Neko Case — Things That Scare Me
Album: BlacklistedAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2122
Length: 2:24
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Fluorescent lights engage
Blackbirds frying on a wire
Same birds that followed me to school when I was young
Were they trying to tell me something?
Were they telling me to run?
The hammer clicks in place
The world's gonna pay
Right down in the face of God and his saints
Claim your soul's not for sale
I'm a dying breed who still believes
Haunted by American dreams
Haunted by American dreams
Blackbirds frying on a wire
Same birds that followed me to school when I was young
Were they trying to tell me something?
Were they telling me to run?
The hammer clicks in place
The world's gonna pay
Right down in the face of God and his saints
Claim your soul's not for sale
I'm a dying breed who still believes
Haunted by American dreams
Haunted by American dreams
Comments (254)add comment
RParadise wrote:
Personally, I love the banjos
The instrumentation on this song is overdone. The banjo is unnecessary and only repeats itself without changes or adding anything the guitars haven't already done. That voice, however, makes up for an awful lot.
Personally, I love the banjos
Things That Scare Me, 2/16/2024: Hearing this haunting masterpiece, reading today's extremely unsettling news of the world...
"When The True King's Murderers are allowed to roam free
A thousand magicians arise in the land..."
"When The True King's Murderers are allowed to roam free
A thousand magicians arise in the land..."
Did I mention she can do no wrong? Yes. Yes I did. 
i like this. but i feel like most of her songs could be just one song, they sound so similar.
What I said three years ago. She can do no wrong.
luminousjune wrote:
I can see what you're saying. 
lkbooth71 wrote:
Meh. Could be-ish. lkbooth71 wrote:
Saw her twice in concert Missoula MT 2014 and 2017, great shows!
unclehud wrote:
Unfortunately, you are correct. Last month there were three mass shooting in CA alone in four weeks. BARELY COVERED BY THE NEWS. But I know what Kanye said at dinner. The rest of the world is right to question our sanity.
Released in 2002, with this line:
The hammer clicks in place
The world's gonna pay
Prescient.
Unfortunately, you are correct. Last month there were three mass shooting in CA alone in four weeks. BARELY COVERED BY THE NEWS. But I know what Kanye said at dinner. The rest of the world is right to question our sanity.
siqbal wrote:
So true. And she manages to pair these ominous lyrics with really lovely melodies. Star Witness is a prime example.
Love that scary edge that Neko brings to her songs.
So true. And she manages to pair these ominous lyrics with really lovely melodies. Star Witness is a prime example.
She's just awesome.
There should be an app that awards a 9 (at least) to any Neko Case track.
One of the best voices in music, IMO. "Voice like a flamethrower", I heard someone say! Hell yes.
She can do no wrong. Thank you Bill!
Love the cover art...
Released in 2002, with this line:
The hammer clicks in place
The world's gonna pay
Prescient.
The instrumentation on this song is overdone. The banjo is unnecessary and only repeats itself without changes or adding anything the guitars haven't already done. That voice, however, makes up for an awful lot.
I'm crazy nuts for this song! Haunted/ hunted by the American Dream!
One day Neko...you and me...one day. *sigh*
This'll be my last post on RP from my Dallas residence as later this week I take a long drive and occupy a new residence in McLean, Va. where I once lived decades ago during the mid 70's- late 80's. Hello northern Virginia, hello D.C. ....I'm baaaaaack!!! Hey, where'd HardArt and D.C. Space and the Ontario go? And 9:30 is now in the former WUST Hall? Who rearranged the furniture? In pairing down for this move I had to toss hundreds of old original WGTB and WHFS and WDCU broadcast recordings on cassette. Oh well.
This'll be my last post on RP from my Dallas residence as later this week I take a long drive and occupy a new residence in McLean, Va. where I once lived decades ago during the mid 70's- late 80's. Hello northern Virginia, hello D.C. ....I'm baaaaaack!!! Hey, where'd HardArt and D.C. Space and the Ontario go? And 9:30 is now in the former WUST Hall? Who rearranged the furniture? In pairing down for this move I had to toss hundreds of old original WGTB and WHFS and WDCU broadcast recordings on cassette. Oh well.
chinaski wrote:
Oh gawd they give a great show. Not a one of them gives a poot, they're just having fun sharing tunes with the audience. Laura's gonna chirp, k.d. is all about the belting (she tracked down Patsy Cline's old producer for her best album) and Neko has no fucks (or boyfriends) left to give.
I got to see the Case Lang Veirs concert here in Dallas two weeks ago. They performed their album interspersed with some of their own individual tracks.I had no idea that kd lang could belt out tunes like that. Three encores too. I dunno who had more fun that night, they up on stage or we in the audience.
Oh gawd they give a great show. Not a one of them gives a poot, they're just having fun sharing tunes with the audience. Laura's gonna chirp, k.d. is all about the belting (she tracked down Patsy Cline's old producer for her best album) and Neko has no fucks (or boyfriends) left to give.
I got to see the Case Lang Veirs concert here in Dallas two weeks ago. They performed their album interspersed with some of their own individual tracks.I had no idea that kd lang could belt out tunes like that. Three encores too. I dunno who had more fun that night, they up on stage or we in the audience.
One of my favorite Neko Case songs
Just Great Stuff!
Brilliant. Love the mandolins and fiddle. Sounds like Appalachia folk music.
Love that scary edge that Neko brings to her songs.
Reweth wrote:
It's one of those great RP segues, worth repeating - and it is right now.
Oh wow, following the Grapes of Wrath's "All the things I wasn't" with this was uncannily perfect. That last strum of the GoW with the first strum of Neko. It was jarring, but worked perfectly!
It's one of those great RP segues, worth repeating - and it is right now.
Music great, singing not.
Oh wow, following the Grapes of Wrath's "All the things I wasn't" with this was uncannily perfect. That last strum of the GoW with the first strum of Neko. It was jarring, but worked perfectly!
At least it was pretty short.
beautiful song... sigh...
Wow - I can't believe I haven't rated this one yet! An easy 8
That is one scary little ditty, that is.
Nice.
Hey Bill: Thanks, Thanks a lot.
This song is soooo good it puts a spring in my step this spring night...
"Seriously honey, we'll get the boys at Midas to take a look at it."
ziakut wrote:
I still want Neko Case to have my baby...
Welcome to the Romeotuma shrine for Neko Case! I do, however, feel the same way...I must admit.
I still want Neko Case to have my baby...
Nice segue, Bill...Neko Case: Things that scare me - Hey Rosetta's Young Glass!!
Flipmode wrote:
Her voice hurts my ears.
Not me...wish I had surround sound headphones on right now...
Her voice hurts my ears. Not me...wish I had surround sound headphones on right now...
Flipmode wrote: Her voice hurts my ears.
Perhaps you need some new ears...
Her voice hurts my ears. Perhaps you need some new ears...
Her voice hurts my ears. Tamster wrote:
If you want nightmares, maybe. :)
Wonderful song to send me off to sleep !
If you want nightmares, maybe. :)
Neko put on a wonderful show here in Richmond week before last.
She performed this song beautifully.
She performed this song beautifully.
Wonderful song to send me off to sleep !
Oh, my, this is so very good.
Neko at her finest. Warming my spirits on a chilly Sydney winter's morn. Thanks.
Great tune. Hey I think I beat Romeotuna this time.
I love how she starts this thing like a Dylan tune, then it's bluegrassy, like Shady Grove, but she does things almost no one else can do with that ethereal and very sultry voice of hers...plus, the lyrics she writes; whoah! — Haunted by an American Dream INDEED!
Welcome to the Romeotuma shrine for Neko Case! I do, however, feel the same way...I must admit.
Swoon.
Her voice gets me..it is so very beautiful
romeotuma wrote:
Love this song... love Neko Case... sigh...
didn't you already tell us this 20 times! I do agree with you though, but not 20 times
barbaraporto wrote:
Who me? Oh, OK! Her album "Fox Confessor Brings The Flood" is a stand-out. Not a dull track on that one!
Could you recommend other songs (or albums) by this artist?
Who me? Oh, OK! Her album "Fox Confessor Brings The Flood" is a stand-out. Not a dull track on that one!
Could you recommend other songs (or albums) by this artist?
Proclivities wrote:
I don't think that would "limit" her audience - it would theoretically expand it. Most adult fans are already inflamed by her.
Most notably men who write comments in green.
And in black also.
I don't think that would "limit" her audience - it would theoretically expand it. Most adult fans are already inflamed by her.
Most notably men who write comments in green.
And in black also.
Freaking awesome
Weird, sounds like straight from the 70s
as is w/ most of Neko's tunes , lovely...(except that horrible thing w/ Nick Cave)
Couldn't agree more
romeotuma wrote:
This song is soooo beautiful... just like Neko and her angelic voice... I love her... I love this song...
romeotuma wrote:
This song is soooo beautiful... just like Neko and her angelic voice... I love her... I love this song...
Saw her perform in a small venue here in the Capital of Canada two nights ago (Dec. 7, 2011). She is a ballsy, kick-ass lady, with amazing vocal control. But she needs to expand her vocal range. Scream and whisper a bit, Neko.
romeotuma wrote:
This is such an incredible song... I have 16 people in my hotel room right now, and they all stopped chattering and asked me to turn up the volume... love it...
Did you send the 17th person out for beverages?
This is such an incredible song... I have 16 people in my hotel room right now, and they all stopped chattering and asked me to turn up the volume... love it...
Did you send the 17th person out for beverages?
tuma, yes!
neko, yes yes yes.
Her voice somehow judges me and calls me at the same time
neko, yes yes yes.
Her voice somehow judges me and calls me at the same time
Her voice is ethereal.
romeotuma wrote:
This is such an incredible song... I have 16 people in my hotel room right now, and they all stopped chattering and asked me to turn up the volume... love it...
Been following your party from afar via RP...sounds like a blow out! DITTO ON NEKO!
This is such an incredible song... I have 16 people in my hotel room right now, and they all stopped chattering and asked me to turn up the volume... love it...
Been following your party from afar via RP...sounds like a blow out! DITTO ON NEKO!
TerryS wrote:
I don't think that would "limit" her audience - it would theoretically expand it. Most adult fans are already inflamed by her.
I saw her interviewed on the topic of the cover and she said that the intent was to inflame the passions of a young men in their mid-teens. Now why would she have limited her audience to such wet-behind -the-ears guys?
I don't think that would "limit" her audience - it would theoretically expand it. Most adult fans are already inflamed by her.
fredriley wrote:
Hell, she could stand on me any day
I saw her interviewed on the topic of the cover and she said that the intent was to inflame the passions of a young men in their mid-teens. Now why would she have limited her audience to such wet-behind -the-ears guys?
Hell, she could stand on me any day
I saw her interviewed on the topic of the cover and she said that the intent was to inflame the passions of a young men in their mid-teens. Now why would she have limited her audience to such wet-behind -the-ears guys?
misterbearbaby wrote:
Hell, she could stand on me any day
Fine car too— I think it's a '67 (the 68's had front side marker lamps). Yeah, she could stand on my hood any day.
Hell, she could stand on me any day
cc_rider wrote:
You make a good point, but it is HER car after all. Not to mention the hood of that thing is thick as armor plate, she's not particularly zaftig, AND she's barefoot so as not to scratch the paint. No damage done, and it's a great pic that probably helped sell more CDs, which in turn allows her to restore more Mercurys!
Fine car too— I think it's a '67 (the 68's had front side marker lamps). Yeah, she could stand on my hood any day.
You make a good point, but it is HER car after all. Not to mention the hood of that thing is thick as armor plate, she's not particularly zaftig, AND she's barefoot so as not to scratch the paint. No damage done, and it's a great pic that probably helped sell more CDs, which in turn allows her to restore more Mercurys!
Fine car too— I think it's a '67 (the 68's had front side marker lamps). Yeah, she could stand on my hood any day.
Sjaaks wrote:
You make a good point, but it is HER car after all. Not to mention the hood of that thing is thick as armor plate, she's not particularly zaftig, AND she's barefoot so as not to scratch the paint. No damage done, and it's a great pic that probably helped sell more CDs, which in turn allows her to restore more Mercurys!
Well, if that was my Mercury, i wouldn't like her standing on the hood and swinging a sword like that. You can stand and swing your sword 5 meters away from that car as much as you like but you don't stand on a Mercury... ... ...in my very humble opinion of course... 
You make a good point, but it is HER car after all. Not to mention the hood of that thing is thick as armor plate, she's not particularly zaftig, AND she's barefoot so as not to scratch the paint. No damage done, and it's a great pic that probably helped sell more CDs, which in turn allows her to restore more Mercurys!
gypsyman wrote:
Well, if that was my Mercury, i wouldn't like her standing on the hood and swinging a sword like that. You can stand and swing your sword 5 meters away from that car as much as you like but you don't stand on a Mercury... ... ...in my very humble opinion of course...
What's not to like?
Well, if that was my Mercury, i wouldn't like her standing on the hood and swinging a sword like that. You can stand and swing your sword 5 meters away from that car as much as you like but you don't stand on a Mercury... ... ...in my very humble opinion of course...
What's not to like?
rbigelo wrote:
Absolutely! On both accounts.
INCREDIBLE songwriter. BRILLIANT voice.
Absolutely! On both accounts.
And love Neko Case
INCREDIBLE songwriter. BRILLIANT voice.
Sometimes, I just embrace Neko Case's voice and music, and other times, it drives me mad as a mudfly. Those soaring, ringing vocals don't even need backup music. Today, though, I wish she could just breathe her vocals and go for finesse over force...
I'll probably change my mind tomorrow (well, I'm a woman, so I'm allowed to change my mind as many times as I change my mind. And yes, I meant to word it that way.)
I'll probably change my mind tomorrow (well, I'm a woman, so I'm allowed to change my mind as many times as I change my mind. And yes, I meant to word it that way.)
daveesh wrote:
Really funny stuff.
for those who think neko's a poseur, you might want to read this interview.
Really funny stuff.
romeotuma wrote:
This song is soooo good for the ears...
...and reaches my soul at the moment...
This song is soooo good for the ears...
...and reaches my soul at the moment...
daveesh wrote:
ok, that made my day.
for those who think neko's a poseur, you might want to read this interview.
ok, that made my day.
RadioDoc wrote:
I wouldn't know; I guess I'll have to take your word for that scenario.
That may be true, but as a recording artist she's Friday night karaoke at a sleazy bar.
I wouldn't know; I guess I'll have to take your word for that scenario.
Neko Case and Giliian Welsh the two finest singers/songwriters in this genre
I'm in love with both of them.
I'm in love with both of them.
daveesh wrote:
"Yet there they are, all over the radio, jizzing saccharine all over you."
I love it.
I totally disagree with her, and I don't think her heavy-handed use of simpler effects makes her more legitimate, BUT the fact that she thinks it'd be dishonest and won't touch it, well, I can respect the position and strength of artistic conviction even if I don't agree with it.
for those who think neko's a poseur, you might want to read this interview.
"Yet there they are, all over the radio, jizzing saccharine all over you."
I love it.
I totally disagree with her, and I don't think her heavy-handed use of simpler effects makes her more legitimate, BUT the fact that she thinks it'd be dishonest and won't touch it, well, I can respect the position and strength of artistic conviction even if I don't agree with it.
Folk me! I love her voice.
oldslabsides wrote:
That's what she's been doing all along, right?
Neko could barf her lunch and it would still be at least an eight.
That's what she's been doing all along, right?
Foot wrote:
Shady Grove ripped off the English folk tune Matty Groves so all is well
OK tune but clearly rips Quicksilver's "Shady Grove," a far superior song.
Shady Grove ripped off the English folk tune Matty Groves so all is well
OK tune but clearly rips Quicksilver's "Shady Grove," a far superior song.
oldslabsides wrote:
LOL! Seriously, got a belly laugh out of that one - and I couldn't agree more.
Neko could barf her lunch and it would still be at least an eight.
LOL! Seriously, got a belly laugh out of that one - and I couldn't agree more.
oldslabsides wrote:
Um, well - I wouldn't actually go THAT far, but I get the sentiment, and I agree. I'm totally sick of "Deep Red Bells", but only because it haunts my dreams. She's got such a strong, confident voice, and a conviction that compels a listener to believe in whatever her subject...
I better shut up.
Neko could barf her lunch and it would still be at least an eight.
Um, well - I wouldn't actually go THAT far, but I get the sentiment, and I agree. I'm totally sick of "Deep Red Bells", but only because it haunts my dreams. She's got such a strong, confident voice, and a conviction that compels a listener to believe in whatever her subject...
I better shut up.
oldslabsides wrote:
yep. her voice resonates in a way that few others do
Neko could barf her lunch and it would still be at least an eight.
yep. her voice resonates in a way that few others do
Neko could barf her lunch and it would still be at least an eight.
I just wished that I discovered Neko earlier. . . LOVE this whole CD!
Carries on the great tradition of female American folk singers, and with great style and talent at that.
for those who think neko's a poseur, you might want to read this interview.
JavaJones wrote:
Thats Kelly Hogan.
A great singer with a lot of talent.
Saw her at Hardly, Strictly Bluegrass fest in San Fran this past weekend. Great live show! She's got *shockingly* red hair and the sun was behind her. Looked like her head was on fire. Sound wasn't the greatest, but she still came through nicely. Her "sidekick" backup singer is fantastic and very funny and cute as well.
Thats Kelly Hogan.
A great singer with a lot of talent.
Saw her at Hardly, Strictly Bluegrass fest in San Fran this past weekend. Great live show! She's got *shockingly* red hair and the sun was behind her. Looked like her head was on fire. Sound wasn't the greatest, but she still came through nicely. Her "sidekick" backup singer is fantastic and very funny and cute as well.
nimesay wrote:
That's it! You're Blacklisted!
Oh RadioDoc I dont like her music either (even though she is critically acclaimed). She annoys me.
That's it! You're Blacklisted!
alux wrote:
Totaly agree!
Most of this comment thread is juvenile rubbish. Neko is a star and the real deal.
Totaly agree!Most of this comment thread is juvenile rubbish. Neko is a star and the real deal.
nagsheadlocal wrote:
Heh - when I hear the phrase "she's got stage presence" I figure that translates out to "she's got a nice rack." So I hit the googles to see what she looks like and, well, don't do that at work, folks.
/not a hater, just don't care for her stuff
WOW! NO KIDDING!
But damn, does she ever have stage presence!
Heh - when I hear the phrase "she's got stage presence" I figure that translates out to "she's got a nice rack." So I hit the googles to see what she looks like and, well, don't do that at work, folks.
/not a hater, just don't care for her stuff
WOW! NO KIDDING!
But damn, does she ever have stage presence!
This truly is a fabulous song.
Im in loooooooooooooove with her!!!!!!!!
RadioDoc wrote:
Oh RadioDoc I dont like her music either (even though she is critically acclaimed). She annoys me.
That may be true, but as a recording artist she's Friday night karaoke at a sleazy bar.
Oh RadioDoc I dont like her music either (even though she is critically acclaimed). She annoys me.
RadioDoc wrote:
That may be true, but as a recording artist she's Friday night karaoke at a sleazy bar.
RadioDoc were you dumped once by a red haired beauty? Maybe that would explain you illogical tirades against this critically acclaimed artist.The more of Neko Case I hear, the more of a fan I become.
vandal wrote:
You should hear/see her live - she's got a set of pipes and that eerily captivating stage presence. . . an amazingly talented performer.
Heh - when I hear the phrase "she's got stage presence" I figure that translates out to "she's got a nice rack." So I hit the googles to see what she looks like and, well, don't do that at work, folks.
/not a hater, just don't care for her stuff
You should hear/see her live - she's got a set of pipes and that eerily captivating stage presence. . . an amazingly talented performer.
Heh - when I hear the phrase "she's got stage presence" I figure that translates out to "she's got a nice rack." So I hit the googles to see what she looks like and, well, don't do that at work, folks.
/not a hater, just don't care for her stuff
vandal wrote:
You should hear/see her live - she's got a set of pipes and that eerily captivating stage presence. . . an amazingly talented performer.
That may be true, but as a recording artist she's Friday night karaoke at a sleazy bar.
You should hear/see her live - she's got a set of pipes and that eerily captivating stage presence. . . an amazingly talented performer.
RadioDoc wrote:
So you agree that her 'edge' is technical tricks and studio processing and not from talent. Thank you. Some distinction. While this song isn't bad, most of her stuff is a put-on.
You should hear/see her live - she's got a set of pipes and that eerily captivating stage presence. . . an amazingly talented performer.
So you agree that her 'edge' is technical tricks and studio processing and not from talent. Thank you. Some distinction. While this song isn't bad, most of her stuff is a put-on.
You should hear/see her live - she's got a set of pipes and that eerily captivating stage presence. . . an amazingly talented performer.
Moonman1 wrote:
So you agree that her 'edge' is technical tricks and studio processing and not from talent. Thank you. Some distinction. While this song isn't bad, most of her stuff is a put-on.
I really like Neko Case. I think her edge comes from the way they mike her vocals. This is her distinction.
So you agree that her 'edge' is technical tricks and studio processing and not from talent. Thank you. Some distinction. While this song isn't bad, most of her stuff is a put-on.
Heard Neko live. This is pure unadulterated nonsense.
sfListener wrote:
sfListener wrote:
You nailed it, it's called reverb. It makes her sound all Patsy Cline retro, that's her gimmick. She uses phrasing that optimizes this effect, over and over. Without it (live) the voice sounds a bit thin and shrill. She does sound airbrushed and I think it prevents her from connecting on a personal level. Even her name sounds made up. Most here fawn over her and even though she's a spicy redhead, I usually mute.
The more I listen to her, the more I am blown away. Her solo stuff and with the New Pornographers is all just amazing. And yes, I agree with whomever posted it earlier - her voice is anything but shrill or thin. Go see her live and she will knock your socks off, I promise.
Neko. Live. The Hideout, where she once bartended, last weekend.
ahhhhhhhh.
ahhhhhhhh.
I really like Neko Case. I think her edge comes from the way they mike her vocals. This is her distinction.
Nice segue from Calexico... very nice
Aw, she's good. Really good. But better than Dylan? If you mean Jakob, then I'll agree. 
xkolibuul wrote:
I think Neko is very cool, but..."puts Dylan in his place"? What nonsense is that? Let's see her transform American folk music, and then you can get back to me.
I agree with you. While Neko isn't bad, I don't even think she's the best singer/songwriter of her day (that title goes to Patty Griffin for me), and I think she has a long way to go to reach the level of Dylan.
Neko always has great lyrics.
Neko, YAY!
daveesh wrote:
if you saw her performance on leno, she sings without reverb and there is absolutely nothing shrill about it.
Better yet, watch her 'live in austin' dvd. Totally unaffected and she sounds terrific.
Things That Scare Me, 2/16/2024: Hearing this haunting masterpiece, reading today's extremely unsettling news of the world...
"When The True King's Murderers are allowed to roam free
A thousand magicians arise in the land..."