The Neko Case show was a free secret event that you did not get the information on until the day before.  It was the first show of the tour and brought to us by Myspace and Turbo Tax, both not something I would associate with alternative country singer-song writer Neko, especially the latter.  We were told to line up at the Casbah at three o'clock and of course it was not until almost 3:45 that they started handing out the wristbands.  That is a bit late but even more so for those who came far earlier to secure their spot.  While in line we were told no smoking would be allowed inside, even in the outdoor section of the Casbah.  Someone in line surmised that it was because Neko might be taking something to maintain her voice that does not react well with cigarette smoke.

While the doors opened late, the show started close to on time.  They let us know though that no cameras of any kind could be used.  This never puts a show on a good note, especially in a venue where you never deal with this kind of annoying control.  The place filled up instantly because of the special circumstances which is nice for those of us in the front.

When they started Neko let us know that they were suffering from jet lag, just coming back from "yurp" or Europe as other people call it.  Apparently everything they said there sounded like, "Banjo...ding dong ding...yee ha..." etc.  They were silly like this through the set, probably half out of sleepless delirium.   A back up singer told us the first song was about sharks and whales.    It was a good start, but Neko asked for more reverb after it, before getting into "Maybe Sparrow".

Neko tuned before the third song saying she was "out" and mentioned something regarding her guitar strap about how "boobs ruin everything".  The strap for this guitar had a lightning bolt, while her shirt had a wolf head on it with the words "who's afraid".  The third song, "Hold on, Hold on" was next, followed by the title track of the new album, "Middle Cyclone".  It was not a bad song, but not very interesting.

After this they went into "deep cuts" as a backup singer described since "playing new songs is terrifying".  The other backup singer went in and out of the crowd depending on if she was needed for the song.  A couple songs later after a song described as being about "getting down" and "basic needs" someone in the crowd yelled out, "Neko, I love you!"  She replied, "You say that now, but in the morning it's where's my pants..."  The man replied back, "I'm not like the others!"  The banter ended soon after this as Neko said, "By this axe I rock thee with the sadness of the tiger" and played "The Tigers Have Spoken".  A couple songs later Neko finished "Margaret Vs. Pauline" with the wrong chord, though I don't think anyone would have noticed if she did not tell us.

After a song that was about breaking up with your town, Neko let us know of her carnal love of Burt Reynolds and Scott Glenn.  The following song was not so lighthearted as their stage banter, with lyrics including, "...when we're older and full of cancer."  Straight from here Neko thanked her label, saying she signed with them because you can take your dog to work.  She also thanked the crowd for sheltering them in our "soft, soft bosom".  They played one more song, calling it the last song and then left the stage.  Music came on from the speakers, signaling the end, but the crowd cheered loudly for more.  They turned up the music, so the people cheered louder.  A cry of "Neko! Neko!" rang out for a short while and then finally they turned the lights on, causing a loud "awwww" groan of disappointment.  It was not even ten o'clock.

The show was a little over an hour long with thirteen songs, which would be decent for one band if there was an opener or two.  The show was free, so it is hard to complain, but time is money and some people spent up to over four times longer than the show itself in line for it.  This, combined with the ban on cameras and lack of encore jaded the experience.  Jet lag or no, one more song would not kill them, especially with the kind of love and appreciation the audience displayed.  Posters were given away outside, but the only ones who got them were the less loyal, or less in denial, depending on what you want to call them.

Complaints aside, Neko sounded great and put on a good show.  Her vocals are what make some of her songs.  Some of the music is weak alone, but her lovely lungs carry the song through.  They joked throughout the set and put people in a pleasant mood.  The guitarist in the back was fun to watch also as his face strained during certain parts.  It would be a pleasure to see her again, perhaps next time with an opener and an encore.  Maybe we could just leave our expectations at home, but probably not.