Customer Reviews

Flying Saucer Blues

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

Following up a career peak is always a challenge. Case's 1998 FULL SERVICE, NO WAITING was simply brilliant, one of the best of the '90s. But Peter has a solution -- move from the serious to the goodtime. FLYING SAUCER BLUES has an easygoing jauntiness, overall, that just isn't trying for the same sort of greatness as its predecessor. This mood is actually created by only a few of the tracks: "Cool Drink O' Water," "Coulda Shoulda Woulda," and "Two Heroes," which are all outstanding.

Many of the other songs would have fit in quite well on FULL SERVICE, both in terms of mood and quality. FSB has one major flaw, in my view, and that is the opening track, from whence comes the album's title. This song, "Paradise Etc.", just makes me wince with its cute list of names for paradise. Even here, there's a great lyric that you think is about his lover, until he says "I'm afraid she'll run out in the street," and worries that "I'm large but I hesitate," and you realize he's talking about his little daughter! Thanks to the wonders of digital technology, one duff track no longer need spoil an album (as it could in the wax LP days of yore).

A good one, but don't miss FULL SERVICE!

Peter Case is one of those artists who seemingly has been condemned to commercial purgatory. He has consistently released quality albums since his 1986 self-titled debut, but other than critical acclaim, he has been unable to garner a wide audience for his brand of folk/rock, and that's a shame. This 2000 Vanguard release is every bit as good as his first two albums for Geffen.

Case, who wrote or co-wrote all eleven tracks, plays six- and 12-string guitars and harmonica, but it's Greg Leisz (who has also worked with Dave Alvin) who adds the folky touches, playing mandolin, Dobro, lap and pedal steel, and banjo.

Each song is a sheer delight, but highlights include "Paradise, etc.," "Coulda Shoulda Woulda," "Two Heroes" and "This COuld Be the One." Favorite line: "I wish I woulda gotta GED/You want fries with that BLT?" from "Coulda Shoulda Woulda." VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

get this cd , you will not be pissed ..
anybody who has enjoyed other discs by this artist will be happy , very happy..try "Torn Agian" ..."Sings Like Hell" ...
then get some Subdudes ..."Primative Streak" and "Subdudes"
the Badlees, "River Songs"..Greg Brown "The Poet Game"
Lets get some Michelle Shocked while we are at it ..have fun and smile at those you meet..