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Neko Case — Things That Scare Me
Album: Blacklisted
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2216









Released: 2002
Length: 2:25
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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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
Comments (254)add comment
That voice. Gawd damn
Posted 1 month ago by RickRickerson    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:

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..."

Who are the murderers?

Posted 7 months ago by iloveradio    [ Reply ]
 RParadise wrote:

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
Posted 8 months ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
Did I mention she can do no wrong? Yes. Yes I did. 
Posted 9 months ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
i like this. but i feel like most of her songs could be just one song, they sound so similar. 
Posted 10 months ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
What I said three years ago. She can do no wrong. 
Posted 1 year ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
The story behind the name of the album.

The Time A Topless Neko Case Got Banned from the Opry

Posted 1 year ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
 luminousjune wrote:
I can see what you're saying. lkbooth71 wrote:
Meh. Could be-ish. 

Posted 1 year ago by Signwrtr61    [ Reply ]
Saw her twice in concert Missoula MT 2014 and 2017,  great shows! 
Posted 1 year ago by chugachskier    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

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.
Posted 1 year ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
 siqbal wrote:

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.
Posted 1 year ago by birdman42    [ Reply ]
She's just awesome.
Posted 2 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
There should be an app that awards a 9 (at least) to any Neko Case track. 
Posted 2 years ago by reallylost    [ Reply ]
One of the best voices in music, IMO.  "Voice like a flamethrower", I heard someone say!  Hell yes.
Posted 4 years ago by stretcher    [ Reply ]
She can do no wrong. Thank you Bill!
Posted 4 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
Love the cover art...
Posted 4 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]

Released in 2002, with this line:

The hammer clicks in place
The world's gonna pay

 

Prescient.

Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 6 years ago by RParadise    [ Reply ]
I'm crazy nuts for this song! Haunted/ hunted by the American Dream!
Posted 6 years ago by ri_shelton    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 7 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
 chinaski wrote:
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.
Posted 7 years ago by gubbin    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 8 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite Neko Case songs
Posted 8 years ago by Kassbomb    [ Reply ]
Just Great Stuff!
Posted 8 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
Brilliant. Love the mandolins and fiddle. Sounds like Appalachia folk music.
Posted 8 years ago by IndyDoug    [ Reply ]
Love that scary edge that Neko brings to her songs.
Posted 8 years ago by siqbal    [ Reply ]
 Reweth wrote:
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.
Posted 9 years ago by olivertwist    [ Reply ]
Music great, singing not. 
Posted 10 years ago by robin_at_domani    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 10 years ago by Reweth    [ Reply ]
At least it was pretty short.
Posted 11 years ago by jbunniii    [ Reply ]

beautiful song...  sigh...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Wow - I can't believe I haven't rated this one yet!  An easy 8
Posted 11 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
That is one scary little ditty, that is.
Posted 11 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
Nice.
Posted 11 years ago by CopyrightX    [ Reply ]
Hey Bill: Thanks, Thanks a lot.
Posted 11 years ago by rscherm    [ Reply ]

This song is soooo good it puts a spring in my step this spring night...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
"Seriously honey, we'll get the boys at Midas to take a look at it."
Posted 11 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
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...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Nice segue, Bill...Neko Case: Things that scare me - Hey Rosetta's Young Glass!!
Posted 12 years ago by meinthecorner    [ Reply ]
 Flipmode wrote:
{#Sick} Her voice hurts my ears. 
 
Not me...wish I had surround sound headphones on right now... 
Posted 12 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
 Flipmode wrote:
{#Sick} Her voice hurts my ears. 
 
Perhaps you need some new ears... 
Posted 12 years ago by drsteevo    [ Reply ]
{#Sick} Her voice hurts my ears. 
Posted 12 years ago by Flipmode    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:

Birth Of An Album: In The Studio With Neko Case


From NPR.
 
Thanks for that.
Posted 12 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
 Tamster wrote:
Wonderful song to send me off to sleep !
 
If you want nightmares, maybe. :)


Posted 12 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
Neko put on a wonderful show here in Richmond week before last.

She performed this song beautifully. 
Posted 12 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
Wonderful song to send me off to sleep !
Posted 12 years ago by Tamster    [ Reply ]
Oh, my, this is so very good.
Posted 12 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
Neko at her finest. Warming my spirits on a chilly Sydney winter's morn. Thanks.
Posted 12 years ago by Robbiem65    [ Reply ]
Great tune.  Hey I think I beat Romeotuna this time.
Posted 12 years ago by Darbuka88    [ Reply ]

Birth Of An Album: In The Studio With Neko Case


From NPR.

Posted 12 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 12 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Welcome to the Romeotuma shrine for Neko Case!  I do, however, feel the same way...I must admit.
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Swoon.
Posted 12 years ago by chelsiaann    [ Reply ]
Her voice gets me..it is so very beautiful
Posted 12 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
 

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
Posted 12 years ago by philinnz    [ Reply ]
 barbaraporto wrote:
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!
Posted 12 years ago by inindian    [ Reply ]
Could you recommend other songs (or albums) by this artist?
Posted 12 years ago by barbaraporto    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 12 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
Freaking awesome
Posted 12 years ago by Cowboyslikeus    [ Reply ]
Weird, sounds like straight from the 70s
Posted 12 years ago by thediceareloaded    [ Reply ]
as is w/ most of Neko's tunes , lovely...(except that horrible thing w/ Nick Cave)
Posted 12 years ago by neuticle    [ Reply ]
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...
 
 


Posted 12 years ago by photolew    [ Reply ]
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.

Posted 12 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
 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?

Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
tuma, yes!
neko, yes yes yes.
Her voice somehow judges me and calls me at the same time
Posted 12 years ago by mcYammer    [ Reply ]
Her voice is ethereal.
Posted 12 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 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!
{#Sunny}

Posted 13 years ago by pdjpirate    [ Reply ]
 TerryS wrote:
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.

Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

Hell, she could stand on me any day {#Hearteyes}
 

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?

Posted 13 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 misterbearbaby wrote:
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 {#Hearteyes}
Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 13 years ago by misterbearbaby    [ Reply ]
 Sjaaks 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... {#Mrgreen}
 
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!

Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 gypsyman wrote:
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... {#Mrgreen}
Posted 13 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
What's not to like?


Posted 13 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
 rbigelo wrote:
INCREDIBLE songwriter. BRILLIANT voice.
 
Absolutely! On both accounts.

Posted 13 years ago by grungepuppy    [ Reply ]
And love Neko Case
 
Posted 13 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
INCREDIBLE songwriter. BRILLIANT voice.
Posted 13 years ago by rbigelo    [ Reply ]
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.) {#Daisy}
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 daveesh wrote:
for those who think neko's a poseur, you might want to read this interview. 
 
Really funny stuff.

Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


This song is soooo good for the ears...

 
 
...and reaches my soul at the moment...

Posted 13 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
 daveesh wrote:
for those who think neko's a poseur, you might want to read this interview. 
 
ok, that made my day.
Posted 13 years ago by dogpound    [ Reply ]
 RadioDoc wrote:
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.

Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Neko Case and Giliian Welsh the two finest singers/songwriters in this genre
I'm in love with both of them.
 
Posted 13 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
 daveesh wrote:
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.
Posted 13 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Folk me! I love her voice.
Posted 13 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
 oldslabsides wrote:
Neko could barf her lunch and it would still be at least an eight.
 
That's what she's been doing all along, right?
Posted 13 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
 Foot wrote:
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
Posted 14 years ago by Mosay    [ Reply ]
OK tune but clearly rips Quicksilver's "Shady Grove," a far superior song.
Posted 14 years ago by Foot    [ Reply ]
 oldslabsides wrote:
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.


Posted 14 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
 oldslabsides wrote:
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. {#Embarassed}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 oldslabsides wrote:
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

Posted 14 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
Neko could barf her lunch and it would still be at least an eight.
Posted 14 years ago by Red_Dragon    [ Reply ]
I just wished that I discovered Neko earlier. . . LOVE this whole CD!
Posted 14 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
Carries on the great tradition of female American folk singers, and with great style and talent at that.
Posted 14 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
for those who think neko's a poseur, you might want to read this interview. 
Posted 14 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
 JavaJones wrote:
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.

Posted 14 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 15 years ago by JavaJones    [ Reply ]
 nimesay wrote:
Oh RadioDoc I dont like her music either (even though she is critically acclaimed).  She annoys me.
 
That's it! You're Blacklisted! {#Wink}

Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 alux wrote:
Most of this comment thread is juvenile rubbish.  Neko is a star and the real deal.  
 

{#Clap} Totaly agree!
Posted 15 years ago by melmel    [ Reply ]
Most of this comment thread is juvenile rubbish.  Neko is a star and the real deal.  
Posted 15 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
 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!
Posted 15 years ago by lathyris    [ Reply ]
This truly is a fabulous song.
Posted 15 years ago by rvontha    [ Reply ]
Im in loooooooooooooove with her!!!!!!!!

Posted 15 years ago by salide    [ Reply ]
 RadioDoc wrote:
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.

Posted 15 years ago by nimesay    [ Reply ]
 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.{#Think}
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
The more of Neko Case I hear, the more of a fan I become. 
Posted 15 years ago by Bridieboo    [ Reply ]
 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

Posted 15 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
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.


Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
 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.


Posted 15 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
 Moonman1 wrote:
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.

Posted 16 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
Heard Neko live.  This is pure unadulterated nonsense.   

 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.
 


Posted 16 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by Exene    [ Reply ]
Neko. Live. The Hideout, where she once bartended, last weekend.

ahhhhhhhh.
Posted 16 years ago by KitKat    [ Reply ]
I really like Neko Case. I think her edge comes from the way they mike her vocals. This is her distinction.
Posted 16 years ago by Moonman1    [ Reply ]

Nice segue from Calexico... very nice{#Dancingbanana_2}

 

Posted 16 years ago by DownHomeGirl    [ Reply ]
Aw, she's good. Really good. But better than Dylan? If you mean Jakob, then I'll agree. 

Posted 16 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
Neko always has great lyrics.
Posted 16 years ago by ca1vinandhobbes    [ Reply ]
Neko, YAY!
Posted 16 years ago by peyotecoyote    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by Koan    [ Reply ]