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Neko Case — Deep Red Bells (Live)
Album: Live from Austin, TX
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1023









Released: 2007
Length: 3:40
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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 (125)add comment
Perfect segue from Samantha Fish.
 Edweirdo wrote:

I've tried - really tried - to like and understand Neko Case's lyrics because I like the music and I like her voice, but it's just a word salad; a load of random typing.  It sounds as if it's deep, but it's completely the opposite.


Posted 2 years ago by dmcanany:

To add some depth to this post, this song is about the 90 young sex workers who were murdered by the Green River Killer when Neko was a pre-teen. The police didn’t seem to care about solving the cases.

Puts the locker room comments in a different context.
 Mannick wrote:

 And pretty deep lyrics too. 


I've tried - really tried - to like and understand Neko Case's lyrics because I like the music and I like her voice, but it's just a word salad; a load of random typing.  It sounds as if it's deep, but it's completely the opposite.
Love Neko and the new pornographers - haters - just change the tune - fast forward etc…
 Mannick wrote:

I usually don't like Neko Case, her studio work sounds over-produced, but this live piece is much better!
She actually has a great voice when it's not drowned in reverb and chorus! And pretty deep lyrics too. 

I popped in to say the same thing! Really like this live take - shows off her voice without production gimmicks.
c.

Bill, I've noticed that you play a lot of Neko Case.  I know it's your prerogative, but IMO she is a little overplayed here.  I used to really love her incredible voice, but she "overbelts" it on many of her songs and this is one of them.  I find myself hitting PSD (or whatever it is now).  
I usually don't like Neko Case, her studio work sounds over-produced, but this live piece is much better!
She actually has a great voice when it's not drowned in reverb and chorus! And pretty deep lyrics too. 
To add some depth to this post, this song is about the 90 young sex workers who were murdered by the Green River Killer when Neko was a pre-teen. The police didn’t seem to care about solving the cases. 

Puts the locker room comments in a different context.
 Imkirok wrote:

Does your 7th grade teacher know you're using the computer?

 

Oh, lighten up.
Overplayed.
 ThePoose wrote:
Wish it were Deep Red Balls.

 
Does your 7th grade teacher know you're using the computer?
That voice of hers isn't all that good, is it? 
Sorry, gotta say I really dislike this song.  It's just bad, the type of song you just can't wait to switch the station.
 ThePoose wrote:
Wish it were Deep Red Balls.
 



Somehow, when Nico Case comes on, the RP comments section becomes a middle school locker room.
I hear quite a lot of Mary's Danish influence... I don't think RP has ever played them though.
Damn! I've got a hard...longing ...for this gal. My dad had a gold '69 Cougar just like the one she straddles barefoot.
Cold shower time now, for sure!

Love Neko!  Very talented!


Oh great. Now there are two versions of this POS to listen to.
I heard she wears out 3 reverb boxes with every album.
Still don't know what she is singing about.  But she is one class act.  And hot.  Whew.
I don't know if she can get any hotter.

 
BrokenArrow wrote:

LOL
 


 unclelonghair wrote:

Well I think she's hotter than you think she is, so I guess it all balances out in the end {#Angel}
 
LOL
 jjbix wrote:
good singer but she thinks she is hotter than she is
 
Well I think she's hotter than you think she is, so I guess it all balances out in the end {#Angel}
 ThePoose wrote:
Wish it were Deep Red Balls.
 
why?
kaybee wrote:
...I wonder if reverb was used in country in the first place to give the effect of the "great outdoors" as if the musicians are in a field or hilltop, music being influenced by its environment.
 

 peter_james_bond wrote:

Interesting theory, nice to see some people, on the comment board, using their brains to come up with novel ideas about the music that Radio Paradise plays. Good on Ya kaybee!
   nagsheadlocal wrote:

Mainly because a lot of the old country studios were anything but. The old Middlesex Studio in Middlesex, NC, (where a number of regional country and country-rock acts recorded in the early 70s) was a converted telephone switch building. Solid brick walls over a cement foundation with waffleboard interior. The sound inside was absolutely dead. Reverb was jacked up to make it feel halfway live. The "Barn" studio outside Greenville NC was a converted metal building that had started life as a tractor repair shop.

As for this Case recording - I like it because it was the first time I noticed that she has much more vocal control than I had previously given her credit for. The studio sound hides that. She's got a load of talent, like a young Linda Rondstadt. I'm looking forward to following her career.

 
 Not often I get commended for using my brains!  Thanks pjb! {#Mrgreen}

And thanks nagshead for the fascinating music history lesson!


 jjbix wrote:
good singer but she thinks she is hotter than she is
 
Dick?

Wish it were Deep Red Balls.
 kaybee wrote:
 Dog_Ear wrote:
Great to hear the voice w/out all the annoying studio echo effect -can't unnerstand why she do dat

I prefer the studio version myself.   I notice a lot of people at RP are put off by the reverb in Neko's songs.  I don't think it detracts from her studio albums and I suspect it's used to give a more authentic country twang feel like what was used in Patsy Cline's and other artists' music. 

Just as an aside I wonder if reverb was used in country in the first place to give the effect of the "great outdoors" as if the musicians are in a field or hilltop, music being influenced by its environment.
 

 peter_james_bond wrote:

Interesting theory, nice to see some people, on the comment board, using their brains to come up with novel ideas about the music that Radio Paradise plays. Good on Ya kaybee!
 
Mainly because a lot of the old country studios were anything but. The old Middlesex Studio in Middlesex, NC, (where a number of regional country and country-rock acts recorded in the early 70s) was a converted telephone switch building. Solid brick walls over a cement foundation with waffleboard interior. The sound inside was absolutely dead. Reverb was jacked up to make it feel halfway live. The "Barn" studio outside Greenville NC was a converted metal building that had started life as a tractor repair shop.

As for this Case recording - I like it because it was the first time I noticed that she has much more vocal control than I had previously given her credit for. The studio sound hides that. She's got a load of talent, like a young Linda Rondstadt. I'm looking forward to following her career.

 jjbix wrote:
good singer but she thinks she is hotter than she is
 
Seen her a couple of times and never got that impression.  Besides, she's pretty hot.  And talented.

 vit wrote:
Man this is so June Carter. And that's not a good thing.
 
Neko's lyrics are way better than anything written by/for June Carter.

What a voice.
 DaveInVA wrote:
Singing about that Deep Wet Belch.........{#Bounce}
 
. . . as much as I like/respect Neko, this is still a hilarious Mondegreen. . .

{#Shifty}


Man this is so June Carter. And that's not a good thing.
 
 jjbix wrote:
good singer but she thinks she is hotter than she is
 fredriley wrote:

Eh? Wot? On what evidence do you make that judgement? {#Stupid}
 
   ,,,, been rejected back stage maybe !!?{#Razz}
Singing about that Deep Wet Belch.........{#Bounce}
Such a strong voice, just great to hear her live.
Thsi gal is something else!
 kaybee wrote:
 Dog_Ear wrote:
Great to hear the voice w/out all the annoying studio echo effect -can't unnerstand why she do dat

I prefer the studio version myself.   I notice a lot of people at RP are put off by the reverb in Neko's songs.  I don't think it detracts from her studio albums and I suspect it's used to give a more authentic country twang feel like what was used in Patsy Cline's and other artists' music. 

Just as an aside I wonder if reverb was used in country in the first place to give the effect of the "great outdoors" as if the musicians are in a field or hilltop, music being influenced by its environment.
 
Interesting theory, nice to see some people, on the comment board, using their brains to come up with novel ideas about the music that Radio Paradise plays. Good on Ya kaybee!
 vit wrote:
There is no escape from Neko Case. You can run, but you can't hide (at least here). Hopefully a backlash will come soon.
 
Why would there be a backlash against talented singer/sonwriters? It's more likely that there would be a backlash against misguided Neko hating posters like you... lol {#Nyah}
I'd never miss an opportunity to see her in concert.  She was awesome at Disney Concert Hall in LA.  Got to sit right behind them!  This recording isn't anywhere near as good as the live rendition I heard.

Apparently, she's been cutting way back on the vibrato on the vocals for the new album, which is fine really.  That voice needs no adulteration or embellishment.  She seems to be getting a little further from the country and more into her own terrain.  I'll be interested to see how she goes in future work.
 Dog_Ear wrote:
Great to hear the voice w/out all the annoying studio echo effect -can't unnerstand why she do dat

I prefer the studio version myself.   I notice a lot of people at RP are put off by the reverb in Neko's songs.  I don't think it detracts from her studio albums and I suspect it's used to give a more authentic country twang feel like what was used in Patsy Cline's and other artists' music. 

Just as an aside I wonder if reverb was used in country in the first place to give the effect of the "great outdoors" as if the musicians are in a field or hilltop, music being influenced by its environment.


There is no escape from Neko Case. You can run, but you can't hide (at least here). Hopefully a backlash will come soon.
Getting a little tired of this one.  Does'nt have a lot of depth to be replayed a lot :(
Get to see her live next week!  Woot!  {#Dancingbanana}
 jjbix wrote:
good singer but she thinks she is hotter than she is
 
Hot looking, but not as good a singer as many think she is...

 philbertr wrote:



Can't see why you'd want this woman sharing your bed....   {#Tongue}
 
Hmm, it would appear that she is right handed.

 holborne wrote:
I am slightly miffed that Neko has not responded to my public proposal of marriage yet. However, I guess I understand since I'm assuming she gets about half a dozen of those a week. I'm willing to wait.
 


Can't see why you'd want this woman sharing your bed....   {#Tongue}
 jjbix wrote:
good singer but she thinks she is hotter than she is
 
Eh? Wot? On what evidence do you make that judgement? {#Stupid}


good singer but she thinks she is hotter than she is
She could sing the phone book (remember those) and make it sound good....mmmmmm what a voice! {#Hearteyes}
Great to hear the voice w/out all the annoying studio echo effect -can't unnerstand why she do dat
 bluematrix wrote:
man, the studio version is soo much better.
 
I agree.  The original has a certain power that this is lacking.  But live versions are often frought with attempts at alternate phrasing and arrangements that don't always please fans.


 wafaa wrote:
Am I the only one that dislikes Neko Case?
 
No, but you're close.  Me loves me some Neko!

She's not returning my calls either, but I'm sure she's just been a little busy.  I'll wait.

 philinnz wrote:
so much good music comes from Austin - those who have not been there, GO, hang out in the multitude of bars and spots and soak it all up
 
Yeah, but if I can't get a direct flight there it means I have to go through Texas. Can't they move Austin to some other state? {#Drool}
so much good music comes from Austin - those who have not been there, GO, hang out in the multitude of bars and spots and soak it all up
 holborne wrote:
I am slightly miffed that Neko has not responded to my public proposal of marriage yet. However, I guess I understand since I'm assuming she gets about half a dozen of those a week. I'm willing to wait.
 
{#Roflol}

 

!Beautiful! -   ** 8 **


 keelo wrote:

Wonderful song.  Weak rendition.  The studio version is haunting.  This is rushed and flat.  But still a very cool song.


 
Agreed.

The studio version is better, but that stripped down guitar sounds very earthy and would have sounded great to the audience.
I am slightly miffed that Neko has not responded to my public proposal of marriage yet. However, I guess I understand since I'm assuming she gets about half a dozen of those a week. I'm willing to wait.
Outstanding. 10.   Can't get enough of her. {#Clap}
Always great to hear Neko, especially after the band she has done such good stuff with, Calexico.
I do recall that the first version of this that I heard brought chills to my spine more often than this one, though...

Wonderful song.  Weak rendition.  The studio version is haunting.  This is rushed and flat.  But still a very cool song.


 RadioDoc wrote:

Yep. One trick pony. Have her come back when she's gained a bit more depth. 5 for the great musicianship behind the trapped cat wailing up front.
 
4 studio albums and 2 live is not one trick.  AMG's reviewer says this of Fox Confessor: "if this isn't Album of the Year material, it's hard to say what is."  Maybe she's not your cup of tea.  Then again, I drink coffee.

That said, I also prefer the studio version over this live recording.  She has alternate takes to this tune that I've heard her do in other venues that are simply electrifying.  I think she was just nervous at ACL.

Am I the only one that dislikes Neko Case?  I have RP on while I get ready for my day, because I LOVE RP, but if Neko Case comes on while I'm getting dressed, I'm all, Enough Already!
bluematrix wrote:
man, the studio version is soo much better.
Or not. Pretty much every track from the Austin City Limits set is as good as or better then the studio versions. A must for any Neko fan. Too bad this is the only track that gets any play here. This one is about par with the studio version because the vocals are a little flat (in comparison), but Jon's playing is kick ass.
Papernapkin wrote:
She has a relentless sameness to her songs. I have to turn it off.
Yep. One trick pony. Have her come back when she's gained a bit more depth. 5 for the great musicianship behind the trapped cat wailing up front.
She has a relentless sameness to her songs. I have to turn it off.
bluematrix wrote:
man, the studio version is soo much better.
Agree...Big Time!
Neko is aewsome live!
bluematrix wrote:
man, the studio version is soo much better.
are you effing kidding me?
she missed STL due to the broken ankle. get well!!
Bad pass. I got to see Neko in a relatively small concert hall and she was utterly mesmerizing. Two magnificent hours. horstman wrote:
I did have the opportunity to see her play and passed. Kinda sorry but I think listening to two hours of just her would be too much. Her sound is like that. One song, or two is okay. More than that is overdose. She's like a great drug. Very good in small doses.
This woman sings like Gabriel plays his horn. All the way up to '11'.
man, the studio version is soo much better.
I did have the opportunity to see her play and passed. Kinda sorry but I think listening to two hours of just her would be too much. Her sound is like that. One song, or two is okay. More than that is overdose. She's like a great drug. Very good in small doses.
I am in Love with Neko Case........
I like my rock and roll imperfect; flawed, real, actual, transient, and passionate. Who cares if her voice in this take isn't perfect? She's a perfect example of what I admire in rock music and this particular performance highlights how imperfect she can be and still be appreciated. . . I've seen Neko live and I thought she was everything her recordings promised and more. And although not every song she played came off exactly right, she was never the less transcendent in her performance - giving the live versions of those songs a breath of life not found in her recordings. Go Neko!
What a voice.
Rocking-M wrote:
Not to bad!
Oh I don't know.. I'd say it goes more from way to good.
Not to bad!
Add a point for being somehow Austin-connected. Hell, add two. Subtract one for subpar performance of her own tune. Gotta admit she has a pair of deep red bells, though.
ericsorensen wrote:
I'm surprised she let this version get released. It's so spotty and she can do such great work. Her voice is breaking left and right.
Well, it's better then her other live stuff that's been released. However, this isn't from a live album where it's a collection of performances, it's from a single performance on Austin City Limits. This particular track wasn't the best, but overall it's really good. My favorite Neko album. And Jon Rauhouse does some great work on pedal and lap steel and banjo. I also highly recommend watching the DVD for the fun little bits in between songs.
She is awesome live and this doesn't do justice to how - usually - flawless she sings this song.
Pure class
Her short auto-biography reads she was born to two teenagers and subsequently raised by cats and dogs. I can relate. ^-^~ Tough lady. Glad she made it to a good place in that awful awful music "industry." We'd be at a great loss if she had given up a a point when most others would have.
really thought i'd love a live version of this killer song...but this version of it falls a bit flat (and sharp too) in places.
I agree, i need to hear something else before she goes on 4 and below list. . . ericsorensen wrote:
I'm surprised she let this version get released. It's so spotty and she can do such great work. Her voice is breaking left and right.
I'm surprised she let this version get released. It's so spotty and she can do such great work. Her voice is breaking left and right.
What a talent.
I just bought this DVD. I'm going to watch it soon!
I prefer the studio version, but this still gets a '9'. Got the shivers as soon as she started singing.
pannaramma wrote:
I've gotten to the point where as soon as I hear that voice I go "Oh goody - Neko" I like everything
Ditto. I used to wonder whether her producers were pushing her voice far forward in the recordings. But no, she's got a powerful, ringing style.
I've gotten to the point where as soon as I hear that voice I go "Oh goody - Neko" I like everything
git's me all tingly 'n stuff...
Wow. What a let down. I love Neko and when I saw her live she blew me away with this song (and others). But this version doesn't do this song justice. Rushed, no depth to the sound, not her usual soul coming through.
Great to hear her without the reverb for a change - loves me some Neko!
YEOW! Love me some NEKO! c.
It's not just the voice. The lyrics provide many layers. She really is the whole package. Amazing that she isn't more known -- and acclaimed.
victoryluna wrote:
Maybe in situ you are also picking up her energy. But maybe she was picking up too much energy like a sugar high when this was recorded. She just rushes through it here, whereas the studio version has the added depth and sexiness of molasses.
Just beautiful
I think the title of this song is a damn fine description of Neko's voice. Girl got pipes.
NPR has one of her concerts here: (click here) Thought it sounded pretty good.
I almost can not bear to hear anything from this recording, nor I have I had the heart to Netflix it. Because... and this is so selfish... I couldn't be there! -SOB!- I wanted to go SO BADLY, but had a family emergency and had to give away my ticket. :( I almost cried when I handed it over. :(
This version doesn't cut it, Bill. You turned me on to Deep Red Bells, and what makes the track is the distant echo sound added to the vocals. So that version is outstanding. This live version, on the other hand, wouldn't cause me to stand up and take notice of Neko, as I had previously with the studio version.
I agree with others: It's a great song, but this isn't the best performance of it. In fact, there's one place where the vocals drop out because she moved away from the mic by accident. The album version is far better.
Neko, where have you been all my life? (Oh yeah. Hanging out with other incredibly talented, beautiful, and successful people.)
eastcoast wrote:
adequate but not exciting
Agree. Lot's of comments on stuff other than the music. I hear she's got a great personality. :-)
sarahbean26 wrote:
her voice "live" will pick you up and make you feel like you are flying!!! And she is very funny!!
Maybe in situ you are also picking up her energy. But maybe she was picking up too much energy like a sugar high when this was recorded. She just rushes through it here, whereas the studio version has the added depth and sexiness of molasses.
One day... she will be mine. Oh yes.
her voice "live" will pick you up and make you feel like you are flying!!! And she is very funny!!
I wouldn't mind being one of her Boyfriends...
AHHH, Neko, what can I say
I agree, her voice is great... Thanks to RP for introducing her to me!
adequate but not exciting
dogpound wrote:
I just LOVE that voice...
Yes Sur!
I just LOVE that voice...