Though she has been a part of indie pop classics with the New Pornographers, Neko Case's solo work has proven that she is not one who cares about trends or pop stardom. The joy of listening to one of her albums is, all at once, hearing something which is fresh and exciting, while also quite familiar; Case says she strives for a sound that is timeless. Fox Confessor was influenced by gospel music, but Case points out that she is not a particularly religious person. Thus, unlike the subjects of many a country music song, her characters are not waiting on a miracle. They are free to be lonely, unhappy, even jealous, as in opener "Margaret vs. Pauline," a tale of sibling rivalry. Case sings, "Her love pours like a fountain/Her love stings like rain/Her jaw aches from wanting/and she's sick from chlorine/but she'll never be as clean/as the cool side of satin Pauline," further proof of her songwriting gifts. She's a storyteller - both as a writer and singer, well versed in the school of Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Emmylou Harris, getting at the heart of where country music really lives and breathes.She left her home in Virginia as a teenager, migrating to Canada to study design and play drums in numerous punk bands. Since that time, she's evolved into a frontwoman, but remains a road warrior. She tours relentlessly, somehow finding time in between to record brilliant albums. Her latest release finds her working alongside members of frequent collaborators Calexico, as well as the Band's Garth Hudson. The record does have a familiar sound, but she also experiments in subtle ways - the Twin Peaks and girl group harmonies on "Lion's Jaws," and the sharp strings on "Dirty Knife." Case describes "Hold On, Hold On" as the record's only autobiographical song. "The most tender place in my heart is for strangers/I know it's unkind but my own blood is much to dangerous," she sings, casting herself briefly as one of many characters who are struggling with their faith in the world. "I don't know exactly what I have faith in," she tells Interview. "It's a constant war between our instincts and tailoring ourselves to the kind of world we live in." Balancing gospel influence with lyrics of despair, Case has created a timeless record that also beautfully reflects the present moment.
4 (out of 5)
::(mp3) "Star Witness" (courtesy of Anti)
4 comments:
Lovely review. I've only had a brief listen to the cd (while cooking supper and talking etc) but plan to immerse myself in it this morning. Aside from her music and her awe-inspiring voice, I admire Neko's spirit and her confidence in presenting her music her way. She defies genres.
Okay I just finished a couple of good listens to the disc. Usually I pick out 1 or 2 favourites (and the rest of the cd grows on me slowly). I couldn't pick out a favourite here. I think on each song, I was looking at the liner notes to see the title. wow.
Yeah, it is that good. I'm really liking the last one right now ... but it's too hard to pick a favorite. Her talent is mind-blowing. I reccomend Rosann Cash's Black Caddilac to anyone who really likes this album.
I love her- can't wait until she tours.
We'll keep everyone posted if we hear anything about that.
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