Case File #8: "Prison Girls"

Neko Case
"Prison Girls"
Middle Cyclone
(2009)




The need to know: On the cover of 2009's Middle Cyclone, that's Neko perched atop a muscle car, bearing a sword. And, yes, she really is that much of a bad ass. As both a part-time front woman for The New Pornographers and solo tour de force, it's Neko's powerful vocals that make her recordings so unforgettable. More than just a serious set of pipes, though, she's also one hell of a songwriter. Often crafting dark portraits of believable characters in her distinct country noir flavor, her albums have consistently provided some of the best alt country this side of Wilco. 

Why it's worthy: An ominous, dreamlike trance, "Prison Girls" threads hopelessly dark imagery with swoon-worthy "Ohs" for a tapestry as rich and inescapable as its narrator's predicament.  Vivid, haunting tableaus juxtapose the song's stunning, poetic cry of "I love your long shadows and gunpowder eyes"--a phrase I could hear Neko sing for hours on end (and I sometimes do).

Quotable lyric: "I love your long shadows and your gunpowder eyes"

Where you've heard it: Neko gets to play guest programmer tonight on TCM, where she'll be playing four of her favorite classic flicks. Unrelated, but still good to know. (Thanks A.V. Club!)

Get obsessed:

Case File #1: "Sing Me Spanish Techno"

The New Pornographers
"Sing Me Spanish Techno"
Twin Cinema
(2005)




The need to know: If you haven't yet discovered the delights of The New Pornographers, boy are you missing out. Formed in 1997, the group--which has an all-star lineup including Neko Case, Dan Bejar (of Destroyer), Kurt Dahle (formerly of Limblifter) and ringmaster A.C. Newman, among other talented individuals--creates dynamic, high-spirited power pop, and, well, that genre doesn't get much better than this.

Why it's worthy: "Sing Me Spanish Techno" is a quirky pop tune as only A.C. Newman can craft them. Why does he want us to sing Spanish techno? I honestly have no idea, but "Listening too long/ to one song" is certainly a mantra we can adopt. And, with a chorus like that, consider this tune the unofficial theme song of Songs to Obsess Over.

Quotable lyric: "The hourglass spills its sand/ If only to punish you/ For listening too long to one song"

Where you've heard it: When my phone rings. It's my ringtone. Because I'm cool.

Get obsessed: