My sister told me I'd like this band because I play the cello. So for my birthday a few years ago she bought me their debut album "Thanks For The Ether" and I wasn't sure what to think, but I listened to it and liked it. With a new group like this is that it takes some getting used to. Off and on I would go into these obsessive spurts of only listening to this cd and nothing else until it became one of my top five cds. It starts out incredibly and finishes off incredibly. The gothic tones and brilliant words are so well polished and the quality and complexity of the ladies cello playing is encaptivating. Rasputina is truely a miracle in these days of bands that don't seem to appreciate the art of learning their instruments and only want to get paid (I pray to God everyday those band's contracts are burned).

Rasputina's Debut cd "Thank's For The Ether" in a collage of several late 1800 early 1900 stories of people. Each song is a lyrical masterpiece and even the few "essay" songs are entertaining to listen to. The cd goes like this:

1- My Little Shirtwaist Fire: This song is more energetic and mysterious than most of the others on the album. The words slow down and speed up to help the song have a very eerie rythem almost like the flickering of a flame. Brilliant.

2- Stumpside: This song is amazing. It starts off enjoyable enough and when the chorus picks up it becomes one of the most beautiful pieces on the cd. Clever lyrics again, of course "By the side of the well where she told us these things, if you hear a bell ring you get some wings".

3- Nozzel: Ah, the first essay, regaurding "Miss Conney Pallop." I'm not sure who she is, but the lesson taught here is easier to speak of than it is to live by.

4- Transylvanian Concubine: The vampire song that got them known. This song was their first hit, featured on a Buffy The Vampire Slayer episode. It can also be found on the Buffy soundtrack.

5- Why Don't You Do Right?: This is a remake song from an oldies song, but it has such a new feel to it here, very forboading almost, but yet the words are so enjoyable you can't help but want to sing along.

6- Mr. E. Leon Ruis: This song is based off of a picture the band leader Melora has of a young man in the 1800's with a note attached that reads "Many thanks for your well wishes, believe me. Sincerely yours, Mr. E. Leon Ruis." She uses the imagery and the few words of his to create a very beautiful and haunting song about a dead man of whome no one knows about.

7- The Donner Party: This is the second essay on the album about the cannibalism of the early settlers. It's got a very twisted sense of humor to it, but thats how all of Rasputina's amusing songs are.

8- Endomorph: Another intriquing character painted through the amazing cello music and witty lyrics. This is a most enjoyable track that I constantly listen to.

9- Brand New Key: Another oldie remake. This one is a little more pop-cello, if that's possible and most entertaining. The clever words fit right along with Melora's style and humor.

10- Cry Babies: The story of two children lost in the snow. Imagine the results. A very creepy song, but this is a gothic band you know, I'm not sure what you were expecting.

11- Howard Hughes: Another portrait. I'm not sure if this one is based off of a real person or not, but I really hope not. It's a very good track, with very good cello.

12- Sister Sleep: "Wee Le-ike to smoke pohot. Wee Le-ike it a lohot." If you aren't frightened by the opening lines of this song, fine, I don't particulary care for this one myself.

13- Five Fleas: An essay done brilliantly. This is my favorite speaking track. The two voices speaking at different times add to the childishness of the idea, but yet if you listen to the words you can't help but stop and ponder.

14- Any Old Actress: I myself must say I like the first half of the song and the very end better than the main melody in the middle. I think it's the most average song on the cd.

15- Dig Ophelia: Another good song about a person (but, all of them seem to be, oh well). This one seems to be to deal with the Ophelia from Hamlet, if not, then I don't want to know.

16- Kate Moss: The weirdest song on the album also happens to be the shortest and an essay. I can only this song is really... odd, but worth a listen for the expierience.

17- Rusty the Skate Maker: By far my most beloved song of theirs ever. I cannot get enough of this song. It's got the saddest lyrics and the melody is so nostolgic and beautiful. Sigh.

18- Trust All Stars: This is more of a humorous track about an alien boyfriend. This is also a very poppy song... i guess. It's followed by a hidden track (a slower version in some strange drawl or hopefully another language).

All in all this album is a novelty amongst the mass marketed punk bands and what not. Sure it's got it's strange sides, but it's completely worth bearing through them if you're a new listener. This cd is worth all the money it's sold for, and I think it's only 10 bucks here, so what a deal! (I think my version was more expensive because it was purchased in a store. How sad).