You are currently browsing the tag archive for the 'Neko Case' tag.
I just can’t stop listening to this*.
I had never heard the original Sparks version, but this rather kicks it to touch. I know when I really love a song when I find myself almost emoting out loud to it as I walk down the street (only do this at home. Alone).
Thanks to Robin for pointing me more forcefully to the Middle Cyclone album, which seems to have just blossomed in my ears over the last fortnight.
* Obviously, I have to turn off my iPod occasionally. Take off and landing, that sort of thing.
2006 was the last really ace year for albums IMHO, especially when it came to discovering new acts.
And some of those acts are popping out again and I have my torrent searches primed and my Mastercard at the ready.
It has got off to a good start with the new Antony & The Johnsons album, The Crying Light. From what I have heard, it’s just as emotionally wrenching as I Am A Bird Now.
Also very excited about the next Neko Case work: Middle Cyclone. I discovered Ms Case through one of the fab cover mounted CDs that come with The Word magazine and previous album Fox Confessor Brings The Flood is stunningly good. She’s being a clever lass and has put a nice teaser video on YouTube. My appetite is duly whetted.
Danish progpoppers/popproggers Mew inform us on their MySpace that ‘the mixing has begun’ on the follow up to And The Glass Handled Kites. I, for one, hope that it is just as full as that album was of jazzy chord changes, kitchen sink arrangements, soaring choruses and incomprehensible lyrics i.e. soaked in ambition.
Here is a peep at Why Are You Looking Grave?
Who else? Well, my fondness for Empire Of The Sun since last summer is now being matched by the love they are getting by the critics over here now, so while I have the album, I’m looking forward to some groovy remixes, extra tracks and maybe even some dates.
Paddy McAloon (and whoever else is calling him/herself a Prefab Sprout) is back this year, rumour have it. McAloon is one of those acts that I just can’t understand won’t embrace the freedom that the interwebs can give an artist. He has a singular vision, but keeps looking to the old model of the big record company deal. However, there is some talk that the next venture has some connection with Mojo magazine, so perhaps Paddy has discovered his inner Prince.
Here’s Paddy & Martin McAloon talking about 2001’s The Gunman And Other Stories.
The Pets are back, back, BACK! March sees the release of Yes with a single ‘Love Etc’ also on the way. PSB are also getting a Brit for Outstanding Contribution to Music in February which is well-deserved seeing as, from my perspective, the quality of their output has actually improved as they have gotten older.
Astonishingly, if Love Etc makes the Top 30, it will be their fortieth hit with most of those going Top 20. Amazing.
Here’s the rather wonderful ‘Flamboyant’ from 2004.
So, what are you looking forward to in 2009?
Wonderfully pointless, but intriguing just the same.
There is a plan afoot to get Tom Waits’ ‘Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis’ to No. 1 in Ireland for Christmas. (You can hear the divine Neko Case version in my Scarves & Gloves mix).
So, if you can purchase from an Irish download site, why not go for it? It’s a very good track. While you’re there, download ‘Martha’ and ‘Down In The Hole’ (Theme from Season 2 of the fantastic The Wire).
More about this at waitsforchristmas.blogspot.com.
