That happens to me with music sometimes. Neko Case is a good example.

I’ve heard of Neko Case a good while ago, of course, but never actually heard her music, since I don’t really get exposed [...]]]> Have you ever met someone new and really, really wanted to like them, but you just can’t?

That happens to me with music sometimes. Neko Case is a good example.

I’ve heard of Neko Case a good while ago, of course, but never actually heard her music, since I don’t really get exposed to new (as in recent) music very often. A few months ago, I heard her on Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! which is not a music-related show, but it sparked my interest.

They did play a snippet of her music, so I did get to hear that she has an amazing voice and is obviously very talented. Even more important, she was a smartass. And not only was she a smartass, she was the same kind of smartass I am! And she’s, uh. A redhead. So what’s not to like?

So I went and got a couple of her albums. Yes, I actually buy CDs when I find someone interesting enough. Yes, physical CDs. I got Fox Confessor Brings the Flood and her latest album, Middle Cyclone.

Neko Case’s music has been described as… well, about a thousand different ways, most of which involve the words “Alternative”, “Fusion” and “Indie”, which technically mean “we have no idea”.

Now I’m not saying I have a better description, but sadly I just can’t really get into it. Despite the voice and talent, I just can’t get into it.

She does have some good tunes that I do like. Although off the top of my head I can only think of one (Margaret Vs Pauline, which is strangely the first track I listened to!). Most of them, though… I just have to hit Skip a minute or two into them.

I’m sorry, Neko. It’s not you, it’s me. I think you’re crazy talented, but we’re just not right for each other. I’ll put your CDs in the same box as Indigo Girls, Patty Griffin and Jorge Drexler. And I’ll keep an eye (and ear) out for your next albums, because I’ll be happy to give this another change… some day.