Neko Case @ the Ogden, 5-30-09

Neko Case sounded amazing as always, although maybe I've gotten a little spoiled by her past performances. I wanted more songs, a longer set, and (no fault of Neko's) a better crowd. Songs from the new album sounded great next to her older tunes, and I continue to love Kelly Hogan and her perfect vocal foil to Neko with all my heart.

Back to the fans... when the venue is not seated, and the show is sold out, please fans, make an effort to let people in. Try to make room, not enemies. Nobody wins when a few folks guard their personal space with rudeness while others are left with no option to fit in the theater. Security staff made matters worse instead of better, and left me wondering why 30,000 youngsters at the Sasquatch Festival could behave better than a thousand or so NPR- listening 40 year olds.

Denver, you can do better.

Friday night with M. Ward?

Personally, I can't be persuaded to shell out a lot of dough ($48.50 before Ticketmaster extortion fees) to see M. Ward open for Norah Jones tomorrow at Red Rocks.

That said, my love for M. Ward remains undiminished. I'd love to see him on a solo tour. Or on a tour with special friends who are, ahem, more to my liking than Ms. Jones.

His recent appearance on Conan rocked my world. Neko! Kelly Hogan! Jim James! All together for the wonderful "Chinese Translation".

Neko Case - Sasquatch 5-26-07

Good golly I love Neko and so happy to see Kelly Hogan looking and sounding beautiful on the main stage. A short set, and we missed her bassist who suffered broken ribs in a car accident and could not perform. Neko and Kelly sang beautifully and left me wanting more. I could have used more songs from Blacklisted but was thrilled to hear Set Out Running... every time I see her she sings it, and every time I get goosebumps.

Two special notes to Neko: please please play Whip the Blankets live. I love it. Seriously. Also, you rocked the plaid shorts!