Neko Case Shakes New York

We have to admit, we were kind of late to realize the phenomenon that is Neko Case.

And by “kind of,” we mean about 15 years.

Poison Ivy saw the soulful, roots-rock songstress for the first time Tuesday night at Nokia Theatre in New York, after Case had already dawned nearly a two-decade solo career and extensive history with the New Pornographers.

Baring a haunting, earthy alto, and a bantering stage manner that won’t quit (“Sometimes it’s hard to woo on a Tuesday, so thanks for bringing it. You like how I’m all street? Bring it,” she told the audience), the bluesy redhead belted nearly two hours of songs, including “Prison Girls,” “Maybe Sparrow,” “The Pharaohs” and “Don’t Forget Me.”

She’s a modern-day Patsy Cline, we thought, while exiting the venue.

“Ur always so sweet to us, so thanks for letting us play for you, New York,” Case said, to close the show.

Thank you, Neko!!