Blacklisted, Neko Case

by Katrina Martin

I first heard Neko Case in 2000 when she opened for the Jayhawks at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco. Her stunning vocal power and silky-soft voice enraptured me so when the show was over I ran to buy her album directly from her. I fondly think of our conversation, even though it involved 10 words: Me: "Which of these albums do you like best?" Neko: "This one." She pulled Furnace Room Lullaby out of her box of CDs. Then she was distracted by another fan and I inadvertently bought the other album in her box, The Virginian. I've been a fan ever since.

Two years later she released her greatest effort to date, Blacklisted. Members of Calexico and Howe Gelb from Giant Sand lend a hand as part of Case's band for the album. It includes several songs penned by the red-headed beauty and two spine-chilling covers: Sarah Vaughan's "Look For Me (I'll Be Around)" and Aretha Franklin's "Runnin' Out of Fools." Singing along to this album helps me entertain fantasies of belting out throaty ballads to hundreds of enthralled fans. Though she covers jazz and R&B tunes, Case is rooted in country rock. The album's country tinge, along with Case's gorgeous pipes, adds to its magical ambiance.

Case's voice is beautifully displayed on the acoustic opening to "I Wish I Was the Moon Tonight," in which she delicately and gently moves through the opening lines. Her cover of "Runnin' Out of Fools" is another highlight. Her wailing, passionate rendition of the song makes you believe Case has been burned by too many smooth talking cowboys. She sings, "Have yourself a dime's worth of talkin' / Then I'm gonna hang right up on you/ Cause this time you're not getting through to me," and you're transported into the song, cheering her on as she hangs up the phone. For anyone who appreciates a strong female voice, this album is a must.