Comments on: Revisiting :: Neko Case Blacklisted

By: An Aquarium Drunkard » Neko Case :: Buckets of Rain (Bob Dylan)

An Aquarium Drunkard » Neko Case :: Buckets of Rain (Bob Dylan) — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 06:33:57 +0000

[...] Previously: Revisiting :: Neko Case’s Blacklisted [...]

By: Heather

Heather — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 02:59:35 +0000

I think it’s hard to say which album is the best because Fox Confessor is so different from her predecessors. The Nashville, honky-tonk style of her prior records is absolutely infectious and delightful, but can’t really be compared to Fox Confessor. To say that Case’s writing on Fox Confessor has evolved from her prior work is an understatement. It is simply some of the most sophisticated and literary song-writing I have heard in some time. Frank mentioned “Star Witness.” Could there be a more perfect song about a fall from grace? It is much like a novel that never strays from its theme. Not a word wasted.

By: Dodge

Dodge — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:41:14 +0000

man, i love Deep Red Bells…so amazing. I gotta go with “Fox Confessor” for beginning to end greatness.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 08:27:49 +0000

You know you’re right, sam thing with me. Blacklisted sat in my collection for a while and i thought it was fine – love Deep Red Bells (especially the bit where it changes tempo). I got Fox Confessor and couldn’t stop listening to it which then led me back to Blacklisted (this weekend funnily enough). Now i love it!

By: Rich

Rich — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 04:20:56 +0000

I agree that it’s Blacklisted, partially because that’s where I discovered her, but mostly because that record just seeped into my soul in an almost spooky, fever dream kind of way. To me that record just sounds haunted, and it still raises the hairs on my neck to listen to it.

By: Brett

Brett — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 21:28:42 +0000

For me, my favorite will always be “The Tigers Have Spoken”. I think it’s flawless, mostly due to the (lack of) production, it’s nice and raw.

Blacklisted was the first one that I bought, though, and I definitely fell in love with Neko’s voice when I heard her do “Runnin’ out of Fools”. I think Fox Confessor is better than Blacklisted due to the fact that I think her writing has caught up more to her vocal talents.

By: Frank

Frank — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 20:44:48 +0000

Since her so-so debut, I think every record Neko’s made has been close to perfect. In addition to the ones mentioned above, her Canadian Amp EP is also highly recommended, her John Peel session is spectacular, and her version of “Buckets of Rain” (the studio version of which is on one of the Valentine’s Day comps now on sale at Starbucks, of all places) is right up there with the best Dylan covers of all time. I used to think “Deep Red Bells” was absolutely her finest moment. But then I heard “Star Witness.”

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:34:24 +0000

Neko’s live album with The Sadies, The Tigers Have Spoken, is solid but I have to go back to Furnace Room Lullaby for my sentimental favorite. Each of her albums have songs that are stand outs, but Furnace Room takes it for me. If your into singles you have to checkout Neko & The Sadies doing some amazing covers together. Bloodshot records released a couple gems, Lorretta Lynn’s “Rated X” aswell as Tom Waits ” My ’63″. You can never go wrong when Neko hooks up with The Sadies, also check out The Sadies earlier albums for some Neko. These boys know how to play anything, the perfect spaghetti western garage country folk group.

By: kelly

kelly — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 23:01:32 +0000

so hard to say! i adore blacklisted & fox confessor but there are also some songs i have an intense love for on furnace room… basically i love anything she does i guess

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 22:26:53 +0000

While I think “Fox…” is probably a more solid album, “Blacklisted” creates a vibe all its own unmatched by anything else in her catalog; “noir”, indeed. I’ve got Neko on the brain right now, because I am looking forward to seeing her open for Merle Haggard next Monday here in Spokane. Can’t wait.
Also, thanks for all your hard work on this blog; the music is great, and I always enjoy your writing, as well. Take care.

By: Matthew

Matthew — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 22:09:19 +0000

I remember Tightly being on an Uncut sampler CD several years ago and I was entranced, but somehow I never quite got round to exploring her stuff until Fox Confessor came out. I am slowly working my way backwards from there. What a voice!

By: Jorge

Jorge — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 21:53:13 +0000

Definitely Blacklisted… its her best, in my opinion.

By: wayne

wayne — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 21:03:26 +0000

Tough question, I like all things Neko. Just saw her live, great performance was delivered. I think Fox Confessor is her most complete work. However if I could only own one work I would keep The Tigers Have Spoken, a record I can play continuously.