Search - Peter Case :: Let Us Now Praise Sleepy John

+1/2 -- Folk-blues troubadour on top of his game

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 08/23/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Case's credentials as a street-savvy folk troubadour have long since eclipsed his previous power pop identity with the Nerves and Plimsouls. Still, his well-traveled, socially observant lyrics draw upon the same well of honesty and directness as his earlier work, but without the electric guitars and drums. Case sings to his own strummed and picked accompaniment supplemented by an occasional guest guitarist or vocalist, performing on a small scale that opens a window on his intimate live performances.



The life of a touring musician is a central theme in Case's songwriting, reporting from the road on "24 Hours" and "The Open Road Song," and considering the philosophical and social issues that present themselves in the rush of every day life. Songs of social inequity ("Million Dollars Bail"), humanity gripped in the crush of homelessness ("Underneath the Stars"), and faded glory ("Palookaville") are startling in their detail. Even when writing in a third person narrative, Case writes with first person experience.



In addition to nine new titles, Case revives one of his earliest compositions, 1970's "Just Hangin' On," and covers the traditional "Get Away Blues." He's augmented by Richard Thompson's guitar and voice on "Every 24 Hours," vocalist Lysa Flores on "Some Bright Mornin' Blues," Norm Hamlet (of Merle Haggard's Strangers) on pedal steel for "That Soul Twist," and singer/guitarist Carlos Guitarlos on "Underneath the Stars." Case continues to develop and refine his considerable craft, deepening the experience and wisdom of his songs and performances. 4-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2007 hyperbolium dot com]"

Alive Right Now

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 10/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Peter Case's new CD "Let Us Now Praise Sleepy John" is an excellent acoustic folk set. Case shines with urgent vocals, acoustic guitar, great melodies & lyrics. Richard Thompson guests on vocals & guitar on the bright opener "Every 24 Hours," "I should've called home fore she went to sleep; I pray the Lord for her soul to keep; Tomorrow will tell who's been tending the sheep." "Million Dollars Bail" tells a sad story of how money may purchase justice but cannot buy happiness, "She dialed 911, but the cops didn't come on time; They found her on the marble with a bullet through her eye. ... There's two kinds of justice, everybody knows, one for folks up on the hill, the others down below." Case's music is deceptively simple such as on the lovely "Ain't Gonna Worry No More" with it's lulling guitar and lyrics busting with memory, "Fourteen dressed in his father's hat, even had a little mustache just like that; Told the crazy lady at the corner shop, 'I'll take a pack of Camels and bottle of Schnapps.'" "Forget tomorrow & that jam you're in; You're alive right now as you ever been," Peter sings on the losers' lament "That Soul Twist." Case's new CD is an excellent folk set from one of our most consistent artists. Enjoy!"

Another Fine Work from Mr. Case

Edward J. Bohls | Washington DC | 10/04/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's hard to think of many others who are still putting out such amazing stuff after so long a career. Peter Case hasn't traveled a straight line by any means, but there is in fact a line somehow from his astonishing 1986 debut to today. This album is more Icewater, say, than Steel Strings, but as the man himself sang in Hidden Love, in these empty rooms a guitar makes a band.



Peter Case is an American treasure. Please, I urge you to give this one, to give this man, a listen."