Colorful, enigmatic storytelling, siren-like voice… Neko Case's daring, rich discography is collected in one place for Truckdriver Gladiator Mule, a 9LP boxset that includes a limited-edition 80-page full-color photography book, (designed & curated by Neko Case), a vinyl slipmat w/ illustration by Neko, and digital downloads. The music portion of the anthology consists of the first six solo records from the alt country/indie folk/America singer-songwriter, one live album, and an EP: 1997 debut The Virginian (first vinyl pressing), 2000's Furnace Room Lullaby, 2001's Canadian Amp EP (covers of songs from Canadian artists), 2002's Blacklisted, 2004 live LP The Tigers Have Spoken, 2006's Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, 2009's Middle Cyclone, and 2013's The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You. A lot of thought went into this career-spanning anthology (Neko herself was heavily involved), essential for true fans and/or if you've just discovered her and want the complete package!

• includes 80-page full-color photography book
• vinyl slipmat w/ illustration by Neko included
• digital download card for each album included
• music label: Anti- 2015

reviewed by rei kwondo 08/18