Neko Case golden at the Paramount.  Wasn’t sure what it would sound live, but she did not disappoint. Sound was stellar. Backing band rock solid, two guitarists, super facile, switching out guitars every song, pushing through Fender amps, doing complete justice to the twang. The mix was choice, the vocals with a touch of reverb and big (as they should be for Neko) felt like her vocals ripped through the entire venue. And with Kelly Hogan (anybody remember The Jody Grind?) on harmony it was outta control.

Feel like people don’t talk enough about Neko Case’s songwriting prowess.  Her tunes are so damn complicated, not just verse-chorus-verse.  The melodies weave around, like the narrative in a Virginia Woolf novel.  Odd chordal moments occur, the perfect flat 5 or minor to major adjust.  And even weird time signatures, like on the track “Middle Cyclone,” which has this dropped beat that throws off the waltzing sway that you want to hear.  Was cool to hear that live, with Hogan playing the music box. And that’s not to mention all the odd lyrical moments: losing fingers in the cannery, killer whales chomping on a thigh, hating the rain, etc. 

Between song banter was off the hook – Hogan hamming it up with Kiss Alive innuendo and general hilariousness.

The new material she played was solid – a couple played during the encore that were heart melting. Can’t wait for another record.