unfinished symphonies

This is the most complex album Neko Case has done. Her lyrics, which have always leaned toward obscure personal references, have never been more allegorical. Her music, which showcases elements of country, pop, folk, rockabilly and soul, has never been more multi-layered. My problem with this record is that just when I begin to settle into a song, tap my toes, bob my head...the song is over. The title track, "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood," mines Neko's particular brand of darkly twisting country pop, with some eerie guitar work by Giant Sand man Howe Gelb. But just as the song doubles back on itself and begins to repeat a theme, it's done. The same could be said of "Dirty Knife." Just as it builds into an eerie, murderous folk ballad (with help from Calexico's Joey Burns and John Convertino), the song ends. "Lion's Jaws" sighs and sways like a romantic `60s pop ballad, but just as you begin to sway with it, the song's through.

What the world has been waiting for...

First off, this cd is far from being "predictable and formulaic" as one reviewer stated... this is actually quite original, this is the work of someone very focused and going for something quite unique while still following a trusty muse, it's actually hard to describe at times, this cd varies from song to song... it's a collection of stories built on top of some gorgeous voices and simply amazing instrumentation, the keys for example played by the one and only Garth Hudson are very very cool, the guitar playing is immaculate throughout and adds many shades of color to these very hummable and memorable songs and don't get me started on the vocals. It's a strange record at times in the way that Abbey road is [no Mean Mr. Mustard cover tho... damn] kinda hard to place at first, until the emotional impact creeps up on you, always when you least expect it and you might want to cry... it's that good, better than Blacklisted I think... but then again this is a differn't beast and should not be compared.... this is a major mark for her, please get it so you can get it.

Intrepid, Power Incarnate.......

This album encompasses what I've been longing to hear in an album for the last 10 years at least. Words, music, everything. Good lord! I'd love to spend one hour in the studio with this artist. The sounds on this recording are so big, so real, so un-compressed, so vivid, and alive. This record is a current example of what music can be, could be, should be. Music that gets in your spinal fluid, and then, unapologetically imbeds itself into your brain, heart, and any other pertinent vital organ. This album is a creation of sound that makes you remember why you fell in love with music to begin with. "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood" is sonic beauty and creativity incarnate. When you listen to this CD, let yourself listen.