Neko Case
The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You
Anti

It's been four years since Case's last album, the masterful Middle Cyclone. The new album can stand comfortably next to it.

Case has a long career, both as a solo artist and a New Pornographer amongst other things. She has that distinctive voice and uses it to its full advantage here. "Man", the first single, is a strident study in gender confusion and strong intent. It's also a hit in a fairer universe. "I'm From Nowhere" laments 'welcome to this dirty business'. Case reflects on the past with a great deal of humor and insight. It's a countrified yet modern song. "Calling Cards" is a soft yet urgent song with a world-weary sigh for a vocal and a mood only Case could evoke. The cover of Nico's dolorous "Afraid" says, 'you are beautiful and you are alone'. It's wonderfully apt for this extraordinary record. Case has made one of the records of the year.

Copyright © 2013 Anna Maria Stjärnell