Neko Case and Her Boyfriends
The Virginian
[Bloodshot]
Rating: 7.1
Neko Case began her real- life musical career as the drummer of a post- punk outfit
called Maow. But her first solo recording is equal parts country and catchy
rockabilly-- quite a departure. It's not so surprising when you learn that Case was
born in Virginia and always felt a certain connection to soul sisters Loretta Lynn
and Dolly Parton. It's the case of a local girl done good, and she's doing it all
herself.
Sort of-- she is accompanied by Her Boyfriends, a band comprised of various guest
artists who contribute significantly to the total sound of the record. On "Misfire,"
for example, Case duets with Matt Murphy on this straight- ahead song emphasizing the
now- cliched DIY attitude.
While the record as a whole is good, a few songs are damn good. The first track,
"Timber," is just about as catchy as they get. The whole band is behind Case as she
belts out the chorus at the top of her lungs. But what really gets me goin' is
a beautiful ballad called "Lonely Old Lies" which showcases Neko's strong, clear
voice. Case's vocals stand out among today's favorite chanteuses in contrast to
Lisa Loeb's cutesy whine, Sarah McLachlin's crackly alto, and please don't even get
me started on No Doubt's Gwen Stefani. Case wails with a remarkable intensity which
merits all of the comparisons to the best work of the classic women of country music.
While parallels between Case's lyrical style and Lynn and Parton are obvious, Neko
Case shares the same love of country music and soul with Michelle Shocked. "Honky
Tonk Hiccups" could easily be the lead track on the latest Shocked record. In fact,
I'll bet that Michelle Shocked covers at least one of Case's songs someday soon.
Both women seem to enjoy elements of funk and folk and blend those styles into
something which is larger and more interesting than the two individually. It's an
art.
Also, it feels like Neko Case and Her Boyfriends will be around for a while, and I
hope they get a chance to continue to develop their sound. It's honest and not too glamorous,
and they manage to maintain an intensity which is rarely found on the airwaves
today. While she may classify herself as a country musician, Case is lucky enough to
be working in an age where every type of person actually listens to every type of
music-- so keep an open mind, and check this one out. You'll be glad you did.
-Aparna Mohan