Recorded on August 9, 2003, Neko Case’s appearance on Austin City Limits is obviously a bit late to hit the stores, and of course, showcases earlier material. It only features one song, “Maybe Sparrow," off her latest album, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, instead concentrating on covers and material from Case’s older albums, all of which are performed with the usual cast of characters that she has taken on the road the past few years (Jon Rauhouse, Tom V. Ray, Kelly Hogan). True to form, this performance doesn’t feature any gimmicks; on display are Case’s signature vocals, mixed with the wizardry of Rauhouse on pedal steel, guitar, and banjo, providing simple yet inspiring takes of “Ghost Wiring,” “Furnace Room Lullaby,” and “In California,” among others.
The only surprise, aside from Case wearing a dress, is the unreleased “Behind the House,” which would have fit nicely on last year’s Fox Confessor. It’s a classic song about warning and loss, one that could carry a future studio release; heck, it arguably steals the show on this DVD. What other gems are you hiding from us, Neko?
