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.
