Customer Reviews

A Case for Case

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You may not have heard of Peter Case or heard any of his excellent records. This 3 disc tribute seeks to remedy that situation by bringing a wealth of other singers and songwriters in to interpret songs by Peter Case. Peter was in the Plimsouls in the late '70s, penning a classic of the era, "A Million Miles Away." Then he went solo and has released several of the best albums of their respective years.

You have probably heard of some of the folks on this record: Joe Ely, Chris Smither, Richard Buckner, Dave Alvin, Todd Snider, James McMurtry, John Prine, Victoria Williams. Their presence is a testament to the esteem in which Peter is held by other great songwriters. 47 songs, 47 artists, and a lot of listening enjoyment. If you want to find out why these folks admire Peter Case's music, check this out. Then go find Peter's own records because you will definitely want to hear the original versions, not to mention all the other great songs you'll find on any Peter Case album. Enjoy the discovery, or if you've already become a fan, enjoy these wonderful cover versions.

It's easy to hear why this affordable 3-disc box set got rave reviews from No Depression and Bob Harris of the BBC. Buffalo's Peter Case writes songs that are smart, sad, funny, and empowering--often all at once. The performers interpreting Case's songs in this collection are a "Who's Who" of the No Depression scene (Alvin, Prophet, Ely, Russell, Richey, Snider, Kirchen, etc.). There are a lot of really interesting variations in these cover versions. If your collection of Case CDs isn't complete before you hear this box set, you'll seek out his entire back catalog, which is so strong. The tribute's covers are not repeats of the originals by any means. There are also plenty of songs from Case's earlier work with the power pop Plimsouls. Anyone who enjoys Dylan, Prine, or Springsteen should check this collection out (Hey, Springsteen covered Case's "Beyond the Blues" at a Bottom Line sound check in 1992!). Like Marshall Crenshaw, Peter Case has been one of America's most under-rated songwriters. This collection puts the record straight. Buy this bargain three-disc box set. The proceeds benefit Hungry For Music, a DC-based charity that provides musical instruments to disadvantaged kids. Then go hear Peter Case and shake his hand.