Live Review: Neko Case, Crooked Fingers in New York, NY

Considering the predominately introspective, passionate vibe of most of Neko Case's country-folk material, it might be difficult to imagine that goofy humor would be so widely incorporated into her live gig--but this was precisely the case at last night's (4/13) show at Nokia Theatre Times Square.

With an endearing and audience-engaging spirit, Case and her entourage of band members made silly comments and jokes between songs for the duration of their nearly two-hour set. While the music remained flawless and poignant, the banter in between involved lighthearted chatter about things like pimples, nipples and "Free Bird." Backup vocalist Kelly Hogan created most of the shenanigans, and won over the audience completely.

The crowd--a blend of bearded-hippies, artsy-intellectual college students and young professionals, watched the entire performance in church-like silence. The only comments from fans came between songs, during which they had no difficulty expressing themselves (i.e. "I love you Neko!" "Best pimples ever!") to verbally contribute to the band's onstage antics.

Playing a satiable mix of songs old and new, the inspiring redhead and her crew kicked off the night with "Maybe Sparrow," from the 2006 LP "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood." Case's vocals were nothing short of astounding. Wearing an understated black tank and jeans, the Nicole Kidman-gone-indie-looking country singer gave a magnetic performance that had the some-2,000 onlookers completely mesmerized.

Among the selections played were fan favorites: "Deep Red Bells," "I Wish I Was The Moon," "Margaret vs. Pauline," "Prison Girls" and "People Got A Lotta Nerve." One of the most heartrending performances of the evening was Case's cover of Harry Nilsson's "Don't Forget Me." It was tear-jerking moment as she sang: "And when we're older and full of cancer/It doesn't matter now, c'mon get happy/'Cause nothing lasts forever/But I will always love you." Closing the set, additional backup singers and Crooked Fingers guitarist Eric Bachmann joined the group onstage for a rousing version of "This Tornado Loves You," from Case's 2009 album "Middle Cyclone."

A healthy encore followed, including "Vengeance Is Sleeping," "Favorite," "Magpie To The Morning," "Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth" and "Knock Loud." Keeping with the night's jovial mood, Case and Hogan ended the set by joking about New Yorkers' bad reputation, saying that tonight's crowd was "so cuddly."

Earlier on, opening act Crooked Fingers brought their own style of indie experimental rock, ranging from tranquil and ambient to edgy megaphone and electronic sounds. Guitarist Eric Bachmann delivered commanding vocals with a Pete Yorn-meets-Neil Diamond flair, while bassist Miranda Brown sipped red wine and provided minimal backup support. However, hands-down, the most outstanding member of the trio was Tim Husmann, a percussionist, pianist and master noisemaker of all sorts.