Case, a onetime new-waver (remember the Plimsouls' 1983 hit "A Million Miles Away"?) has slowly grown into a folksinger. More obsessed with the past than his previous solo albums--"I'm numb and I'm cold and I'm so goddamn ... more »old," he sings on "Green Blanket (Part 1)"--Full Service has a wistful feeling that goes well with the singer's reflective voice. It's filled with well-crafted turns of phrase such as "the bridge where the winter turns spring" and "the monkeys wearing crowns," and Case plays consistently sharp electric guitar and harmonica solos. The harp riff on "Let Me Fall" may not have returned him to radio playlists, but it's a nice upbeat break from the album's melancholy mood. --Steve Knopper« less
Case, a onetime new-waver (remember the Plimsouls' 1983 hit "A Million Miles Away"?) has slowly grown into a folksinger. More obsessed with the past than his previous solo albums--"I'm numb and I'm cold and I'm so goddamn old," he sings on "Green Blanket (Part 1)"--Full Service has a wistful feeling that goes well with the singer's reflective voice. It's filled with well-crafted turns of phrase such as "the bridge where the winter turns spring" and "the monkeys wearing crowns," and Case plays consistently sharp electric guitar and harmonica solos. The harp riff on "Let Me Fall" may not have returned him to radio playlists, but it's a nice upbeat break from the album's melancholy mood. --Steve Knopper
R. Hutchinson | a world ruled by fossil fuels and fossil minds | 05/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Full Service, No Waiting is definitely one of the best "dylanesque" albums of the 90s, and clearly Case's best of the decade. It's full of emotion, yet never comes close to going over the top into schmaltz, which is a real feat. Beautiful melodies and spare instrumentation. Several of the songs ("Crooked Mile" and "Still Playin'" come to mind) just stick in my mind, the sure sign of a great melody. If you appreciate great lyrics, idiosyncratic vocal styles, and a social conscience -- the genre founded by Bob in the 60s -- check out the other dylanites of the 90s at my page/area. They're listed by year of release, starting with 99 and moving back in time. Included are Stan Ridgway, Peter Case, Steve Earle, Jim Page, Bill Morrissey, Tom Petty, Chris Smither, Butch Hancock, Elvis Costello, Dave Alvin, and Richard Thompson."
They don't come any better than this ..........
M. Vogt | 08/09/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Full service...." has become one of my favourite all-time albums. The songwriting is even better than Case's brilliant debut album and his vocals even more passionate. Case's guitar picking is spendidly urgent and the superb accompaniment (Greg Leisz on lap steel) and sparse arrangements always lets the songs shine through. And what fantastic songs - "Beautiful Grind" is a classic, other stand outs are "Spell of Wheels", "Downtown", "Let Me Fall", "Still Playing" - in fact they're all great. Wonderful lyrics and a lovely live feel to the music - just like I remember them when I saw him live at Downpatrick Folk Club. Don't lend this CD to ANYONE!"
An all-time gem of an album
Christopher Johnson | Philadelphia, PA | 12/17/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this alt-roots-country-folk-rock record after reading a review of it by, of all people, the Washington Post's jazz critic. The album garnered the Post's highest rating and came with the kind of praise that's pulled out only for a classic. Indeed, this album combines authentic songwriting, great melodies, and top-notch playing into a wonderfully listenable record. Songs like "Spell of Wheels" and "See Through Eyes" are lyrically evocative, melodic, and performed with conviction. Despite some standout songs on the record, I can't skip a track - it's all that good. Peter Case has a unique voice and boy can he turn a lyric. I bought this album shortly after it was released in 1998, and it remains one of my all-time favorites."
Pure, soulful songwriting
Christopher Johnson | 12/10/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After seeing Peter Case live and being blown away I was compelled to pick up his latest CD. The pleasant surprise was how addicted I've become to listening to every track, repeatedly, on a daily basis. The production is extraordinary: being able to listen to a "full band" and recognizing each instrument and pluck of a string individually. Case proves his story telling genius over and over with great trips like "Spell Of Wheels", his attraction and excitement with "Honey Child", and his contentment in "Beautiful Grind". The highest recommendation I give to every music lover I meet!"