Neko Case: Five Essential Albums
Neko Case (photo by Ebru Yildiz, PR)
Women's history is world history, but care is taken in March to elevate the message and mission of Women's History Month. We've asked some of the women we love — including Neko Case, Blessing Jolie, Peaches, and Ellur — to write about their Five Essential Albums for FUV.
Neko Case made a splash in a spectacular way in 2025. Not only did she release her first solo album in seven years, Neon Grey Midnight Green, a tempest of grief, rumination, and evocation, but she released a memoir that was equally impactful, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You.
Both book and songs entwine like serpentine armor around Case and her story— she has control of her own narrative and speaks (and writes) with alacrity and empathy about her confusing, sometimes traumatizing childhood. But what's clear is how music and songwriting gave Case her faith in herself and the fortitude she needed. Both the memoir and Neon Grey Midnight Green are testaments to Case's gift for words and weathering tough times, as well as her potent presence as a live performer, evident at her outstanding FUV Live concert at The Sheen Center last year.
As a nice bonus, Case wrote about her "Five Essential Albums" for FUV — opting for some outliers — and for anyone who loves Neko's music, her choices offer up some exciting paths to explore.
Neko Case: Five Essential Albums
Since there are only five, I tried to pick the lesser-known things I love...
Bessie Griffin & the Gospel Pearls, Swing Down Sweet Chariot
My favorite gospel record of all time. I have NO idea why it hasn’t been re-released?! It’s so good.
Les Rita Mitsouko, The No Comprendo
The first record I ever heard by bizarre, exciting, wild-as-hell pop duo Les Rita Mitsouko. I love Cathrine’s range, especially her low range, she holds back nothing, ever. Cathrine and Fred Chichin, her partner, produced the record with Tony Visconti and it rages. Check out the video for “C'est comme ca.” It looks ahead of its time even for now.
Hanggai, He Who Travels Far
A band I met in Australia at the WOMAD festival. They are a punk rock band celebrating their Mongolian culture compete with throat singing, horse head violins, and incredible singing. Seeing them perform was one of the life highlights of my concert-going experience.
The Handsome Family, In the Air
Rennie Sparks is one of the greatest lyricists of our time. This record in particular got me through some of the darkest times, and inspired me to keep going making music. I love them so much.
The Butthole Surfers, Psychic ... Powerless ... Another Man's Sac
This record is pure crazy. A crazy that actually manages to be melodic somehow. They remain one of my favorite bands and biggest influences of all time.
- Neko Case
March 2026
