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Neko Case — Deep Red Bells
Album: Blacklisted
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2662









Released: 2002
Length: 3:58
Plays (last 30 days): 3
He led you to this hiding place
His lightning threats spun silver tongues
The red bells beckon you to ride
A handprint on the driver's side

It looks a lot like engine oil
And tastes like being poor and small
And popsicles in the summer

Deep red bells
Deep as I've been done
Deep red bells
Deep as I've been done

It always has to come this
Red bells ring this tragic hour
We've lost sight of the overpass
But daylight won't remember that

When speckled fronds raise round your bones
Who took the time to fold your clothes
And shook the Valley of the Shadow

Deep red bells
Deep as I've been done
Deep red bells
Deep as I've been done

Where does this mean world cast its cold eye
Who's left to suffer long about you
Does your soul cast about like an old paper bag
Past empty lots and early graves
Those like you who lost their way
Murdered on the interstate
While the red bells rang like thunder

Deep red bells
Deep as I've been done
Deep red bells
Deep as I've been done
Comments (447)add comment
she sounds like Reba McEntire to me
First track I ever hear from Neko Case (thanks to RP), and loved her stuff ever since.
Oh Neko - I have a deep love for your haunting voice and lyrical genius.
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:

Yes it is!

Hooray!


Because of her voice? 
I love Neko's rolling - twanging guitar sound here.
 gottclay wrote:


Thanks for the sharing your magic decoder ring - as with most Neko Case songs, I had no idea what it was about.



I had no idea. I live quite close to the scene of some of those sad events. And she's from Tacoma, where I used to live.
 ziggytrix wrote:

It's specifically about the Green River Killer. There's an interesting interview where she talks about it briefly.


Thanks for the sharing your magic decoder ring - as with most Neko Case songs, I had no idea what it was about.
Neko Case is why Cowboy Junkies bore me to death. I could listen to Neko 24/7. What an expressive singer, so clever and daring.
This powerful song can still bring me to a rare standstill... She had me from when I first heard this, on good ol' RP, and she always will...
 Tylersmyler wrote:

why does he play so much Neko?



'cause it's his biz, and he likes her
why does he play so much Neko?
 radiotoe wrote:


I recall when my wife and I heard Neko and her band perform this song live about 16-17 yrs ago.... transported me to another place, goose-bumps, hair raised on my neck. Wow, what a amazingly fantastic concert that was .... the Warehouse Live in Houston. Thanks, Neko and Band!


Hahaha -- replied to myself!    At least this time, I spelled the venue name correctly .... lol
 radiotoe wrote:

When you mentioned "overcome" --  I get it, totally. my wife and I saw Neko and her band at the Wherehouse in Houston around 2010. What an amazing voice and band/accompaniment....  almost otherworldly. 


I recall when my wife and I heard Neko and her band perform this song live about 16-17 yrs ago.... transported me to another place, goose-bumps, hair raised on my neck. Wow, what a amazingly fantastic concert that was .... the Warehouse Live in Houston. Thanks, Neko and Band!
 gottclay wrote:
Thanks - as with all her songs I had no idea what the lyrics are about.  Too bad, she has an interesting voice but what she says with it is mostly indecipherable.

 

 ziggytrix wrote:

It's specifically about the Green River Killer. There's an interesting interview where she talks about it briefly.
 

 gandalfbmg wrote:
It's been something like 15 years since I first discovered Neko through RP and this song, and fell in love... it was one of my first new music obsessions I found via RP, but NOT the last (and they led to even more outside of RP).

Anyway, the point is... a little over a week ago, I FINALLY got to see Neko live. It was as amazing as I always hoped it'd be. And while the set focused heavily on her latest album (which I do love by the way, my favorite from her since Fox Confessor...), she broke into this one and I was overcome with all that joy from all those 15 years of loving her music and how it started with this song.

Of course, thank you as always RP for being so great at what you do!
 
When you mentioned "overcome" --  I get it, totally. my wife and I saw Neko and her band at the Wherehouse in Houston around 2010. What an amazing voice and band/accompaniment....  almost otherworldly. 
No one has a voice like Neko case
I consider her the best singer I’ve ever heard and this song makes the case as any of hers.
It's been something like 15 years since I first discovered Neko through RP and this song, and fell in love... it was one of my first new music obsessions I found via RP, but NOT the last (and they led to even more outside of RP).

Anyway, the point is... a little over a week ago, I FINALLY got to see Neko live. It was as amazing as I always hoped it'd be. And while the set focused heavily on her latest album (which I do love by the way, my favorite from her since Fox Confessor...), she broke into this one and I was overcome with all that joy from all those 15 years of loving her music and how it started with this song.

Of course, thank you as always RP for being so great at what you do!
The song that began it all. Never goes out of style.
 Sandra_Jacobsen wrote:
Played toooo often.
 

 
I'm glad for that!
she is amazing! 
Bill played us some new New Pornographers just a short while ago and now this gem. Mmmm...thanks Bill!
 Utopia_Bold wrote:
This song is chilling. About all the MEN who lure young women and murder them.

 
It's specifically about the Green River Killer. There's an interesting interview where she talks about it briefly.
LOL at kcars post. Thing is, I'm also stepping out with Beth Orton but my heart is mostly with Neko..and Alison...and Hope Sandoval. Keeping it all on the down low is a task but I manage. Of course there's plausible deniability on their part so we're all cool with each other. Just so long as Imogen Heap doesn't find out about the others there won't be any trouble.
Played toooo often.
 
If I rotate my tv antennae to northwest when Neko hits those big notes, the walls and floors of my trailer vibrate in sympathetic harmonics.
This song is chilling. About all the MEN who lure young women and murder them.
 chinaski wrote:
First heard this on RadioParadise 13 years ago, first song I'd ever heard from Neko Case for that matter. Neko and I have had a very deep and very imaginary relationship ever since. She persists in asking me to marry her but for whatever reason I never get around to it.

 
Maybe 'cause she knows you've been proposing to Alison Goldfrapp as well...

Are you sure you're not related to DD rabbi_phil? 
 Sandra_Jacobsen wrote:
This song is played too much.
 

 
Yes it is!

Hooray!
Thanks Bill for making me realize what I missed in the past.
I will always be thankful for hearing Neko Case here first.
Well there's probably no other place that plays her anyways.

Oh... did I mention I love this song.
It is time to sack the  blacklisted blue.
Did I ever mention that I love this song?
This song is played too much.
 
 CrackerjaxATX wrote:
love the twangy edge on this one! still waiting to hear 'mood to burn bridges' on RP . subtle? ;v)
 
Yes to the Bridge song!
And Porchlight!
 Imkirok wrote:

I never tire of this song.  It's the one that turned me on to Neko several years ago, and I've never looked back.

 
Same with me.
I just love the twang of this one.
First heard this on RadioParadise 13 years ago, first song I'd ever heard from Neko Case for that matter. Neko and I have had a very deep and very imaginary relationship ever since. She persists in asking me to marry her but for whatever reason I never get around to it.
 Sandra_Jacobsen wrote:
Really weary of hearing this song. Sorry to all you fans but....

 
I never tire of this song.  It's the one that turned me on to Neko several years ago, and I've never looked back.
Really weary of hearing this song. Sorry to all you fans but....
Love this song, I would give more comments but I'm driving is an uber driver sharing Radio paradise with all of my clients
Probably my favorite female artist. Such an incredible voice.
Still amazing. I love a lot of Neko, but this is a high point (one of many).
Maybe it helps to be brought up in a house where a lot of Johnny Cash/June Carter Cash/Carter Family, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez etc. was played but I sure enjoy Neko, both recorded and live.
more hauntingly beautiful stuff from Neko
3rd this!


 
bougui wrote:
Same here ! I don't know why but I just love it !

 
kaybee wrote:
I can never hear too much of this song.

 



 


 prophetzarquon wrote:



Oh!             It's bells......was quite interested for a moment.  

 
She clearly says red, not blue. No confusion here.
 Lazarus wrote:

Everybody in my church loves this song...


 

wherefore art thou?
 prophetzarquon wrote:



Oh!             It's bells......was quite interested for a moment.  

 
Mine are blushing: 

{#Redface} {#Redface}

You go, Neko!



Oh!             It's bells......was quite interested for a moment.  
 robh wrote:
Glad you feel the same
(I was beginning to think it was only me)
 
No, include me. Lyrics are great, composition is great, voice is like a probe up the backside.
 ottovonb wrote:
Has Neko ever done anything that wasn't utterly terrific.
I'm beginning to wonder.
She has the amazing ability to sound like a throwback and brand new all at once. 

 
So true!
love the twangy edge on this one! still waiting to hear 'mood to burn bridges' on RP . subtle? ;v)
 Rofi wrote:
AAAARRRghhhhh (rated 1)

 
Glad you feel the same
(I was beginning to think it was only me)
AAAARRRghhhhh (rated 1)
Same here ! I don't know why but I just love it !

 
kaybee wrote:
I can never hear too much of this song.

 


I can never hear too much of this song.
Deeeeeeeeep Reeeeed Beeeeeeelllsssss

{#Yell}

sweet 
 Foot wrote:
Basically annoying & way overplayed.

 
Agree. Aargh, that voice. Instant mute.
Has Neko ever done anything that wasn't utterly terrific.
I'm beginning to wonder.
She has the amazing ability to sound like a throwback and brand new all at once. 
Basically annoying & way overplayed.
Neko Case is a musical goddess.

Everybody in my church loves this song...

OK kids ... don't fight!! Sit back and soak it all in.
 rpdevotee wrote:
HEEELLOO!!!

Bill, Rebecca...

This playlist is freakin' OLD!

I remember these past ten songs in the same order from at least five years ago!!
 
So what? If it ain't broken, don't try to fix it. {#Beat}
HEEELLOO!!!

Bill, Rebecca...

This playlist is freakin' OLD!

I remember these past ten songs in the same order from at least five years ago!!


 
Passion is generally good even if you are passionately against something.  Chances are if it gets to you that much then it reaches someone else just as much only in a positive way.  I think her distinctive voice carries her passion beautifully in her songs and that is why I like them.  Before being to scathing of a particular voice think where the world would be if nobody sat down to listen to the Bob Dylans, Leonard Cohens, Billy Braggs etc of this world.  I know I would be a less complete individual.
wow
igster to neko:( at least can we get some dirty old cow?
I initially quite liked the songs I heard from her here on RP. By now that foghorn of a voice has really gotten to me. She doesn't seem to be able to convey any other message than "ships, don't come close to shore". Then again, who thought Florence's voice could be topped.
 kcar wrote:

Me too! Not sure why Neko turns some people off so much. 
 
I guess that singing through your butt with your nose clogged with mucus will just turn some people off. =)
If only she was standing on top of the van as the plane flew by, maybe we would not have to hear this song again. She would have at least got to hear her last deep red bells as the ambulance showed up... =S
Arrg.. not again!
 romeotuma wrote:

I agree...  love this song...

 
 
Me too! Not sure why Neko turns some people off so much. 
Great song, great and spooky voice.  They're perfect together.
Haunting song, written about the Green River killer.

"When speckled fronds raise round your bones
"Who took the time to fold your clothes?
"Who shook the Valley of the Shadow?"

...

"Where does this mean world cast its cold eye?
"Who's left to suffer long about you?
"Does your soul cast about like an old paper bag
"Past empty lots and early graves?
"For those like you who lost their way,
"Murdered on the interstate,
"While the red bells rang like thunder."

 dwhayslett wrote:

Unless you (metaphorically speaking, not specifically directed at rdo) are listening to RP 24 hours a day, and heard each of the 9 (now) plays, I have to wonder why this is an issue to you?
 
Really? I used to listen about 8-10 hours a day, during work.  I don't anymore, I got myself a Nano!  This one has been out now for a few years.  Also, I own copies of CDs for a great deal of the music played here.  I like hearing stuff I have not heard before.  I know it's a very tough balance RP has to strike.  I think they do a great job.  I am just whining I suppose, but I think it is good to give RP feedback, which I think they take into account.  Sometimes I get a little cranky and sarcastic (I'm working on it!!). 
Now we did hear the live version in the past 8 hours. But I still like it.
HATE Neko Case. The song makes me feel sick. It's the only artist RP plays that makes me turn off my music. 
Sjaaks wrote:
sigh...
 

romeotuma wrote:

I agree...  love this song...

 
 
Haha...  {#Lol}
 eroz wrote:


I agree with the heavy rotation of this song, but I also have to say I enjoy listening to it each time.
 
As of this morning, it's listed as 5 plays in 30 days. Not heavy enough, I'd say.
sigh...
 MM_Prague wrote:
I agree with some of the posters below... decent song, but given the huge scope of the RP library, why the heavy rotation? Especially for so long. I can see putting a good song on heavier rotation for a couple of weeks, but this one's been playing every few days for months and months now...
 
Agreed.  Sadly, there are all too many other songs on RP in this same boat.  I wonder if Bill monitors his server's listener tune-out reports.
What an amazing voice, get goosebumps ever time I here this one!!!
 Mozzie wrote:
I am sooo tired of this song! 
 
Heresy!
Like this and the others I've heard here from her.
 Mozzie wrote:
I am sooo tired of this song! 
 
Off to bed with you.
 smdeeg wrote:
Ahhhh ... haven't been on RP in quite awhile, but some things never change.  Got introduced to Neko here how many years ago now, and she still sounds great!  (although not such a fan of the latest album.)
 
Ditto for me
This is one of those songs the mythical 11 rating would be meant for. Play it again!
 rdo wrote:

The new RP feature that tells the # of plays in the past month says today that the # for this song is 8.  I agree, that's way too much.   I don't think any song should be in the rotation that much, except a new or recent release.  Bill G has written on these pages that there is no rotation involved, strictly speaking, and I trust him on that.  It's just I am not sure what other term applies here.
 
Unless you (metaphorically speaking, not specifically directed at rdo) are listening to RP 24 hours a day, and heard each of the 9 (now) plays, I have to wonder why this is an issue to you?
I am sooo tired of this song! 
 oldsaxon wrote:
 me, too....never ever get tired of it
 

don't ask me why but that chorus hook is so fricken resonant...
 eroz wrote:


I agree with the heavy rotation of this song, but I also have to say I enjoy listening to it each time.
  me, too....never ever get tired of it
 steventylersqa wrote:
True, there is repetition and I've found the LRC/Upload area is underutilized in terms of trying out new songs in regular rotation.
 

MM_Prague wrote:
I agree with some of the posters below... decent song, but given the huge scope of the RP library, why the heavy rotation? Especially for so long. I can see putting a good song on heavier rotation for a couple of weeks, but this one's been playing every few days for months and months now...
 
 
The new RP feature that tells the # of plays in the past month says today that the # for this song is 8.  I agree, that's way too much.   I don't think any song should be in the rotation that much, except a new or recent release.  Bill G has written on these pages that there is no rotation involved, strictly speaking, and I trust him on that.  It's just I am not sure what other term applies here.
 MM_Prague wrote:
I agree with some of the posters below... decent song, but given the huge scope of the RP library, why the heavy rotation? Especially for so long. I can see putting a good song on heavier rotation for a couple of weeks, but this one's been playing every few days for months and months now...
 

I agree with the heavy rotation of this song, but I also have to say I enjoy listening to it each time.
True, there is repetition and I've found the LRC/Upload area is underutilized in terms of trying out new songs in regular rotation.
 

MM_Prague wrote:
I agree with some of the posters below... decent song, but given the huge scope of the RP library, why the heavy rotation? Especially for so long. I can see putting a good song on heavier rotation for a couple of weeks, but this one's been playing every few days for months and months now...
 


I agree with some of the posters below... decent song, but given the huge scope of the RP library, why the heavy rotation? Especially for so long. I can see putting a good song on heavier rotation for a couple of weeks, but this one's been playing every few days for months and months now...
I agree with Romeotuma, we love Neko all year long, her sound and lyrics are refreshing on this cold morning in our time share condo.
Ahhhh ... haven't been on RP in quite awhile, but some things never change.  Got introduced to Neko here how many years ago now, and she still sounds great!  (although not such a fan of the latest album.)
 romeotuma wrote:

This song is soooo good it puts a spring in my step this winter evening... 
 

agreed!  ....though its more like Spring here in California....
 jagdriver wrote:

Never.
 

a thousand times never. Play it every hour for all I care.
 Reaver wrote:
It's a gorgeous song of course, but maybe a bit overplayed lately?
 
Never.
 oldsaxon wrote:

Awwww....you two have split up? I'm sorry to hear it. I hope she's managing to get on OK....Poor dear.
 
Yeah, the trouble and strife caught wind of it.

It's a gorgeous song of course, but maybe a bit overplayed lately?
 gemtag wrote:
I'm over Neko. Her voice is really starting to annoy me.
 
Awwww....you two have split up? I'm sorry to hear it. I hope she's managing to get on OK....Poor dear.
I'm over Neko. Her voice is really starting to annoy me.
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
I think I just blew a speaker out.
 
I can't harm my speakers because my little tube amp just hasn't got the power to hurt em, but I definitely turned this up LOUD. And she may be low on watts but she ain't shy of loud :) Good little tube amp....
Her voice is magic but, "It tastes a lot like engine oil and feels like being poor and small"
song writing is not a thing she has trouble with.
 TerryS wrote:
Best heard going south on Highway 97 into California, with storm clouds gathering in your mirrors..
 
A great driving song for sure.

I think I just blew a speaker out.
She didn't do this one when I saw her with Calexico last summer. Damn it! But the concert was still stellar. Anyone who thinks that Neko is a "studio wonder" who depends on special effects to get her unique sound is sadly mistaken. I sat 15 feet from her and heard her unamplified voice. It's all Neko, babe. and then some. Dang, she's a fox too! {#Hearteyes}
She's done a lot of great music, but this is her best so far for me.
 romeotuma wrote:

This song always makes me think of Neko...  I want her to have my baby...

 
 
Neko Case has said that she doesn't want kids and is happy with her dogs.  Sorry Romeo, not going to happen. 

That doesn't mean you can't think about (or obsess) all the time that could be spent practicing.

I think if I had her red hair and awesome voice my life would then be perfect. {#Meditate}
 salzburg4321 wrote:
I can't explain it but she just creeps me out. {#Shifty}

What the heck are "deep Red Bells" anyhow?

 
Don't know, but I think someone on this board mentioned it has something to do with the Green River killings in Washington state.  Neko was living in Seattle while this was all happening and it obviously haunted her:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neko_Case


 toomanyollys wrote:
I've resigned myself to the fact I'm never going to 'get' Neko Case. The bit where she actually sings "Deep red bells...", to my ears anyway, sounds absolutely horrible. Judging by the comments here though, perhaps there's just something wrong with my ears.
  
We all have our kryptonite. Mine are Neil Young and Bob Dylan. 
I've resigned myself to the fact I'm never going to 'get' Neko Case. The bit where she actually sings "Deep red bells...", to my ears anyway, sounds absolutely horrible. Judging by the comments here though, perhaps there's just something wrong with my ears.
Deep...and wonderful Neko!
 TerryS wrote:
Best heard going south on Highway 97 into California, with storm clouds gathering in your mirrors..
 
I´m from Europe. But I get the image, mate.


 Stingray wrote:
SORRY - THIS IS PURE BULL!
 

Best heard going south on Highway 97 into California, with storm clouds gathering in your mirrors..