Tuesday saw the release of the new record from Neko Case: “Middle Cyclone.” Neko has been high on my list of daily listening choices since early 2007. After really getting into the greatness that was The New Pornographers‘ “Electric Version” (of which Neko has a strong presence with) and then their follow-up, “Twin Cinema” I discovered Neko’s solo efforts. The first album I became aware of was “Fox Confessor Brings the Flood” of which I instantly fell in love with. Going back to her earlier works I was equally enthralled with those previous efforts. But “Fox Confessor” just seemed to have a little more ‘oomph’ and little less ‘twang’ than the others; so I always went back to that record and as I mentioned, it was always on my list of possibilities for the “what shall I listen to today” daily conundrum.
So needless to say I was quite excited when I found her new album was being released. Neko Case has a very distinct act. It sort of reminds me of the 70′s and early 80′s country music the folks in the north country were listening to when I was a kid, but it’s got much more deep tonal qualities and a just slight edge to the music. Some slightly darker chord changes give Neko’s sound the feeling as if it were from a lost Quentin Tarantino soundtrack.
Take a little bit of a Patsy Cline feel, add a dash of Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star) with the slight indie edge of someone like Ani Difranco and then light it all up with a deep, rich musical back-up and damn if you don’t have one of the sweetest sounding acts playing today. I’ve heard live recordings and can’t wait to experience it first hand. The new album is entitled “Middle Cyclone” and is available now everywhere.
iTunes
Amazon
Official Site
Facebook
Here is a little taste of goodness from Neko. The first two tracks are from the new record.
…and my favorite Neko Case song from the album “Fox Confessor Brings the Flood”:
Hold On, Hold On
This discussion currently has 17 responses.
March 6, 2009
I was *this close* to going down to Amoeba Records to see her tonight. But I got out of work late and there’s no way I would’ve gotten down there in time. Boo. I just listened to the title track online as well as the ones you included, though, and they’re great. I just melt a bit when she goes for that one-note-higher-than-expected note in “People Got a Lot of Nerve.” I’m gonna have to pick up this album, I think. She’s got a very unique and entrancing sound. And she’s great live, too, though I’ve only seen her with the New Pornographers – very personable.
March 6, 2009
I guess I forgot to actually review the album in the post eh? Well, I’m not good at reviewing music. I like what I like and just try to get people to like what I like
With this new record, it seems to be just more of the same from Neko (which IS NOT a bad thing!), although it seems that most of the tracks are a little less catchy than her previous stuff. Still – can’t WAIT to see her live.
March 6, 2009
I’m not even sure how to try to review music – what music you like seems so subjective to me, much more so than with films or books. I always feel with music it’s more about celebration of what I like, and at least getting people to check it out. Mostly I’m familiar with Neko through the New Pornos, but I got Middle Cyclone last night, and so far am enjoying it a lot. I’ll work on her back catalog when I can.
March 6, 2009
Start with Fox Confessor. Do you have a fav New Pornos record?
March 6, 2009
I actually only have Challengers and Electric Version. Challengers was the first one I heard, so I have a soft spot for several of the songs (especially Myriad Harbor, which I can still listen to over and over), but I think Electric Version is maybe better overall. I need to get Twin Cinema.
March 6, 2009
I really really like Electric Version. Everyone else likes Twin Cinema the best, but I can’t get into it as much as EV.
March 8, 2009
I have few actress/musician crushes, but Neko is definitely one of them. When I saw New Pornographers I was so excited to see her live, but she wasnt there, and the girl from Immaculate Machine was in her place.
Which isnt that bad, since the girl from Immaculate Machine is also cute as fuck
As for my other musician wannabe girlfriends… er… um…
Kelly Clarkson. Even with the extra pounds. Um… yeah.
March 8, 2009
Oh, Goon, that’s too bad you didn’t get to see Neko. With all the other projects that the various New Porno members have going on, I’ve heard it’s difficult to get them all together at one time for concerts, especially Neko and Dan Bejar.
And there’s nothing at all wrong with wanting Kelly Clarkson.
I saw on Ameoba’s website she’s got another album coming out soon? I haven’t heard much about it, though.
March 8, 2009
Kelly’s new album comes out Tuesday.
What you need to know:
The cover is awful.
The album is awesome, even though Katy Perry was involved in some of the songwriting. It’s on par with Breakaway, definitely a return to form after My December didnt fare so well.
Other girl singer crushes – 90s Shirley Manson, Annette Olzon of Nightwish, and Sharon Den Adel of Within Temptation.
March 8, 2009
and 70s Linda Ronstadt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQaeg582kRQ
What a babe. She did this lip curl thing that drives me up the wall.
March 8, 2009
I love Breakaway. I didn’t hate My December. So sounds like I need to check the new one out.
Shirley Manson, heh. Do you watch The Sarah Connor Chronicles? She creeps me the hell out. But that’s kind of the point of her character.
March 9, 2009
I’m an unabashed Neko Case fanatic. Her best album is easily BLACKLISTED though -> Patsy Kline meets David Lynch. Country Noir. It one holy hell of a fusion, and Neko’s voice on it is deep and rich and has a lot of power. The theme of the decaying american Dream is a good one.
Although my favourite song is not on that album, but rather the title track for FURNACE ROOM LULLABY, which Sam Raimi used in that ‘psychic flick’ with Cate Blanchette and Keanu Reeves, THE GIFT.
March 9, 2009
COUNTRY NOIR? I am there. Putting on my to-get list immediately.
March 10, 2009
I still dont think Neko has sang a better song than “Deep Red Bells”
March 11, 2009
The opening two tracks (Things that Haunt Me, Deep Red Bells), well, I don’t think there is a much better way to kick off an album. Certainly Blacklisted is the best album from Neko thus far.
On a somewhat related note, I’m trying really hard to get tickets to one of the two sold out shows here in Toronto. She picked a very small venue, so my hopes are not high at this point…
Oh, and her work on the New Pornographers last album, The Challengers is not insignificant, even when she is only back up vocals.
I love this song, note the “SUPERFAN” from Flight of the Conchords, and the Michel Gondry Vibe of the video:
March 11, 2009
Ha, I always use the Mutiny, I Promise You video to demonstrate how delightfully whacked out indie rock music videos are. That, or anything from Of Montreal.
March 23, 2009
Kurt, I got Blacklisted the other day, and it is AWESOME. I’ve been trying to think of how to describe it, and the best I’ve come up with so far is…lived-in. It feels dirty, and real, and like there’s a wealth of history and background behind the songs. And atmospheric like whoa.
Andrew, Fox Confessor next, I promise.