Comments on: Neko Case – Middle Cyclone

By: Tim B

Tim B — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:09:32 +0000

Jimmy,
Just became aware of Neko Case via “Spin” (sorry dude, I’m lame that way) and was curious only because Levon Helm I believe is on the new album. Ended up buying Fox Confessor cause the new album wasn’t available yet. Love her to death, and last week finally got hold of Middle Cyclone. For me a great new find and I look good, hip and cool after giving my kids copies. Keep it up, the rants, the sexism and all. It’s the truth don’t ya know.
Tim

By: Jimmy Mac

Jimmy Mac — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:45:38 +0000

Thank you! I rushed the article, so I can totally see now (when re-reading the un-edited version) how I didn’t make my points so well. But that was exactly the point I was trying to nail home- she didn’t have to play it sexy, she’s an amazing singer/songwriter. I think what drove me into a tizzy was Anti Records’ ad in the latest Under The Radar, it’s an out-take from the album cover photo session, where she’s standing up on the car and it’s clearly showing hella leg. My immediate thought was, “Does she really need to do this?” When I searched for the ad online, I found the lingerie pic. Then read a ton of press and the overall consensus was like, “indie crush girl Neko Case” and I was kind of miffed that i never thought of her as that type of artist. I don’t even think I’m making a great point even now. Anyway, thanks for reading everybody!

By: Mo McGettigan

Mo McGettigan — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:38:57 +0000

I have one additional comment viz. Neko Case and the lingerie — and it’s all on Jimmy’s side. I see now that Jimmy was trying to make a distinction between Image Girls and Talent Girls. We women also have our perverse side: We want to be perceived as sexy, but respected for our abilities and not seen as sex objects. Unfortunately when people don’t know you, you can put up a snapshot of yourself looking pleasant drinking coffee at your kitchen table. Or you can create a fantasy by posting a picture that’s so beautiful it doesn’t look a thing like the real person. Jimmy’s right: Sex sells records. And magazines. And toothpaste, and almost everything else. [And if a woman tells me she wouldn't like to be photo-shopped to perfection and look like her fantasy self on her album cover I'd say: Liar, liar, pants on fire . . . . Especially if it meant the difference between between whether someone would ever pick it up.]
Still, the lingerie is a little over-the-top. Especially for someone who says she doesn’t write love songs. I’d say it was almost counter-productive. If I had seen that first . . . I would have thought that she’s not going to be writing anything to which I’d think was worth listening.

Oh! And music criticism isn’t pointless! Consider that you can have someone listen to something new, re-think a long-held prejudice, or provide previously unpossessed vocabulary (not to mention a forum) with which to conduct discussion, or promote an artist deservedly.

P.S. Your wife is the coolest.

By: KatieB

KatieB — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:28:04 +0000

Yeah, the irony just did not come through the first time. Sorry. Maybe I’m the stupid one.

By: Julie

Julie — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:18:33 +0000

I’ll have you know, my fingernails are very clean and well taken care of.

However, this article is majorly flawed and utterly offensive. Fix it before I divorce you, a-hole.

By: KatieB

KatieB — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 21:03:33 +0000

I HATE you, Jimmy Mac!!!!! But I love you, Jimmy Mac!!!! Tell my sister “hi.” P.S. Have you ever looked at Julie’s fingernails????