PETER CASE
Beeline (Vanguard)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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It's been nearly twenty years since Peter Case helped the Plimsouls prove that there was room for soul in the power pop formula, and since then he's been introducing audiences to a similar merging of diverse elements from the menu of American musical styles. Following on the heels of his Grammy nominated role as the producer of last year's Mississippi John Hurt tribute, Avalon Blues, he's put together a set of songs that include that country blues influence and much more. It may be his strongest solo effort to date, and if the right people hear it, it may earn him one of those little statues yet.

Beeline finds Case rocking a little harder than he has for awhile, but not at the cost of the intimacy his material requires. His guitar, piano and harp are augmented by sidemen using everything from computers to tamboura and harmonium to create a rich sound that is an obvious choice for fans of Americana, but should appeal to the college radio crowd and, if there's any justice at all, the broader pop audience as well. Of course, Case hasn't compromised his sound or message to achieve that elusive pop crossover. He's just made a real fine album containing real fine songs. He's got a light to shine, and he's got it on high beam. Beeline deserves to be heard, and you deserve to hear it.

Track List:

If You Got A Light To Shine * Evening Raga * I Hear Your Voice * Lost In The Sky * Gone * Something's Coming * Ain't Leaving Your Love * It's Cold Inside * Manana Champeen * First Light

© 2002 - Shaun Dale