The New Pornographer's crowning jewel Neko Case packed the back room of the Rivoli to the gills Wednesday for an "intimate showcase" of her new material. She had in tow most of the musicians from her recent recording sessions: Paul Rigby, Jon Rauhouse, Tom V. Ray, Jason Creps, and Rachel Flotard (of Seattle's Visqueen). Though she sadly did not have The Sadies with her this time around (but did acknowledge their brilliance by making magical dust-sprinkling finger motions whenever she mentioned their name) her rapport & stage banter with Rachel was splendid and hilarious without getting too campy.

Despite having a cold (so she claims, could've fooled me!), Ms Case's voice rang gorgeously full and clear as a bell through the small room, drowning out the annoying buzz of the back ventilator fan (Rivoli folks, for the love of god, fix that thing). Somebody once said that the only thing better than Neko singing her songs is Neko talking about her songs - I am inclined to agree. She dazzled us all with tales of giraffes scalping rake-waving game farmers, quips about songs from her upcoming "controversial" LP Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (due out March 7th), and illicit Bryan Adams love affairs.

If you missed out on this Neko treat, you still have the chance to catch her with The Sadies February 3rd & 4th, when they will be recording a live album, with many "special guests", at Lee's Palace. Tickets are $25 and are still available at the time of this posting (but going fast).

(Additional photos from the show at: Rock//Paper//Pixels).