Neko Case – Blacklisted

Neko Case’s Blacklisted, released in 2002, marked a turning point in her evolution from alt-country torchbearer to a genre-defying artist with a cinematic, shadowy sound. The album leans into noir-like atmospheres and emotionally charged storytelling, with themes of solitude, vulnerability, and mystery running throughout. Songs like "Deep Red Bells," inspired by the Green River Killer case, and "I Wish I Was the Moon" showcase Case’s ability to blend poetic lyricism with haunting vocal delivery and sparse, evocative arrangements.

The album was met with widespread critical acclaim and solidified Case’s status as one of indie music’s most compelling voices. With contributions from members of Calexico and Giant Sand, the instrumentation is rich but restrained, allowing her voice and lyrics to take center stage. Blacklisted moves beyond genre, inhabiting a uniquely atmospheric space that balances raw emotion with artistic control—an album that feels both intimate and expansive.

Reviews

"Case has made her definitive artistic statement with this darkly seductive album."

"Blacklisted is gorgeous heartache, my soul be damned."

"Case's voice is more confident here than ever, dense with emotional heft and richly expressive."

"Neko Case draws the listener into a spooky, lonely world filled with prostitutes, women in trouble, and stalkers."

"A beautiful alt-country record with amazing production and vocal performances."