in Tacoma, Washington. In June 1987 Gerald Arthur Friend picked up a 14-year-old female friend after leaving a concert at the Tacoma Dome. Upon trying to exit the car the girl was handcuffed and held hostage at knife point. The girl was taken to a mobile home where she was tortured and raped with various objects for two days. She was also threatened with a blowtorch."
we recorded our cover of "polly" for SPIN magazine's "Newermind" tribute/compilation to mark the 20th anniversary of "Nevermind" in september. michael (who a lot of you have seen as the new drummer of my touring band, the grand theft orchestra) produced/engineered and played bass on the recording.
this is a video me (glockenspiel, vocals, Taurus bass pedal), chad raines (banjo, percussion), and michael (bass, percussion) shot in new haven, CT on a super-tight budget with the help of some actors and filmmakers from around new york and yale.
we filmed it in one day in november...i wrote the script and michael directed the video. blake, who plays the angel, is also on the cover of the first dolls' album "a is for accident"...looking very different in a long red dress.
so many people loaned us stuff and worked for free on this video to keep us under budget - THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.
x
afp
________________
FULL CREDITS & THANK YOUS...
song by
NIRVANA
starring
CHRISTOPHER M. MCFARLAND
JILLIAN TAYLOR
special appearance by
BLAKE BRASHER
produced, edited, and directed by
MICHAEL MCQUILKEN
video concept by
AMANDA PALMER
first camera/director of photography
SARAH LASLEY
hair and makeup by
JUSTIN TYME
assistant to the director
LILEANA BLAIN-CRUZ
second camera/assistant to the director of photography
RACHEL PUCHKOFF
locations
CHAD RAINES
properties provided by
TAMARA CHIBA
JAYLEEN RAINES
production coordinator
MAX TOTH
shoot catered by
BUN LAI and MIYA'S SUSHI miyassushi.com
music performed by AMANDA PALMER & THE GRAND THEFT ORCHESTRA
AMANDA PALMER (glockenspiel, celeste, vocals, Taurus bass pedal-stepping)
CHAD RAINES (banjo, percussion, Taurus bass knob-fiddling)
MICHAEL MCQUILKEN (bass, percussion, sample-hunter, aquaphone)
recording engineered by
CHAD RAINES
recording produced by
MICHAEL MCQUILKEN
artwork (single cover) by
MICHAEL MCQUILKEN
van provided by the band STEER steernyc.com
CHRIS ABBADESSA
ZACH ELLIS
van coordinated by
MEAGHAN LENICK
1953 Ford provided by
JACK KERPEN
PAM KERPEN
this video would not have been possible without the extra ordinary additional efforts of
TAMARA CHIBA
JAYLEEN RAINES
MAX TOTH
LILEANA BLAIN-CRUZ
KENNETH GOUSE SR.
JACK KERPEN
and BUN LAI
________________
amandapalmer.net | @amandapalmer
michaelmcquilke... | @quilken
profiles.googl... | @radchaines
* The song is also available for sale on:
• AmazonMP3 at amzn.to/PollyMP3
• iTunes at bit.ly/POLLYiTunes
©2012 8ft. records

[@Educismortis]

I've always really liked this Nirvana song. This cover and video really accentuate what the song was actually written about.

[@josephdewyze1259]

Educis Mortis This song is about Virgos. The whole never mind CD is about the 12 Zodiac Signs. Hence fish is mentioned in the last song of The Zodiac and In Bloom is Taurus because they are born when everything is blooming in Spring.

[@warrenjensen4670]

@@josephdewyze1259 Nice work only mentioning two zodiac signs. How about enlightening us with the rest throughout the album?

[@daniellewieners4750]

You are a Figgin GOD for understanding what this song meant/means. Hands down

[@seeliejane]

Also I have to say that this video seems to absolutely perfectly portray what I believe Kurt was saying with the song, as well as what he said in aforementioned interview and why they wrote the song. On another note, as a victim of rape myself, I didn't find the video offensive and I don't think they were making light of the subject. Whoever the actress is who played "polly" was perfect. Amanda sang it perfect, and it was shot and directed beautifully. I hope Amanda and Michael read this.

[@dougzilla2237]

Cobain would be jealous or proud of the impact of this cover.

[@anemeraldtardis]

A Nirvana fan once said to me "Only Nirvana can cover Nirvana." You didn't cover it, you nailed it. :D

[@rachaelsaich57]

It a a "Re-represent" maybe?

[@courtney1023]

MY cousin is the girl who's playing Polly. Came to see her in the vid, subscribed cause the music was TOO damn good!

[@michelleeverett8125]

Your cousin did a *great fucking job*. I could feel my heart pounding as she thrashed around, then pretended to be completely subdued, then ran like hell. Her expressions were fantastic too. She had this grim determination to please him, seem nice, don't get killed. When she sprang from the truck and ran I wondered if she was even going to make it.

[@melancholyskittle]

YEAH GODDAMN!!! Send your cousin my compliments I know it’s been four years but people are still enjoying her work!!!

[@brookmarie2845]

She did an AMAZING job!

[@thegig100]

Your cousin really did great!

[@leawilliams7893]

She's talented and beautiful!

[@LyndaGerry]

This video is incredible, and I am so happy it was made. I knew that Polly was a girl who had regularly attended Nirvana shows and that Kurt had found out that she had mysteriously disappeared, but I did not know the part about her escaping. That sheds a light on this song, which had so often made me cry. This video is sort of the happy and beautiful-ending counterpart to Tori Amos' video 'Spark' which I also love and is also very powerful but this sheds a lot more light on the human spirit.

[@fotostudiogrinsekatz1893]

made me think of Spark as well, in fact i feared for "Polly", before I saw Amandas face in the car, because that last scene came to mind...

[@Nerdmeister]

The reason for the old grain film style was because that was the way a video would've looked when the real incident occurred. This is based on a real kidnapping/escape that occurred in Tacoma, Washington in 1987. They chose to shoot the video in a faux documentary style.

[@dttw04]

there is a gritty vibe to both song and video i really dig. with a little imagination, the emotion is easy to grasp. and for those with experience, it's just spot on. nice job.

[@tehspy1337]

I found this band by searching for a song that was a bonus track on a guitar hero game, called Guitar Hero. Which was a very cheesy 80's style song by monkey steals the peach. I found her song by the same name and fell in love with it. Nirvana is my favorite band and after randomly clicking a video I found this cover. Mind blown.

[@TheTanyas13sonnets]

To Amanda (and Amanda fans) four things: 1. This is the best Nirvana cover/video I have ever seen. Don't care who agrees. 2. I am sure that Kurt would be so proud of this. No doubt. 3. DUDE... okay so play this in one window and play it at the same time in another window with a 1-2 second gap and watch the video with the blend of the sounds. The first time I saw this I did this on accident...so eerie. echoe 4. Thank you for being the character that drives up. This is powerfully moving.

[@brookmarie2845]

I agree. I think Kurt would really enjoy this cover. It's done so well.

[@kisaig]

An excellent use of a banjo.

[@suturno]

I'd never thought that a banjo could be creepy and unsettling.

[@tahneyhuiet]

Ever watch Deliverance?

[@averyrathbun3859]

Amanda has so many different types of songs and music videos, gosh it's so awesome

[@CupcakeMoonster]

I'm lost in words. This transmits every little detailed feeling in the song and in the master piece of cinematograpphic visual along side the so well achieved music. They all compliment each other so well to achieve the shock at the end, when music gets agresive. And it just, kills me.

[@AppleExplained]

Holy shiiiiiiiiiiiiiit, that was amazing. The ending was FANTASTIC.

[@xzxxx-km4vy]

Amazingly cringe. 11 years ago is still not to late to call it what it is

[@NattyBurz]

this cover emphasizes everything i loved about the original to make it, dare i say, even better. the video is perfect. just as dark as the song.

[@NaomiLovesDifferent]

personally, stuff like this actually makes me feel better about shit thats happened to me. its like making a demon stand out in the open, less scary that way

[@songvarigames8128]

It's chilling, how disturbing and beautiful this is.

[@eolandeanachronism1]

I think Kurt listens to this awesome cover, wherever he is, and really loves it!

[@RuthLovesRobots]

The amount of emotion shown in Amanda's voice in this song is purely beautiful. I love you, Amanda Fucking Palmer.

[@Tarotiste]

This is just amazing... I admit it makes me feel things I'm not totally comfortable with, but I suppose that is what art is for... Just beautifully shot and the music is stuck in my mind.

[@novemberboy5791]

I disagree; the (art) in the music that Kurt was able to pull off was being able to talk about uncomfortable subject matter in a way that was palatable.

[@NotjustGrey]

This is an amazing cover and it has such a fantastic video to go along with it! It's not often that a music video actually captivates me. To all of those complaining about this cover... are you new? It's been out for quite a while, but the video itself is new. Troll elsewhere.

[@rebrebs]

This gave me the chills and made me cry. Thank you, Amanda Palmer.

[@jho4shoz]

So beautiful...Loved the ending how there is subtle hard vocals in the background. The whole cover is amazing but the end is what convinced me to buy it. Great work, can't say it enough

[@BroccoliMama101]

Haunting Nirvana cover.

[@rebrebs]

I've watched this about 4 times in a row now. I think I'm in love with Amanda and this video.

[@melancholyskittle]

I feel like Amanda is one of the artists that Kurt would be proud of covering his songs. Nice work!!!

[@brookmarie2845]

I agree so much with this. It would have been amazing if we could've gotten a song from them. His voice with hers? And their minds together...man, that would have been beautiful.

[@xzxxx-km4vy]

Lmfao this is absolute shit

[@sjswood68]

I hadn't bothered to check out this cover before but having read the background to Kurt's lyrics in the current blog my curiosity was aroused enough to hit play. The interpretation of the track itself is both delicate and powerful, standing proud in it's own right but the visual interpretation of the story behind the lyrics is stunning. Genuine tension builds in just a few minutes as we hold our collective breath wondering on the possibilities that the end of the journey holds. I suspect that t

[@StudioKDB]

Amanda, I love you. I always have...and I know now that I always will. You've got a gorgeous soul and a beautiful voice. Love, Kahtra.

[@chelseazic8804]

perfect cinematic (and musical) interpretation of the song. gave me goosebumps,very well done.

[@brookmarie2845]

She really did great on this song. I love it, but the video is so haunting. It's done so well. If I could've visioned the video for the original song this is something I would think of. So good. I can't imagine that Kurt would hate this version.

[@tomwellingtubeyou]

the video is great - the sound, the different noises in combination with certrain pictures.... and then - a new interpretation of "polly" - and above all - combined with this topic.... pff... really - wonderful work!!!!! love you guys!

[@serenatsukino744]

This video is amazing, sometimes I ll return to watched again, because, is a master piece. Thanks Amanda, i like your version and the video is fantastic. You have a fan in Argentina

[@cheebifred]

oh man, those weeping angels get everywhere!

[@np02058]

It cant be. Look its head follows the car.

[@Finkzigkid]

This cover has made me feel in ways no new songs have made me feel in a LONG time. Thank you Amanda.

[@lucasbanari1775]

One of the best things my ex ever did to me, was to present me this brilliant version.

[@leticiarollemberg]

i love how it captured the darkness on the story behind the lyrics. i'm sure the guys (Nirvana) would fucking love it just as much as i did!

[@LonelyLittlePetunia2]

I'm absolutely in love with this cover. I have watched the clip about 6 times tonight, it's just haunting and beautiful and incredibly different to Nirvana's original. I wouldn't ordinarily say this, but i think i prefer the cover. It just gives me shivers and stirrs up much more emotion. I love it, bravo Amanda, you're a brilliant artist.

[@LectaLightsome]

I honestly can't tell which version I like better. This one is so beautiful, haunting... wounding. I am glad that this video is out in the world and being seen. It is needed.

[@LunarSorceress]

Ms. Taylor is a truly incredible actress. That feigned, desperate smile says so, so much.

[@SenoraPooPoo]

omg this was haunting!! And Amanda Palmer's voice is PERFECT for it!!

[@jadoredior1983]

Amazing as always AFP! A great homage to a great man!

[@Preangelface06]

I cant wait to go on my 6 hour road trip to see them perform in San Francisco July 13th. Definitely will be worth it.

[@JohnRutherford205]

What I really enjoyed about this song was the use of the banjo. It's really well filmed and played.

[@Crimson13xoxo]

I CAN'T get over this cover. Its much deeper then the origional.By far the best part of the video is at the end when Jayleen Raines and Amanda grasp hands and lock eyes and theres just this understanding. Like the occurances mentioned in the Hardvard clip. As a survivor, I can only speak for myself but, thats all I ever wanted and Amanda, if you read this you do that so well, you give off this feeling of safety and I am drawn to it.

[@IamMoaningMyrtle]

You have great courage to post about your experience. The video, the song, is utterly amazing.

[@julianviera1526]

Love all of you. U're my music god.

[@ThiNk80]

That was so breathtaking. Thank you for that.

[@dunnogr]

up until now i thought that only Tori Amos' Smells like teen spirit cover could stand next to the original nirvana song and not fail in comparison. Now i can add Amanda Palmer's Polly to the list!!!

[@ersatztheenfantterrible]

dunnogr Agreed😸

[@TeddyWoolgrove]

@luptslooper "The song is not about Polly Klaas' murder, which happened two years after the song's release. In the VH1 Classic Albums documentary about Nevermind, bass player Krist Novoselic remembers Kurt Cobain writing "Polly" after reading a newspaper article about the abduction, torture, and rape in June 1987 of a 14-year-old girl by Gerald Arthur Friend; Friend had picked her up near the Tacoma Dome in his car after she had attended a rock concert"

[@haganrockstar]

I'm no big fan of covers but this one is on the money, With an original approach. It truly captures the haunting story behind the song and the video embodies it. 2 thumbs up.

[@DelirumDreams]

Masterpiece. This cover is even more dramatic especially with the video. Excellent job !

[@ToadenK]

weeping angle around 3:18

[@BabyBat14]

Don't blink.

[@yaoilover1488]

Thanks for the warning. Ima be watching the whole 3 minute mark like this O.O now lol

[@nerdygamer11]

What an acute observation...

[@conordrake2986]

nerdygamer11 I thought it was rather obtuse of them

[@adambartlett114]

Toaden K actually more like 3:07

[@kathleenhopkins07]

absolutely stunning. every time i think you've topped yourself, you prove me wrong.

[@sydneeisanelf]

Love the video. It's very Sarah Mclachlan's Sweet Surrender meets Tori Amos' Spark. So gritty.

[@ThePlayShorts]

I've gotta be honest, I clicked play with a chip on my shoulder. You know, that "cover song chip" that often appears when someone takes on a song you know well? You all found a great way into the song and the video is gut-wrenchingly gorgeous. Nice work everybody! I need a scotch now.

[@nikitamarie4151]

Oh god, the way she carries out the song is hauntingly beautiful

[@pedskon]

there's some old concerts where they played it with distortion in the second verse, but in the same tempo, and where he yells instead of just singing (at the second verse as well). I think the way that he yells is just like hearing somebody screaming even though they know that nobody will answer them. It has a different impact on me that no cover can do. Though the idea that you mentioned would be incredibly fantastic

[@infinitecraftteacher]

omg, she always knows which song to cover at the time I'm really into it

[@desireesolie6991]

I have fantasies to this song. With her voice.

[@vladimircircle9044]

Неперевершено та дуже потужно! Навіть не зважаючи на те що довелося розжувати недалеким фанам зміст пісні.

[@Lindaiwe]

This is amazing... one of the best video's I've seen in a long time.

[@anirak0901]

that eerie feeling when the angel is just standing there...

[@TheoVoidTV]

I love that Amanda picks her up at the end! She's a hero!

[@kleinecitroen]

When i think of "Polly", i always think of all those times i realised, after talking about the song with someone, that they had no idea of what this song is about... Now i have a good link to forward them ! Thank you all for this beautiful piece of work. Can't wait for the album.

[@emanatingf]

@kleincitroen Too many people are only able to think on the surface level & that's what makes stuff like this so haunting & prominent. It's cause we're afraid of talking about things we don't feel comfortable about so they go unnoticed or obscured. We don't approach topics & idealisms enough from positive, forward-thinking mindsets.

[@Swearingisgood]

That feel when your favorite female artist produces a cover of your favorite male artist.

[@watercolorchild]

I love the concept, gives me chills.

[@BrotherNeroFGC]

My jaw hit the floor when I saw this. I love you AFP!

[@mkpenny]

Absolutely Stunning...

[@huxleyvertical]

Love it! And it's amazing to see Chad performing with La Palmer. We were in a band or two together back in our Austin days :)

[@Mortclown]

Thank you for this, creators.

[@tyler_da_wiz]

That last chorus...chills....

[@Freelancer2007]

The last scene where Amanda grabs the girl gives me chills. This is a great cover.

[@l1mac397]

I absolutely love Amanda and the Dresden Dolls original work, but it is such a bonus to also get these cover versions that so deftly re-interpret great songs like Polly.

[@MrBobTheLord]

This video is both chilling and beautiful, truly awesome!!

[@expatleanie]

I love her cover songs mostly because they are songs/bands that I love too :)

[@coleycoleyface420]

goosebumbs everytime the best Nirvana cover ever

[@alectorejoice]

Wow... This just took me to a new level of feeling.

[@maximgromov6971]

Bravo,amazing. Maybe this is the best cover ever

[@liznityeah]

wow. just. wow. i have no words for this.

[@IfOnlyICouldFly0]

This deserves so much more hype.

[@greta9229]

This song makes me shiver go through me and I start to have heart palpitations.

[@JEFFRAUSCHL]

wow... wonderful work... wish I did not know the story behind the song... I liked it before but never listened that close. My eyes are open.

[@behavednightmare]

I would love a version with the stronger vocals at the end to be more prominent. You can feel the emotion in this though. its beautiful.

[@miketate3445]

Well... Holy shit. It's not often a song makes me feel something like that.

[@Freeksrok]

Love the sound of this cover...

[@raven_zoe]

Totally captured the spirit of the song. Great rendition.

[@Bahomme]

That's a very healthy and constructive way to respond to a negative comment.

[@MrSlinkyslinks]

this is brilliant- societal constructs and our roles exposed; saving each other ; - the video is so well written pictorially - this is far from making light of the inherent violence that we go through in our lives - it's a release- thanks for the awesome work!

[@sngscratcher]

Wow! Very powerful. Cheers.

[@pedskon]

fantastic cover! Though i cannot agree that it's deeper than the original. There's just something about Kurts voice that makes it so beautiful, simple and deep. I guess i can't explain it really, but there's just nothing that can match with the original according to me. But i still enjoyed watching this beautiful cover, and i think that it's shameful of people to bash this, even if they don't like it, alot of effort has been put into this, and that's worth respect.

[@myryam37]

A brilliant short film. I am shattered.

[@GBunnyG]

God, this is perfection.

[@siorghralove]

the look on her face at 3:52 just says... "yes, I know. I know."

[@thrilhouse007]

Brilliant and beautiful take on a timeless song.

[@strangerUVtheflowers]

sends me chills

[@loravocalist]

beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!

[@CatBlackGuitars]

Why have I only just discovered this?!!

[@sknywhtboy88]

good fucking video! AFP makes the best music videos of anyone I know that doesn't have a multi-million dollar record deal.

[@conflictfree88]

You can usually still view them... just gotta click the little "show" link :)

[@elfspite]

shiver for me