Jason Creps
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Midday Show host Cheryl Waters, is “People Got a Lotta Nerve” by Neko Case from her brand new album Middle Cyclone on Anti-Records.
For such a strong and independent solo artist, Neko Case found her voice very quickly, after spending only a few years in Canadian cuddlecore bands like Cub and Maow. Ever since, it’s been hard not to like anything new from the alt-country legend. Early listens to Middle Cyclone, her first studio album in over three years, reveal a fresh new take on Neko’s signature sound. The new album, though, was recorded mostly on the familiar ground of Tucson’s Wave Lab studio, where she also recorded Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, and with long-time producer Darryl Neudorf. The cast of contributors is also a returning lineup inlcuding Garth Hudson of The Band, members of The Sadies, Visqueen, The New Pornographers, and others. Recent dueter, M. Ward, makes an appearance, and for perhaps the first time for such a purpose, a piano-only orchestra in a barn, where she completed the recording. It’s obvious she wanted something different here. This cool video shows her unique take on recording the new album, including footage of her playing inside the barn full of free pianos, each of which she names:
KEXP was fortunate to host an early performance just over a week ago when Neko Case performed an exclusive set for KEXP’s VIP Club members. If you missed her then, 2009 will be filled with plenty of touring for her and her band, including the wonderful Kelly Hogan. Stay in touch through her website and MySpace page, and be sure to pick up Middle Cyclone when it’s released on March 3rd.
By the way, today is the last day that you can help Neko and Anti- Records support Best Friends Animal Society. As we mentioned before, for every blog that reposts this new song, “People Got A Lotta Nerve,” they will donate $5, and $1 for every iLike user who adds the song to their profile. There’s still time: go here for details.
