RECORD RACK

Peter Case has never caught a break. As the leader of L.A.’s Plimsouls during the early ‘80s, he mapped out modern power-pop’s genetic code. When he left that band to reinvent himself as a singer-songwriter, critics lavished praise on his sharply etched story-songs--particularly those on his 1986 self-titled debut--but few record buyers cared to follow their lead.

Case, however, has not slowed down. Ever since parting ways with Geffen in 1993, he’s been making quietly affecting records for the venerable folk label Vanguard. His latest may well be the strongest album of his 13-year solo career. His parched tenor nestled comfortably in spare, acoustic arrangements, Case spins a mesmerizing song cycle of regret and rueful longing.

Some of “Full Service’s” protagonists have either let love slip from their grasp or are desperately trying to hold on to it, whether it’s the divorcee in “On the Way Downtown” or the couple juggling career and kids in “Beautiful Grind.” Others, such as the homeless dreamer in “Green Blanket (Part 1)” or the small-time hood in the hypnotic “Spell of Wheels,” are just trying to maintain a shred of dignity in an unforgiving world. With an uncanny instinct for the revealing detail, Case manages to extract universal truths from ordinary lives.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four stars (excellent).

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* Excerpts from these albums and other recent releases are available on The Times’ World Wide Web site. Point your browser to: https://www.latimes.com/soundclips