The Virginian

Neko Case

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 10, 1998)
• Original Release Date: July 29, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Bloodshot Records
• ASIN: B000006171
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #123,663 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Timber

2. Bowling Green

3. Jettison

4. High on Cruel

5. Karoline

6. Lonely Old Lies

7. Honky Tonk Hiccups

8. Virginian

9. Duchess

10. Thanks a Lot

11. Somebody Led Me Away

12. Misfire

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

What Neko Case lacks in polish and subtlety, she more than makes up for with urgency, authority, and plain, old spunk. Her irresistible originals blend twangy hooks, direct lyrics, and an implied, rather than explicit edge. Stark, brooding weepers such as "Jettison" and "Lonely Old Lies" accompany the perky country-pop of "High on Cruel" and the mysterious anti- gospel of the title track. She adds these originals to covers that range from the Everly Brothers, Ernest Tubb, and Loretta Lynn to Scott Walker and Queen. All the while, steel guitars and mandolins softly accent the proceedings. Much of what’s dubbed alternative country is simply alt-rock with country instruments or country music played at high decibels. Case & Her Boyfriends actually create a true fusion of styles. --Marc Greilsamer

Product Description

Neko Case's solo debut is a delightful collection of heartfelt originals and vibrant covers ranging from traditional country fare (Ernest Tubb's "Thanks a Lot," Loretta Lynn's "Somebody Led Me Away") to more eclectic material (Scott Walker's "Duchess"). The highlight is a rip-snorting rendition of the Everly Brothers' "Bowling Green," a duet with Zumpano's Carl Newman. Bloodshot Records. 1998.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Neko Case--The Virginian, March 13, 2004

By	"stormy3" (Austin) - See all my reviews

There is almost a subgenre of "The next Patsy Clines" and Neko Case falls into that category. She sounds like Mandy Barnett backed by Faithless Street era Whiskeytown. This album is rather like stepping back into a time warp, when music had twang and women had attitude.
The album starts with the mellow two step of "Timber," about falling in love. Next Carl Newman turns up to help with a cover fo the classic "Bowling Green." "Jettison" is a darkly, beautiful stately waltz. Case jumps back into full swing mode for the hillarious break up tune "High On Cruel," complete with back-up vocals from sister Carolyn Mark. "Karoline" is another uptempo two-stepper about the queen of the barroom and the women who want to be her. "Lonely Old Lies" feels like a classic cover, but it was written by Case herself for this album. "Honkey Tonk Hiccups" is another song you will swear she pulled off an album from the 1960's. However, the most stunning track is the title track. "The Virginian" is a haunting melody that sounds more like a Childe ballad than something from the 20th century. This sets up perfectly for her amazing cover of "Duchess." Then she turns back onto a lighter track with her fun loving cover of Ernest Tubbs "Thanks a Lot." She closes the album with a pair of georgous covers, from opposite sides of the love scheme, "Somebody Lead Me Away" and "Misfire."
This is an album of pure, unadulterated, pretty good girl barroom funm, smart mouthed and big shouldered--in that way she is more akin to Loretta Lynn as opposed to Patsy Cline. But definately a heavy dose of old school country with old school attitude.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keep Coming Back For More, February 22, 2000

By	Harold Mann (Long Island) - See all my reviews

I can't keep this great record off my CD player. The songs, the singing, and the playing are all great. After two years, I still find this music fresh. Case has some great songs, especially the weepy "Lonely Old Lies", and her band really can play. Check out the 2nd voice and harmony vocals; they blend so well with Case's vocals; sometimes it's hard to tell who's singing.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Big voice, good tunes, November 26, 2002

By	"jbesanko" (Crofton, MD United States) - See all my reviews

There doesn't seem to be much middle ground with Neko Case's reviewers here--they either love her or they just don't get it. It took a few listens for me, but this album is definitely a winner. She initially won me over with a cover of a favorite Everly Brothers tune ("Bowling Green"), but after a few listens I was equally enamored of "Honky Tonk Hiccups," "Karoline," "Thanks A Lot" and "Timber." All the songs are strong, although I clearly favor the up-tempo numbers. This is the kind of "country" music that simply doesn't come out of Nashville any more (if it ever did). Highly recommended.