Neko Case: Live From Austin, Texas (Elite)

Although a belated release -- it was recorded in August 2003 -- there is some serendipity of timing: Case's 2006 Fox Confessor Brings The Flood popped up in many "best of the year" lists.

On release I gave Fox five stars in the New Zealand Herald and in the end of year "best of" wrap-up wrote of it, "This typically diverse Case album runs from pure guitar-twang pop to classic gospel-infused country and white-soul balladry, yet sounds all of a coherent piece. That's the measure of just how remarkable this one is."

So yes, you should get that album -- but this one might be of more appeal if you are new to her considerable and diverse charms.

This intimate concert follows a more alt.country and country-rock template than her later albums, but her emotional power, song selection (an easy treatment of Dylan's Buckets of Rain), and the support from her small band who bring in banjo and pedal steel illustrate just how powerful and affecting this woman can be.