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Neko Case — Dirty Knife
Album: Fox Confessor Brings The Flood
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1515









Released: 2006
Length: 3:09
Plays (last 30 days): 1
So suddenly the madness came
With its whiskered, wolven, ether pangs
He locked the door and he shut the blinds
He laid down on the floor and he slept like iron
While the dirty knife worked deep into his spine

The blood runs crazy
The blood runs crazy

Cascading letters pool on the stairs
The grass is high, the cats are wild
You can't even touch the tip of their tails
And the blood runs crazy with giant strides

He sang nursery rhymes to paralyze
The wolves that eddy out the corner of his eyes
But they squared him frozen where he stood
In the glow of the furniture piled high for firewood
And the blood runs crazy with giant strides
And the woodsman failed to breech those fangs in time
So they dragged him through the underbrush
Wearing three winter coats and a dirty knife

(Ukranian)

krichit shaleno, strekoche zubami [He shouts very loudly, grinding his teeth]
La la la la, la la la la
krichit shaleno, strekoche zubami
La la la la, la la la la
Comments (216)add comment
 rdo wrote:

Your right 
And.... your, you're!! Kinda emphasizes a fact.... The proper use of grammar has deteriorated through the limited amount of actually writing hand-written letters. With all the "accepted" use of electronic writing "digital lingo", proper grammar and spelling have long since been relegated to the "back seats" of the class! Yet another good example, bolstering what I've been saying for a while.... Computers/PC's and all electronic devices of similar nature, should never have been released to the public. Of course, just IMHO! 

 Proclivities wrote:

She has several of them and also has 2 cloven hooves.
girl
Not just holding a severed red head head... Standing on a pile of the same! 

 jp33442 wrote:

Hint, neko is a she
Or, Sir.... As noted in the Wiki write up. Self described as She/Sir. Neko can call herself whatever she chooses to! I just choose to call her enjoyable to listen to! Untrained voice not withstanding! Sounds damn good, for "untrained"! 

 niseywee wrote:

she is amazing to see live. 

I wouldn't doubt that for one second! 

 bindi wrote:

Neko was the last artist on my "bucket list" to see, but we kept missing her, then finally got to see her live in Raleigh last month.  Wow - it was pretty clear that she throws everything she's got into the songs, and didn't a note. The banter with Kelly Hogan between songs was pretty entertaining as well.  I left loving Neko more than ever.   I'll be there if she comes back again.



i felt the same way when i saw her about 12 yrs ago as well. the banter with kelly was really enjoyable. kelly's voice is fab, too. 
 Dj_Yonke wrote:

...and now i want to hear all his albums...again


Hint, neko is a she
...and now i want to hear all his albums...again
 dwlangham wrote:
Is this the high water mark of her career to date?
 
I saw this question and thought, "Hey, it could be." Then I saw it was my question. 
 niseywee wrote:
she is amazing to see live. 
 

I would agree.  Very personable and her band is great.  She and Kelly can get quite funny too.
Incredible song, and a major WTF?  But so cool.
Is this the high water mark of her career to date?
she is amazing to see live. 
Had my first "Wow! Who's voice IS that?!?" exposure to Neko on RP years and years ago when hearing Deep Red Bells for the first time. Have all her discs and seen her in concert quite a few times since. Thanks Bill!
 gregskrtic wrote:
upon further listening, 8—->9    {#Notworthy}

 
{#Iamwithstupid}  ... and the blood runs crazy / with giant strides 
upon further listening, 8—->9    {#Notworthy}
 mread wrote:
Um, the character on the cover is holding a severed red-head head.

 
She has several of them and also has 2 cloven hooves.
girl
I just read about a severed read-head head. Rad.
Um, the character on the cover is holding a severed red-head head.
 rdo wrote:

Your write 
 
Fixed that four ewe... 
Inspired lyrics here. 
 LowPhreak wrote:

Don't you kids know when to use "too" or "to" yet? Go back to grade school.

 
Your right 
 richlister wrote:

I think you are on the mushrooms, not the church. Release those you hold against their will and stop making them love the songs you listen too.

 
Don't you kids know when to use "too" or "to" yet? Go back to grade school.
 cc_rider wrote:

Don't let 'tuma hear you say that. Jealous sort, that one.

 
I hear Lazarus and Rabbi_Phil are going to have a steel-cage death match over Neko.

(Actually, I'm just spreading this rumor in hopes of making it happen...)
 richlister wrote:
Did she really need to sing this in a cave?

 
yep, for the acoustics...and her voice is great and fearless like patsy cline.
This is my PSD 'cause I can't stand Nora Jones. {#Clap}
 Lazarus wrote:

We be having a bloody marvelous day in my mushrooming multitude of churches...  love this song...
 

 
I think you are on the mushrooms, not the church. Release those you hold against their will and stop making them love the songs you listen too.
Did she really need to sing this in a cave?
 eve_silver wrote:
I really want to listen to RP one day without having to listen to one of Neko Case's songs. Way too much Neko Case on RP!!!
I'm off  {#Headache}

 
totally agree, i wrote the same thing before i noticed this...
much as i like neko case i could really survive without hearing one of her songs EVERY. SINGLE. DAY... #justsayin

We be having a bloody marvelous day in my mushrooming multitude of churches...  love this song...
 
 skooba wrote:
Is it just me, or is the below statement just a tad creepy?  {#Think}

 
(big stud Romeo Tuma) wrote:

No, I'm not jealous!  I understand his feelings...  if only Neko Case would press her feet against my heart, nothing would matter to me in this mad mad mad world...

love this song...
 
 

So you don't think this song called "Dirty Knife" about how "blood runs crazy" is creepy, but yearning for Neko Case to press her feet against my heart is creepy?

I guess you are just more sophisticated than I am...

everybody in my churches loves this creepy song...  if Neko Case would press her feet against my heart, nothing would matter to me in this mad mad mad world...

 
 
Everybody in my church loves this song...
 

niiice... really cool transition....  zeppelin - friends ---> this
Is it just me, or is the below statement just a tad creepy?  {#Think}

 
(former member) wrote:

No, I'm not jealous!  I understand his feelings...  if only Neko Case would press her feet against my heart, nothing would matter to me in this mad mad mad world...

love this song...

 
 


A Denver buddy sent me the annual KBCO Christmas recording — tunes done live in their studio throughout the previous year — and Ms. Case is on there.  Somehow that lead me to an on-line interview she did with a Canadian radio guy and ... she was witty, erudite, and laughed a lot.

Quite a contrast to the lyrics and album art for this.  
Neko & Patty Griffin could sing the dictionary and get an 8 out of me...
An antidote to Amy Winehouse.
 eve_silver wrote:
I really want to listen to RP one day without having to listen to one of Neko Case's songs. Way too much Neko Case on RP!!!
I'm off  {#Headache}
 
Sorry
I love it

So sonic.... 
What a voice.  I hope that all the dark material is sourced from an artistic aesthetic and that she is not another brilliant, but tortured soul. 
I really want to listen to RP one day without having to listen to one of Neko Case's songs. Way too much Neko Case on RP!!!
I'm off  {#Headache}
 romeotuma wrote:
l
 



..me too..words fail me..
Why does EVERY Neko Case song have reverb? She's akin to a photographer whose every picture is gaussian blurred.
 bindi wrote:
Neko was the last artist on my "bucket list" to see, but we kept missing her, then finally got to see her live in Raleigh last month.  Wow - it was pretty clear that she throws everything she's got into the songs, and didn't a note. The banter with Kelly Hogan between songs was pretty entertaining as well.  I left loving Neko more than ever.   I'll be there if she comes back again.
 
Neko was in Raleigh this summer? Arg! 

Serves me right for working too much . . .  
...don´t like this......a 1 and PSD......{#Yes}
Neko was the last artist on my "bucket list" to see, but we kept missing her, then finally got to see her live in Raleigh last month.  Wow - it was pretty clear that she throws everything she's got into the songs, and didn't a note. The banter with Kelly Hogan between songs was pretty entertaining as well.  I left loving Neko more than ever.   I'll be there if she comes back again.
 ziakut wrote:
Haunting and awesome. I love Neko Case. I'd even let her kiss me. Ha.
 
Don't let 'tuma hear you say that. Jealous sort, that one.
Haunting and awesome. I love Neko Case. I'd even let her kiss me. Ha.
That is how I felt before seeing her in concert in my city. But I walked away after the show thinking that her range is quite limited: Although she has an arresting voice when you first listen to it, almost all of her songs were approached and delivered in the same fashion. I won't see her again, but hearing her sing a song one-off is still a thrill.


 
Jamunca wrote:
Going to see her at the Orange Peel (Asheville, NC) on Thursday. Couldn't be more excited!
 


love this one.
Pretty sure I've seen on Twitter that she's recording a new album at the moment.
 kaybee wrote:
Yet another instance in rock of cello being used to great effect (and bowed bass).
 
And let's not forget the rockin' bagpipes...


 Sjaaks wrote:

It's okay if you sing with a lot of power, but if you do Neko, please do it in key.

{#Neutral}


 
Why?

I really love this song....I also like other songs on this album like hold on. Other favorites by Neko Case are Deep Red Bells, and Stinging Velvet! I Love my Neko Case!!!!
 tutakea wrote:
reminds me very much of Renaissance with singer Annie Haslam  - am i the only one 2 hear this?
 
yes

It's okay if you sing with a lot of power, but if you do Neko, please do it in key.

{#Neutral}


reminds me very much of Renaissance with singer Annie Haslam  - am i the only one 2 hear this?

Great Album


 Cynaera wrote:
 ...  (well, Marc Broussard can bring me to my feet and make me dance) ... 

Mr. Broussard has the same effect on me; Ms. Case makes me sit still and think and wonder and dream.  Either is wonderful when the mood is right.
"Dirty Knife" = Happy Heart
 TerryS wrote:
Not listening today Romeo?
 
Brutal.

Not listening today Romeo?
Going to see her at the Orange Peel (Asheville, NC) on Thursday. Couldn't be more excited!
 Sjaaks wrote:
I hope Neko washed the dirt off her feet, before standing on the hood of this beautiful Mercury...
 
{#Roflol} (and be careful with that sword)

 Cynaera wrote:
Actually, I think you've touched on something here. I hadn't really considered it, but there are some pretty powerful women out there making music in various genrés. I haven't heard anything substantial from the male gender lately (well, Marc Broussard can bring me to my feet and make me dance) - seems most of the guys in recent decades are just girls with a little more testosterone and a set of wrinklies.

I better shut up now.
 
Stevie Ray brought it full force. But there was nothing in his being to indicate he was 'most of the guys'. There's precious little evidence to indicate he was actually from this planet, but hey.

Jeff Buckley was a raw nerve, exposed for all the world to see. Not sure where that puts him on your scale though.

But you make a good point: where is the next, oh I don't know, Frank Sinatra? Where is the next testosterone-infused ladies man? Like Bob Mitchum, or Deano? Is the question even relevant?

I LOVE the powerful women making music today, and yesterday too. Neko and Patty spring to mind (lots of play here), but go back to Billie, Willie Mae, Ella, Eartha, Mahalia, Josephine...

We should give 'tuma a few minutes alone..

Can't say I blame him though...

Yet another instance in rock of cello being used to great effect (and bowed bass).
What a transition from "Friends" - Bill, you are a master!
 Papernapkin wrote:

I'm haunted too, but not in a good way. The woman's trapped in an echo chamber. Can someone please get her out?
 
Don't you think she does a much better job there than My Morning Jacket?

 randerse10 wrote:

How about Morrison, Dylan, Cash, Waits, et al.? But then, males of recent generations have not been directed towards traditional notions of masculinity. 

I'm all for equality of the sexes. But this has, curiously, resulted in emasculation on one extreme and hypermasculinity on the other, rather than the elimination of sexism.

I speak as a fool, of course. I'm not actually old enough to understand what I'm talking about.

  Actually, I think you've touched on something here. I hadn't really considered it, but there are some pretty powerful women out there making music in various genrés. I haven't heard anything substantial from the male gender lately (well, Marc Broussard can bring me to my feet and make me dance) - seems most of the guys in recent decades are just girls with a little more testosterone and a set of wrinklies.

I better shut up now.


 romeotuma wrote:
 Neko Case on 1967 Mercury Cougar
 
I hope Neko washed the dirt off her feet, before standing on the hood of this beautiful Mercury...

 Bleyfusz wrote:
This woman is wonderful. I'm HAUNTED by her songs!
 
I'm haunted too, but not in a good way. The woman's trapped in an echo chamber. Can someone please get her out?
 romeotuma wrote:


I love this song... sigh...

 Neko Case on 1967 Mercury Cougar

 

 
I love this picture! ....{#Hearteyes}...

 ziggytrix wrote:

To me that's just like saying "I've lost all respect for Jimi Hendrix as every song he played used distortion.

Not only are they both untrue statements, but I also believe they're both silly statements.

 
{#High-five} Right On!

 SmackDaddy wrote:
Damn, I was fearful again that I would go more that 6 hours without hearing Neko again and again and again. She has to be the most played artist on this here station.{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}
 
No, that would be Calexico. Not that I'm complaining.
I'm beginning to become a big Neko fan.


9->10
This woman is wonderful. I'm HAUNTED by her songs!

 randerse10 wrote:

I'm all for equality of the sexes. But this has, curiously, resulted in emasculation on one extreme and hypermasculinity on the other, rather than the elimination of sexism. 
  

If you want hypermasculine men, there's always rap music. Never fear, sexism is alive and well.
 Papernapkin wrote:
I've lost all respect for Neko as every song is sung from within an echo chamber.
 
To me that's just like saying "I've lost all respect for Jimi Hendrix as every song he played used distortion.

Not only are they both untrue statements, but I also believe they're both silly statements.

 Dog_Ear wrote:
Neko, Patty Griffen, Lucinda Williams -why is it so many female vocalists put out such good hard driving -and sophisticated material, whereas so many boy bands seem to be stuck in this weepy , high pitched shoegazer mode? Completely enjoying these 3 great artists, but who might be the male equivalents here?
 
How about Morrison, Dylan, Cash, Waits, et al.? But then, males of recent generations have not been directed towards traditional notions of masculinity. 

I'm all for equality of the sexes. But this has, curiously, resulted in emasculation on one extreme and hypermasculinity on the other, rather than the elimination of sexism.

I speak as a fool, of course. I'm not actually old enough to understand what I'm talking about.

Neko, Patty Griffen, Lucinda Williams -why is it so many female vocalists put out such good hard driving -and sophisticated material, whereas so many boy bands seem to be stuck in this weepy , high pitched shoegazer mode? Completely enjoying these 3 great artists, but who might be the male equivalents here?
My favorite Neko song!!! Thanks, Bill!
Ya. Her voice is more forward and it I think this is better quality recording then other tracks she's laid down.  As it should be.

 haljordan wrote:
There's something different in this track.  The levels sound different that the usual version of this song.  Anyone else hear that?
 

There's something different in this track.  The levels sound different that the usual version of this song.  Anyone else hear that?
I lose my mind every time she sings.....it flys off to the land of Bliss {#Hearteyes}Come back here mind......
 Papernapkin wrote:
I've lost all respect for Neko as every song is sung from within an echo chamber.
 
If this is true, there was not much of it to lose, was there?
Neko has such a special voice.  She has that slight nasal overtone - reminds me of Bernidette Peters a bit - I always loved her voice, though I cannot recal a song she did. 


One of my most favorite Neko songs. 
 Papernapkin wrote:
I've lost all respect for Neko as every song is sung from within an echo chamber.
 
Get over it! This is a great tune. And happy Christmas! {#Dancingbanana}
peyotecoyote wrote:
Neko is the reason I hand over some of my hard earned pay to RP every month. Actually Neko and Patty.


I agree. Neko is only one of a long list of artists I've learned about solely due to RP. I NEVER listen to commercial radio, and most NPR stations don't expand my musical horizons much.

Anyone remember a public station in Dallas KERA? Back when I lived there 15+ years ago they were very eclectic and represented the epitome of what a radio station should be (to me). KERA was one of the only things I missed about Dallas. Alas, by the age of internet streaming their format had changed, so I couldn't go back. Hurray for RP!
One of the great pop music voices going.  Her contributions to The New Pornographers totally transform that band.
Another red-headed, angst-ridden woman who is a good singer-songwriter.  Sweet. {#Hearteyes}

Liked her work with TNP and just realized the connection after reading the above post...


I've lost all respect for Neko as every song is sung from within an echo chamber.
Neko is the reason I hand over some of my hard earned pay to RP every month. Actually Neko and Patty.   
Love this song {#Smile}
 SmackDaddy wrote:
Damn, I was fearful again that I would go more that 6 hours without hearing Neko again and again and again. She has to be the most played artist on this here station.{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}
 
Yes!  Isn't it wonderful!!!  {#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}


This is such a great song.  It grew on me over time, possibly the best song on the CD.
Does she ever sing on key?
 SmackDaddy wrote:
Damn, I was fearful again that I would go more that 6 hours without hearing Neko again and again and again. She has to be the most played artist on this here station.
 

No, that would be Joni Mitchell.

I LURVE Neko, and to all you who are flirting with her: back off, I saw her first!!

Damn, I was fearful again that I would go more that 6 hours without hearing Neko again and again and again. She has to be the most played artist on this here station.{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}
 aquadonia wrote:
The very first note sent my heart leaping.

I so heart Neko...
{#Hearteyes}
 
You and me, too!

{#Kiss}{#Hearteyes}{#Wave}, Neko!

The very first note sent my heart leaping.

I so heart Neko...
{#Hearteyes}
Neko played last night here in Reno. Outdoor amphitheater, probably 600 people, cool weather, crickets chirping in the background. She played Dirty Knife and three new tunes. Yum.
very eck-a-lec-tic
This whole album is good.  I bought it after hearing Neko on RP.  I was not disappointed.
AWESOME! love her voice - and the images she paints with her lyrics.
Yuck.
jonboy wrote:
CHILLS
what jonboy said. utterly tingling.
peyotecoyote wrote:
WOW !
thank you, sir
CHILLS
Two great artists back to back!
ktnsb wrote:
Thanks for the translation! It's a bone-chillin finish to an amazing song, on a freakinbrilliant CD.
AMEN!
Man, I normally LOVE Neko, but these parallel fifths are hurting my head.
squidish wrote:
Be sure to check out NPR's Live Concerts from All Songs Considered - it is a free podcast on iTunes. Neko performs at the Disney Concert Hall and talks about her song/stories.
Thank you so much! It is fantastic!
She's got a kind of retro folk voice that works so well
Beautifully haunting song!
Be sure to check out NPR's Live Concerts from All Songs Considered - it is a free podcast on iTunes. Neko performs at the Disney Concert Hall and talks about her song/stories.
peyotecoyote wrote:
Ahhh, Neko...thanks RP! Ukrainian Part : Em krichit shaleno, strekoche zubami (He shouts very loudly, grinding his teeth) La la la la, la la la la Em krichit shaleno, strekoche zubami La la la la, la la la la
Thanks for the translation! It's a bone-chillin finish to an amazing song, on a freakinbrilliant CD.
I have this CD. I love it. I love music, her poetry, her voice, her stage presense. She is gorgeous.Thanks for playing her so often
I've had this CD for a month and at first listen was not blown away. After repeated listens, I am now amazed at her talent as a songwriter. Will have to get the entire catalog. Thanks RP!