Neko Case and her Boyfriends
The Virginian
Bloodshot
I would hate to curse the label with this analogy, but what Sub Pop did to “grunge,” Bloodshot is doing to whatever you want to call that new alternative country stuff. Not only are they instrumental in defining the sound of the movement, but they carefully comb through it and select only the best.
Neko Case (from Canada) has a wonderful voice: deep, rich with a fantastic range and a unique personality, the kind of voice that starts scuffles during ballads. The songs range in tempo, but Case’s intent is clear: “have a good time.” Aching torchers like “Lonely Old Lies,” the boogie lament of the “Honky Tonk Hiccups,” or the opening swaggering shuffle of “Timber” are all tracks that showcase Case’s emotive pipes. “Duchess” is not the Boss Hog cover I was hoping it would be, however… Bloodshot Records, 912 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL 60613
