In the afterglow of the introspective Full Service, No Waiting, Peter Case turns to sweaty, ribald blues to send his songs spinning and sailing. Backed by a tight acoustic ensemble featuring roots all-stars like Greg Leisz... more » on everything with strings and Don Heffington on percussion, Case has a blast tapping into country gospel, jazzy swing, horn-driven soul, and the blues of unplugged juke joints from Clarksdale to Chicago. His harmonica runs wild, his gravel-and-grace voice thrills, and his songs are as hummable and thoughtful as ever. "I been in lost in the palace, lost in the slums," he sings, "Since I got lost in her eyes I've been begging for crumbs." It's the kind of record we've come to expect from Case: poignant and witty, full of the sting and liberating spirit of the blues. --Roy Kasten« less
In the afterglow of the introspective Full Service, No Waiting, Peter Case turns to sweaty, ribald blues to send his songs spinning and sailing. Backed by a tight acoustic ensemble featuring roots all-stars like Greg Leisz on everything with strings and Don Heffington on percussion, Case has a blast tapping into country gospel, jazzy swing, horn-driven soul, and the blues of unplugged juke joints from Clarksdale to Chicago. His harmonica runs wild, his gravel-and-grace voice thrills, and his songs are as hummable and thoughtful as ever. "I been in lost in the palace, lost in the slums," he sings, "Since I got lost in her eyes I've been begging for crumbs." It's the kind of record we've come to expect from Case: poignant and witty, full of the sting and liberating spirit of the blues. --Roy Kasten
"Peter Case has released some of the finest songs in music the last dozen or so years. He consistantly delivers GREAT CD's that are timeless. This one is no exception! "Blue Distance" is absolutley beautiful and it's followed by outstanding "Walking Home Late". The songs play off each other just perfectly. "Two Heroes" sounds like a classic the first time you hear it. Other standout's include "Lost in your Eyes" "Cool Drink of Water" and Something Happens". This CD should please long time fans as well as attract new ones. The diversity of the songs make it possibly his most accesible work to date. If you have a chance to see him on tour do so. I just saw him and he is AMAZING live!"
Great CD
Jeanne Lightly | 04/30/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Case has honed his road-blues barbs to a spare, leathery and almost entirely acoustic sound that relies more on song structure than on fancy delivery. Plying his wry story-songs, Case sets his somewhat roughened voice against his own strummed six- and 12-strongs, drawing in turns from the pure musicality of folk, Cajun, country and blues more than from the narrative-heavy sound that defines most contemporary folk. Case writes of adult dilemmas with a self-deprecating distance, jollying himself out of self-pity with jaunty rhythms and a touch of twang."
Bob Dylan at a Party
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 02/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great a little CD. Peter Case again sings like hell (title of former CD). "Paradise Etc." is as catchy as it is clever. "Walking Home Late" is one of the sweetest little tunes. "Coulda Shoulda Woulda" has a great washboard-rhythm feel to it. I keep getting flashes of early Dylan when I listen to this disc. Peter sings better and these tunes are not as universal as Dylan's writing, but they are a lot of fun. I can't make up my mind whether Case is a better writer or singer because this is like listening to Dylan at a party. "This Could be the One" says it well. Great mostly acoustic music, full of life. Enjoy!"
Another solid effort
Tim Weber | Iowa | 04/28/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This disc does not quite reach the heights of the previous "Full Service No Waiting" (his best Vanguard album) but is another strong set of tunes from Case that would get 3.5 stars if allowed. This one is, however, a bit more joyous and propulsive. "Paradise etc." and "Coulda Shoulda Woulda" are highlights. Greg Leisz again provides some nice lap and pedal steel playing, but it seems Case sometimes overuses him; a little less would be more in this case. Still, good, solid stuff that deserves a wider audience. Check out his first two Geffen albums if you can find them."
It's easy to take this guy for granted...
gator480 | Cave Creek, AZ USA | 04/26/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This record's growing on me. While less atmospheric than "full service..", lyrically the song are more literal and humerous.Not the best starting point for new fans, but a consistently engaging record from an artist who doesn't disappoint!"