Album of the Week: Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

Exchanging intimacy for power is a move that can be potentially alienating to many music fans. The penultimate example of this can be seen in Bob Dylan’s forgoing of the topical acoustic singer-songwriter material of his early years for a transformation into an electric guitar-wielding Rimbaud, a move which caused more than a few alienated fans to call him ‘Judas.’ Yet these transitions also often mark a highpoint in the artist’s career. Sometimes this move even begets some of their greatest work (for the Dylan example, this case is obvious). Middle Cyclone, the newest solo release by New Pornographers/Sadies/Corn Sisters member and Neko Case also engages with this transition.

Case goes from acoustic songstress to a full-band leading alt-country front woman, featuring members of her other groups and those of Giant Sand, the Lilys, and Los Lobos…yes, seriously, Los Lobos. The result is an album that may turn away many established fans, but will also entice new listeners into her fan base. Instead of the affinities to the likes of Joni Mitchell and Lucinda Williams presented on her previous albums Fox Confessor Brings the Flood and Blacklisted, Middle Cyclone is an album taut and fun, reeling in the type of country-tinged indie mastery that had resonated on R.E.M.’s early albums (the sound of Middle Cyclone is highly reminiscent of Reckoning) and contemporaries like the Handsome Family.

Neko’s voice is never drowned out by the extra volume added to the affair –her already heralded vocal ability is as strong and commanding as ever, taking on the role of army leader in charge of the brigade of musicians behind her. This is not to say the album itself is perfect – the cover of Harry Nilsson’s “Don’t Forget Me” is a bit too obvious for my ears (odd, considering the album’s other cover song, a rendition of the Spark’s “Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth” out does the original), while there is no need to explain how “Marais la Nuit”, a track consisting of 31 minutes worth of field recording noise, is a strain to the ears. Yet the rest of the album is an incredible pop gem, and perhaps a stepping-stone towards a new direction for Case that may reveal her best work yet.

Listen To: “People Got a Lotta Nerve”, “This Tornado Loves You”, “Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth”

RIYL: (early) R.E.M., Sarah Hammer, the Handsome Family