Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!

Tina said: Jim and Greg my favorite music critics both agreed that Neko Case’s 5th studio album, Middle Cyclone is one of the best albums for 2009 thus far. Prior to receiving this album from my third favorite music critic Charlie, I knew nothing about Neko Case. With a quick Google search, I still knew nothing about Neko Case. However, after my initial listening to the album, I soon learned that I like Neko Case.

My first listening of Neko Case’s album reminded me a lot of Jenny Lewis (the lead singer of Rilo Kiley). Her voice provides the listener with positive feeling of light and enjoyment. I also liked how she uses a variety of instruments throughout the album, especially the banjo. I feel like the instruments along with her nasal voice create a very enjoyable sound. While some people may find it to be annoying, I loved the music box riffs with what I consider to be a xylophone, in “The Next Time YouSay Forever”, and “Middle Cyclone”. This sound reminds me of my music boxes that I had as a child, and how I would prance around my bedroom listening to them. This could be one of thereasons why I like this album, as we all know that often times music hits an emotional string within us.

My second listening allowed me to gain more insight on the lyrics of the album. During this listening I realized that Neko Case’s album often times switches back and forth between what I would consider to be an upbeat song, and a slower more “depressing”song. However the majority of the lyrics talk about deep and worldly issues. Neko uses metaphors to discuss topics such as abuse, a rough childhood, and day-to-day struggles. While I generally don’t tend to gravitate towards albums that provided a hidden “depressing” message, I still found myself enjoying this deep and dark album (I must be getting older).

On the Tina/Charlie promote it/lend it/deny it scale, I give it a promote it.

Charlie said: Thank you Tina for FINALLY getting me your review.

I bought this album after hearing Neko Case on Sound Opinions in February of this year. Jim and Greg described Neko Case as a punky/folksy singer/songwriter. All of these descriptors sounded promising.

I first listened to this album in March and I did not like it at all. I found it boring and the 31 minutes of field noises at the end literally pissed me off. I had not listened to the album again until I read Tina’s review.

Neko Case’s voice reminds me of Natalie Merchant (as well as Jenny Lewis, good call Tina). “Middle Cyclone” does exactly as Tina states, alternates an upbeat song with a depressing song. A perfect example is the opening two songs; “This Tornado Loves You” describes a tornado that is searching for a lover, a catchy song. The next song “The Next Time You Say Forever” Neko says that “the next time you say forever I’m going to punch you in the face.” Ouch!

I hear started to hear a lot of country in “Middle Cyclone”. Unfortunately, it is not the country I find inspiring. My favorite songs include: “People Got A Lotta Nerve”, “Magpie To The Morning”, and “I’m An Animal”. The rest I did not hate (other than the 31 MINUTES OF FIELD NOISES!!!) but was not inspired.

On the Tina/Charlie promote it/lend it/deny it scale, I give it a lend it and a yawn.