David Cassidy on the Web
Disco Dave
October 30, 2007
http://rockinsakerobot.vox.com/library/post/disco-dave.html?_c=feed-atom
I decided to pick up a copy of the David Cassidy Dance Party Remix CD when I saw it on a clearance rack at Target for $2.49. I was well aware of the fact that I would most likely be buying a rather expensive coaster, but my curiosity got the best of me. The album advertised club rockin' remixes of Partridge Family classics by producer Craig J. (Mariah Carey, Beyonce', Gwen Stefani, Madonna and Kelly Clarkson). First of all, I am thinking Craig J. what? Doesn't the guy have a last name? Second, I am wondering why a guy with supposedly so much going for him would want to dig up David Cassidy to make a $9.99 remix album for Target. Well, my gut instinct was correct, glorified coaster. Sorry, David.
What saddens me is that the refrain on 'I Woke Up in Love This Morning' is actually pretty decent and provides a brief glimpse at what this album could have been. However, I can't blame David Cassidy for the resulting mess. Cassidy's new vocal tracks sound as fresh as they ever did. The mis-step was in the mixing and direction of this album. And for that, I blame Mr. Craig.
Over the years I have followed David Cassidy's career from his rapid rise to super stardom to his just as rapid decline shortly after fans at a concert in England rushed the stage injurying 750 and killing a 14 year old girl. A subsequent release entitled ' The Harder They Climb the Harder They Fall' featured an fictitious conversation with a desitute, homeless Cassidy sleeping on a park bench. The album was perhaps his best work musically and featured a great cover of Gene Vincent's 'Be Bop A Lula'. However, he soon faded from the public eye.
In my opinion, much of David's later solo work ultimately suffered from the type of music that he chose to record. Given the continued quality of his voice, I could easily see him returning to the studio and recording songs similar to those done by Rob Thomas or Daughtry rather than reliving his past. What he is in need of is a really good producer and Craig J. isn't it
p.s. For those of you wanting a younger Cassidy, check out Katie Cassidy, David's daughter, on the CW's Supernatural.
David Cassidy Dance Party Remix
The Higher They Climb - The Harder They Fall
