Neko Case: Middle Cyclone
I find my musical tastes changing as of late to some of the more interesting and new genres that are springing up all around our sonic landscape. Blame Pandora or the easy access to iTunes on my phone but more and more the “fringe” is drawing my ear’s attention. While scanning my local store for something new to clear the aural pallet, I came across a CD that had a picture that could have been off the cover of Grind House. Some red-headed chick on a 1970′s era muscle car wielding a sword was enough to garner at least a casual listen and shortly after scanning a few tracks I owned my very first Neko Case album.
Neko Case, I guess, has been described as “alt-country”. Now, I don’t even know what that’s supposed to mean exactly but if you mean music that’s not rock and not country than I guess you have it. All I know is that Neko Case writes some great tunes and they have a really interesting mix of sounds that set them. From the classic accoustic guitar, drum and bass tracks, to a “piano orchestra” that is comprised of six cast-off piano’s recorded in a barn, Middle Cyclone has a sound that is all it’s own. Neko’s voice is also phenomenal and has a power and presence that really draws the ear and gives her songs added punch.
The album seems to have a reoccurring thread of tornados and love that glues the songs together, which works in some odd way. Take the opening track “This Tornado Loves You” for instance. It’s a fantastic tune that ponders what it would be like if a tornado could fall in love. Zany, I know, but it makes for a great song that’s just enough out of the ordinary to really keep your attention. One of my tests for if an artist is really worth my time is if their live performances live up to the studio version. You can judge for yourself with this clip of her performance of “This Tornado Loves You” on Late Night with David Letterman:
While I’m not sure the whole “alt-country” thing really fits Neko’s music, I will say that it’s very well done and worth checking out a tune or two. Well orchestrated, great construction in the songs and a really wonderful and unique voice make Middle Cyclone a worthy album. You can find more information on her website nekocase.com.
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Tags: middle cyclone, neko case
Personally I always preferred the Mario Super Show voice to Charles...
May 4th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Good pick John. I happen to think this album is better than her previous one.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
(Hilden)
May 4th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
C’mon John, you can drop the ruse. We know that Hilden is an elaborate puppet of yours.
May 5th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Well, now that you mention it, I have had my fist up his ass.
May 5th, 2009 at 9:44 am
HI-OOOOO
May 6th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
I’ve gotten the go-ahead from the wife to do dirty-dirty things to Neko Case if ever the opportunity arrives – love her stuff.
I am kicking myself in the ass since missing her in Atlanta a while ago.
If you’re not into the alt-country so much, I wholeheartedly suggest checking out The New Pornographers – another band in which she plays.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_Pornographers
May 6th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Yeah, she was in the Twin Cities the night before I bought her album. Figures. Damn it.