Alcazar Album: “Casino”

This release of Casino (ASIN B00006EXC2) is the U.S. Edition containing 15 tracks, six of which are remixes. Alcazar is a fun, disco-like group, and the remixes on this disc reinforce this image. But to make room for the mixes, they removed six original tracks--some of which happen to be pretty interesting (like the great beat of "Stars Come Out At Night"). So you don't miss out, I suggest you get the UK Edition of Casino instead (ASIN B00005PJJN). Then, if you want all the remixes, buy this U.S. Edition or buy the individual single CDs where the remixes came from.

Ok, I had no clue ALCAZAR had a full cd till I started searching online, I came across this by chance. After the fabulous Crying At The Disco from QAF Volume 1. They released a full CD not too long ago of course it's an import only due to the cruel politics of american radio etc.. You must pick up this cd if you love dance, retro, house, etc.. From the fantastic Sexual Guarantee which I guarantee will stay in your head this album delivers what it hints at. You will want to dance non-stop through this CD. Other fantastic highlights include Paris In The Rain, Baby Come Back, and the fantastic Paradise. My only gripe is that one song seems just for filler and that song is Almost Famous which is actually not too bad. But nonetheless this is a hidden gem of a CD. YOU MUST OWN THIS CD NOW!!!!!!!! I guarantee it is worth every dollar you spend. One of my top ten cd's of all time period!!!!

Two girls and a guy, Alcazar are the brainchild of Army of Lovers mainman Alexander Bard, who has updated the classic Europop melodies of his old band, bringing them right into the 21st century. It ain't a crime to love 1979 it seems: "My Forbidden Lover" becomes "Sexual Guarantee" and "Spacer" (hey I always loved that anyway) miraculously turns into the mighty "Crying At The Discotheque" which I never get sick of hearing. Cheeky samples aside, Andreas, Annikafiore and Tess deliver a CD of disco heaven which has a big cheesy grin on its face throughout and has a gay old time. A classic pop dance CD for our time, nothing more and nothing less.

I can't just say why this one out of the scads of popular bands that come and go got my attention. But i felt a dedication,a passion,a rhythm and a versatility who made me feel a difference.They are passionate,sincerely so, and got to my heart. Thanks Alcazar!

While the album was not a massive success when it was release here in the States, it made a impression deep enough that someone like me, an avid Pop and Dance music lover, started to take to Alcazar's music through their colour, exciting music videos. Of all the songs, "Sexual Guarentee" and "Crying At The Discotheque" remain my favourites. The vocals and lyrics are very much to my liking. However, the album falls short because of its production. The reliance on extremely successful American R&B/Disco songs detracts from the quality of the album in a few areas. This is most apparent in the unfattering sample of Change's "Glow Of Love" used for "Paris In The Rain." I suppose the producer decided to play it safe on their first outing. Simpler yet more imaginative original production could have done wonders of the song. While not nearly as unflattering, "Paradise" could have this a fabulous song instead a of merely pleasant Dance song. "Don't Leave Me Alone" is easily the strongest of the album tracks! I enjoy it! "Don't You Want Me" is a fun cover while "Almost Famous" and "Ritmo Del Amor" are unabashed campy Pop/Dance. Thankfully, the over-sampling misstep was not repeated with subsequent singles and albums. The remixes are quite enjoyable. However, the six songs that were removed in favour of the remixes should be heard! I would recommended buying both versions (the U.S. & U.K./International) version of "Casino" to get the full appreciation of Alcazar's debut. This is a good album to have if you enjoy Pop and Dance music. It is a respectable debut album. However, if you really want get into their music deeper, "Alcazarized" and especially "Disco Defenders" will show and prove!