Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

I have such a hard time writing good reviews of records, so I figured it'd be best to start with a tough one for me: Neko Case's Middle Cyclone. Upon first listen I wasn't too impressed, but as the weather has turned towards the sweaty side I'm beginning to feel the sultriness necessary to enjoy Neko's voice.

I initially kept several tracks because something told me they would grow on me. "This Tornado Loves You" is an obvious choice with it's frenetic pace and sweet side. "People Got a Lotta Nerve," while is a bit on the poppy side but the "man-eater" line sold it for me. I can remember years ago when a friend, who is consequently on PR staff at Neko's label Merge, used to send me provocative pictures of the songstress to anger me. Another gem is "Magpie in the Morning," which is a more traditional slow-mo emotional roller coaster. Her most apparent talent is to craft down-tempo songs with a desparation only a broken-hearted drunk can reveal and "I'm an Animal" is another example of this. The hits keep coming with "The Pharoahs," which is a reflective piece that makes me think of The Mummy Returns as it does the lonesome Southwest. "Red Tide" is the shining track on this album with it's foreboding beat and catchy, yet suspenseful, build to climax. I'd love to see her perform this one w/ Spoon as a backing band.

So, there you go! A first review and a positive one at that! Don't expect too many!