Women of Country - Album Reviews

Album Review

Neko Case
The Tigers Have Spoken
Anti Records

Neko Case has one of those classic, timeless country voices that will have you thinking of the legends like Patsy Cline. The Tigers Have Spoken is a bit of an oddity. It’s a live album but it doesn’t spend much time looking back on her exceptional previous studio records. Instead, this record finds Case covering some of her favorite songs, performing some brand new material, and touching only briefly on only one song from her previously released albums.

Case has never turned away from tackling different musical styles, placing herself firmly in the alt-country realm and eliminating any chance at mainstream success in the process. This is clearly on display on the excellent new track “If You Knew” which opens the album. This song sounds like the crossing of Patsy Cline country soul and a modern alt-country rock leaning band. Case’s vocal delivery demands attention at all times. From the first few notes of that song you’re hooked and taken on a ride through the rest of this concert. The rock favored original “The Tigers Have Spoken” is also excellent. There is even an old favorite titled “Favorite” which originally appeared on one of Case’s rare Canadian only albums.

The version of “Blacklisted” which appears here is great and makes you wish that they had added a little bit to this very short (the album only runs 35 minutes) and included some more live versions of previously recorded songs.

There are some great cover song choices here as well. Case tackles Loretta Lynn’s 70’s tune “Rated X” and makes it her own. She also performs “Hex” which was originally a Freakwater tune, Shangri-La’s “Train From Kansas City” and others. It’s difficult for any artist to cover this type of variety of songs but Case handles the challenge with apparent ease.

The Tigers Have Spoken should leave Neko Case fans clamoring for more from this talented Canadian singer-songwriter and they won’t have to wait long. There are plans for a new studio album sometime during the spring of this year and after the exceptional Blacklisted and this solid live record there can only be good things coming. The Tigers Have Spoken is a worthwhile addition to any country music fans collection.

Album Review by Jeff Krasky

The WOC Rating Scale

The album stands above the rest. This is a record that every country music fan needs to have in their collection.

This album is better than the average release. A strong record with some flaws that keep it from reaching that 5 star level.

This album is an average country release. Doesn't posses qualities that make it stand out among all the other albums out there.

A weak record that lacks solid songs or good vocal performances. Sample before you buy.

This record is a bargin-bin reject that just isn't worth the time or the money. Completely misses the mark.