For all her natural charm as a country singer, Neko Case has always been as much about messing with that tradition as embracing it. Now, the former punk rock drummer, who first kicked up a barnstorm with 1997 lark The Virginian, is in full creative bloom with her least identifiably "country" album yet.

Black Listed mines ground similar to 2000's Furnace Room Lullaby, with Case's singular voice gusting over 13 dark and elegant tracks. What's different, or at least what's enhanced, is the depth of her writing and arrangements, which house not just the familiar twang but floaty rock and soul touches.

Rather than just impressively sing the hell out of everything like she once did, Case uses subtle shifts in dynamics for the swaying, bittersweet Outro With Bees and Lady Pilot, as well as the blustery title track and the old Aretha Franklin tune Runnin' Out Of Fools. As ever, Case gets key backing from an all-star crew including Dallas Good of Toronto's The Sadies, Giant Sand's Howe Gelb, and Calexico's Joey Burns and John Convertino.

Still, Black Listed is Case's vision, and completes her transition from great song interpreter to gifted auteur. (More on Neko Case)

Track Listing