Wig!: It's the real thing!
delNorte | Grand Rapids, Michigan | 07/01/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After being sidelined for a time due to health issues, Peter Case releases some pent-up steam on "Wig!" and comes out swinging with a raucus, wild, celebratory romp through the many musical forms that have shaped his career. Rooted deep in folk, rock, and blues traditions, Case has created a thoroughly modern recording that could be considered a sign of the times, a product not only of his own illness, but the sickness of a society beset with "The Great Recession." Case himself describes it this way: "'Wig!' It's not just a way of life, it's an explosive reaction against the tension of living in an insane century."
Case takes his listeners on a road trip in his "New Old Blue Car," the route spontaneous and improvisational, winding from the banks of the Mississippi River, through the prison workhouse and the lives of the down-and-out, to New York City, where "it's worth a million dollars / never to be seen / ridin' up and down on Broadway / in a polka dotted limousine." "I don't need no luxury ride," sings Case, "I just need you by my side." The old blue car does just fine.
While the average Joe is struggling to pay his rent, and lawyers and bandits are getting rich on pyramid schemes, Case reminds his listener about the need for empathy and truth: both will set you free. In the song "The Words in Red, " (a tune that sounds like the Byrds got religion) Case contrasts the compassion of Christ to the actions of sinner-hunting preachers who use the Bible as a weapon: " love yr brothers & yr sisters / take care of each other / love yr enemies / as well as your friends / tend the poor & the sick / & the ones in jail / give away your wealth / say the words in red." In these hard times, it's good to be reminded that money isn't the only measure of wealth: soul is also gold. You can still live like a millionaire, even if you ain't got no dough.
In conclusion: buy "Wig!" And when some big-name act comes to town to perform has-been-hits in a huge venue for $250 a ticket, skip it. Go see Peter instead, and treat yourself to the real thing.
"
One of his best albums ever!
Kenneth H. Salyer | 07/02/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Peter Case's latest record is a fun work-out in genuine soulful blues that will rock your Wig off. It was cut live in the studio with no digital tricks and with solid musicianship and vocals backing up Peter's always solid songwriting. Coming from someone who is a big Peter Case fan, I rank this as one of his best albums ever, and it's one that will remain in heavy rotation for me at home, car and work."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1