Casanova Casanova (Deluxe Edition)
by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer
Now here is a band that nearly every melodic rock fan should know, but few actually do. Casanova was a German melodic rock band put together by producer Henry Staroste, the band featured singer/guitarist Michael Voss of Mad Max fame, drummer Michael Eurich (Warlock), bassist Jrgen Attig and guitarist Stephan Neumeier.
Casanova released their self-titled debut in 1991. This is an album that by all rights should have been huge in the U.S., but was strangely overlooked. If there was ever a winning formula for melodic hard rock, it’s on display here. They were obviously inspired by the Hollywood hair metal scene, but Casanova replaced sleaze and hairspray with perfect melodies and that uniquely European polish and production. Michael Voss sounds terrific here, proving he could do radio-friendly melodic rock with as much style and spirit as he did in Mad Max. The guitar work is also quite good, whether it’s the catchy hooks or the sweet melodies. Highlights include the rockin’ opener “Don’t Talk About Love,” “the dramatic “Love Lies” (you can bet a video would have put that one in heavy MTV rotation) and the soaring “Ride the Wings of Freedom.” That same year bands like Firehouse and Steelheart were taking this kind of sound to the top of the charts. Casanova should have been right up there with them.
For years the Casanova debut has been one of the rarest hard rock gems, commanding up to $100 on eBay. Now, thanks to reissue label Divebomb Records (they’re the ones who brought us the recent Sargant Fury box set), the album is once again available, and just in time for the band’s 20th anniversary. The Casanova Deluxe Edition reissue features brilliantly remastered sound, expanded liner notes and a whopping seven bonus tracks. The bonus tracks are the b-sides “Hot Legs” and “Written In My Heart,” plus acoustic versions of “Hollywood Angels” and “Love Lies” and live versions of “Don’t Talk About Love,” “Burning Love” and “Ride the Wings of Freedom.” The digital remastering alone makes this reissue worthwhile; the bonus material is the icing on the cake.
If you’re a fan of the classic European melodic rock sound of bands like Bonfire, Jaded Heart, Treat and Fair Warning, the Casanova Deluxe Edition is a must-have reissue. There were only 1000 copies pressed, and it’s not available as MP3s, so act fast.
Genre: Melodic Rock
Band:
Michael Voss (v) (g)
Michael Eurich (d)
Jrgen Attig (b)
Stephan Neumeier (g)
Track Listing:
1. Don’t Talk About Love
2. Burning Love
3. Living a Lie
4. The Girl Is Mine
5. Rome Burns
6. Love Lies
7. Bang Bang
8. Sticky Sweet
9. Back To the Wall
10. Ride the Wings of Freedom
11. Hollywood Angels
12. Heaven Can Wait
13. Hot Legs
14. Written In My Heart
15. Hollywood Angels (Acoustic)
16. Love Lies (Acoustic)
17. Don’t Talk About Love (Live)
18. Burning Love (Live)
19. Ride the Wings of Freedom (Live)
Label: Divebomb
Website: www.casanovaband.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10