It can be a little difficult sometimes to get a good read on Randy Casey’s music. For instance, a few of
the cuts on 1 Dollar or 1 Dead Smith are sung with great drama. If you don’t listen closely, you might get
caught up in the drama of it all. However, “No Dogs Allowed” is mainly about a harmless barbeque,
while “Big Fish” concerns a great fishing hole. You’d think these were about some great menace or
other, though, judging by their melodies, mood and overall feel. That confusion aside, though, the latter
features some mighty fine, Mark Knopfler-esque, Dire Straits-worthy speedy guitar work.
Listen to the Album here:
When it comes to the bigger political/social issues of life, Casey seems to take the neutral position on
them. There aren’t any especially triggering lyrical commentaries on this album. For instance, one of the
album’s eleven entries (including a reprise of the project’s title track) is called “Not My Monkey.” On its
chorus Casey announces, “Not my monkey/Not my zoo” when relating to OPP (other people’s
problems). He basically describes himself as a member of the ‘none of your beeswax’ affiliation.
When he does take a side on any subject, it’s done so in a decidedly innocent manner. This is the song
called “I Like Birds.” This isn’t a metaphor for some freedom or other. He’s not going to explain why the
caged bird sings, or anything quite that profound. Rather, he straight out tells us how much he likes
birds. He likes to see them in his backyard. He enjoys drawing pictures of them. Heck, he would be
happy to be reincarnated as a bird. So, just in case you’re wondering, Casey is pro birds all the way.
Sonically, Casey’s music on this album touches upon various rock, country and folk influences. A critic
once referred to Casey as “Leo Kottke gone ambient.” Not too sure about that. Nevertheless, there’s
also a bit of soul running through the release, too, as “I Don’t Like You Anymore” features a brass horn
section. Casey’s guitar playing on it, though, brings to mind Chuck Berry in places. It has a lyric about a
hero (a musical hero?) he once admired but doesn’t respect any longer. It’s about the happiest kiss-off
song you’re ever likely to hear. Even when he gets to the place where this ex-friend is told he can kiss his
ass, the “ass” line is replaced by the honk of a saxophone horn. He won’t make any enemies with any of
these songs.
Another notable track is called “Back on the Blues.” With it, Casey treats blues music as though it were a
religion. Some kneel to pray, he tells us, but he just falls back on the blues. At its finest, blues music can
feel like a spiritual experience, such as a prayer.
As you might guess, Randy Casey comes off throughout as a relatively gentle soul. Even when he sings
praises of the blues, he does so with a rather un-bluesy, soft rock tune. The album’s title track is the only
one where Casey infuses a little grit into his performance. It has a bit of a Southern rock vibe running
through it. Otherwise, this is a mellow set of tunes through and through.
Watch the 1 Dollar or 1 Dead Smith here:
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-Dan MacIntosh