Neko Case, live in DSM!

Today, instead of an album review, I have a concert review. Joy!

On Tuesday, I was lucky enough to go see Neko Case in concert. The opening band was a group called Giant Sand; they were probably very interesting guys but the allure of fresh air and wine was too much for me. The concrete steps at Hoyt Sherman were pretty nice, too.

Neko Case and her band came out without much fanfare, but put on a pretty good show. She opened with "The Tigers Have Spoken" from the album of the same name. The setlist had some tracks from Blacklisted and Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, as well as some new songs from an album to be released next year. (I don't remember the name of the album but it did seem somewhat clever.) Neko and her band seemed to be in good spirits, as she joked with Kelly Hogan (her backup vocalist) and some of the musicians between songs. (Maybe I should say high spirits, but the mood was jovial in any event.) The new songs were pretty strong and incorporated the drums to an extent that the back catalogue did not; I'll be eager to get this album when it shows up in stores or wherever. Neko and her band sounded great; her voice is every bit as strong live as it is recorded.

My only gripes about this show were that I forgot my camera (photography wasn't allowed, anyway), the somewhat tepid opening band, and the cool temperatures in the theater. Also, I am of the opinion that Kelly Hogan is far too talented to be a backup singer and sidekick. Overall, I'm very happy about the show, and I can only hope that Neko and her band will come through my city or at least within driving distance again someday soon.

In Other News:
I don't know if being tired is making me depressed, or being depressed is making me tired, but I could use a hug and a nap today. The American Analog Set isn't helping, either.

This weekend is going to be crazy. I guess it's really just Saturday, but dang.