Neko Case's 'Middle Cyclone' hits The Pageant

(Credit: Jason Creps)

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

You might have heard that there has been a love-hate relationship brewing between Neko Case and St. Louis since early last year. Ok, maybe wayyyyyy more love than hate, but let's review, just for kicks.

See, in April of 2008, Case was supposed to perform with The New Pornographers at The Pageant, and most people I knew who had bought tickets for that sold-out show did so because Case was advertised as part of the bill. But when Case suffered a broken ankle days before the show and was unable to perform, the show still went on, making a good bunch of St. Louisans unhappy.

"She could have just sang while sitting down," a few people told me.

For all I know, this is a non-issue these days, especially after her amazing "make-up" show at The Pageant later in 2008. Case even mentioned the New Pornographers "no-show," and even promised another trip to St. Louis in 2009.

Well, guess what? Neko Case is back at the Pageant Thursday evening, and this time she's on tour to support her newest album— 'Middle Cyclone'—which features some of the strongest songs she's ever written and recorded. It's probably my favorite Neko Case album, and that's saying a lot. I just can't wait to hear the tunes in a live setting, assuming there are no more broken ankles.

See you at The Pageant?

Five Neko Case videos to watch before the show