VSOP (Revolution Records REX CD 15)

Casino Steel's first (sort of) new album since "Oh Boy" in 1992 (excluding "Power Cut" etc.) which is far too long for Casino Steel fans to wait! It's certainly a must for all fans of The Boys, the Hollywood Brats and Casino's numerous other musical projects.

It's a sort of a mini "Best Of" with some new tracks thrown in as well. There's also a great photo of Cas on the cover looking as young as ever! The album is dedicated to the memory of Marius Muller, Mick Ronson and Gary Holton who Cas considers to be Very Special Old Pals (VSOP).

1. Till The End Of The Day
The album opens with Cas exchanging words with his daughter Elisabeth and then he bursts into a great version of Ray Davies' "Till The End Of The Day". Unfortunately it's a jam for Cas as he only sings one verse and the chorus and it's over in less than 30 seconds! Whew what an opener!

2. Brickfield Nights
The Boys original version is the perfect pop/rock song and impossible to better but Cas has a real shot at it. It's very different from the Boys version with keyboards more to the fore and Cas singing in a much more laid back style than Matt. It's great to hear Cas' interpretation of such a great song, which of course he co-wrote with Matt. Those of you lucky enough to own "Oh Boy" or "Casino Steel & The Bandits, Featuring Mick Ronson" will be familiar with the style. It features Torstein Flakne and Casino's ex partner Claudia Scott.

3. Real Rain
A new song written by Matheson/Steel and it's a cracker. Fun House are Casino's special guests on this track. There's some lovely guitar work and harmonies as Cas half talks and half sings the lyrics. As I recall this was planned as a single a while back. It deserves to be a hit!

4. My Revolution
One of the better tracks on "Dirty Laundry" which Cas co-wrote with Matt and Ian Hunter. The start really reminds me of Mott The Hoople, a slow song with a very catchy chorus. Ian Hunter at his best.

5. Dance Naked
With Me My favourite track on the album, this is a classic, which I'll bet not many fans have heard. It's sort of Joy Division meets the Rolling Stones with some great thrashing guitars. Originally released as a single in 1990 it's from the "Casino Steel" album. Great stuff and even introduced by Bill Clinton!

6. Vaya Con Dios
This is another new one featuring Jorn Hoel and Freddy Fender. The version is similar in style to the track which appeared on the Crybabys "Rock On Sessions" however that track was just a demo and came as somewhat of a surprise to Cas when it was released. The vocals on this one are the finished product with some great rocking guitar work so it's far superior to that track.

7. Crushing The Doll
Fans of the Hollywood Brats won't be disappointed with this fantastic Matheson/Steel composition. It's another classic featuring Andrew Matheson on vocals and is taken from Matheson's 1994 album "Night Of The Bastard Moon" which Cas produced. A real rocker which is very reminiscent of the Hollywood Brats and the New York Dolls and another highlight on the album.

8. The World Famous Sound Of Courvoiser pt 24
This has made several appearances over the years. It's 20 seconds and consists of a bottle of wine being "popped" and poured. Makes you feel thirsty, cheers Cas!

9. Broken Rose
I'm not sure what Boys/Brats fans will make of this one but personally I love it, another highlight on the album. It's a beautiful song Cas has co-written with Andrew Matheson and demonstrates what a great and versatile songwriting partnership they are. It's a lovely country type song wonderfully sung by Rita Eriksen. You'll not hear many better country songs than this one, Great stuff!

10. Ruby's Arms
Next up is Gary Holton singing this slow ballad from 1982's "Holton/Steel Part 2" album. Cas thought of Holton as a brother and they made it really big together. Not a personal favourite of mine but if it's good enough for Cas then it's good enough for me and it is a very good vocal performance from Holton.

11. Heroine
Another Boys classic with Cas giving his own interpretation and another good one too. It's more keyboards orientated than The Boys version with some lovely vocals from Cas. It's from the "Casino Steel & The Bandits, Featuring Mick Ronson" album and also features Marius Muller. When I met Cas last September he told me that Muller considered it to be such a great honour to play on this track that he refused to receive any payment for it. A great version of a great song with two of Cas' VSOP's, what more could you want, delicious.

12. Road Warrior's Lament
The album's finisher and a real grower. It's a slow, ballad type song, which slowly builds to a great climax with some great vocals from Cas and a lovely guitar solo in the middle. The album's over far too soon so you just have to play it again. Some old classics alongside some new classics, it's great to see Cas back in action again. All we need now is a Casino Steel tour and that Gringo Starrs album. In the meantime make sure you buy a copy of this classic album. I'll have to go now as I must give it another play!!!!!

Steve Metcalfe (March 2001)