Duo Damsels

Anyone who has visited Womenfolk during its 3+ years online will recognize Holly Palmer’s name (and hopefully, her music as well). Since 1996, Holly has immersed herself in the music business, releasing a wonderful catalog of music that not only shows her evolution, but her dedication.

Palmer’s latest endeavor arrives in the form of a collaboration with Allee Willis, a successful songwriter, playwright and multimedia artist. Together, the two decided to record as their alter-egos, “Bubbles” (a.k.a. Willis, who has been using Bubbles as her moniker in her paintings for years) and “Cheesecake” (Palmer, using a nickname suggested by her husband). As Bubbles & Cheesecake, the women have released their EP, The Soul Of Bubbles & Cheesecake, a small, but memorable affair of colorful, kitschy pop and soul.

I’ve been really, really bad
I keep shuttin’ down when you get sad
I don’t really understand how to get you to
I’ve been known to jump the gun
I’m the first to leave if its not fun
My heart’s always on the run
As soon as I’m confused.
              - Bubbles & Cheesecake

Two of the EP’s songs, ‘I Confess’ and ‘Girl In Lust,’ were recorded and included on two of Palmer’s previous solo records. Here, they’re tweaked and tugged with an array of effects and re-recorded with Willis sharing vocals.

Included below is the aforementioned ‘I Confess,’ and the duo’s anthem, ‘It’s A Woman Thang,’ a swirly and groovy ode to girl power.

Also included here for comparison is Palmer’s original version of ‘I Confess,’ which was included on her 2004 album of the same name. Personally, I prefer it. But that could be just because I’m more familiar with it and feel that the Bubbles & Cheesecake version serves more as a remix or demo version.

Also included here is Palmer’s amazing, ‘That’s Why They Call It Rome,’ a song she graciously contributed to Womenfolk: Volume One, released last year. Palmer has since re-released the track and included it on her last solo effort, Songs For Tuesday earlier this year.

No one really knows what to expect from Bubbles & Cheesecake in the future, but forming the duo has allowed both women to create music while coloring outside the lines and without the restraint their respective solo careers may have forced them to abide by. But most importantly, it allows them to have fun, which I guess is what girls really do want after all.

Downloads:

WWW:

Bubbles & Cheesecake - The official site.
Allee Willis - The official site.
Holly Palmer - The official site.
Holly Palmer @ MySpace