It might seem a bit of a letdown to have waited 26 months (Case is such a transcendent singer, her fans were
waiting the two years between
Blacklisted and
Tigers) for a brief, live effort that's half cover versions. But this disc is wide-ranging and superb, that rare breed of live album (think
At Budokan and
Small Town Romance) which ranks amongst an artist's finest, most representative work. Recorded in 2004 in Toronto and Chicago, Case is absolutely on fire for the ballads and the ass-kicking tunes. This is largely due to a ripping backing band composed of the Sadies and Jon Rauhouse, with fellow Corn Sister Carolyn Mark and Kelly Hogan lending their vocal talents (the effect's like
Trio, but better). The album's title is discussed in a brief example of Case's between-song banter, an expression of her off-color humor which will not surprise those lucky enough to have seen her perform before. And if you never have yourself, this here's the next best thing.
--Mike McGonigal Recommended Albums by Neko Case and Friends
The Virginian | Furnace Room Lullaby | Blacklisted |
The Sadies, Favourite Colours | Kelly Hogan, Beneath the Country Underdog | The Corn Sisters, The Other Women |