The Virginian
Before being crowned an alt country goddess, NekoCase was familiar to Mint fans from her drumminthunder in Maow. Here, she stepped out from behindthe kit and into the spotlight to release 12 amazingsongs that stretch from out n out hillbilly stompers toLoretta Lynn-like lovesick ballads. And, she collecteda jamboree of indie rock and bluegrass legends as herbacking band, including Brian Connelly (Shadowy Menon a Shadowy Planet), Matt Murphy (Superfriendz),Carl Newman (Zumpano, Superconductor, NewPornographers), Rose Melberg (The Softies, Tiger Trap),and Beez (Smugglers), among others.