In 2013, former Soft Cell front man Marc Almond realised the ambition of a lifetime when he attended a few recording sessions with the legendary record producer Tony Visconti, famous for his work with David Bowie, Hazel O'Connor, T-Rex, The Moody Blues and Morrissey.

The stunning results of their unique collaboration are the two tracks that kick this album off in such Vegas style that they both dazzle and blind in fabulously equal amounts! The title track, 'The Dancing Marquis' is a show tune, showstopper of the highest order, whilst the quieter, mid-tempo ballad 'Burn Bright' is delightful also. Indeed, with Martin McCarrick (Siouxsie And The Banshees, Therapy?) contributing cello on the track, it's quite something to behold. Oh, and for the record, McCarrick also performs strings on the title-track that precedes it.

But just because those aforementioned sessions brought forth just those two songs, doesn't mean we're done here. Far from it, as the regime strong 'Tasmanian Tiger' is battle ready from the off and is backed by electro-pop culled from the 80's on 'Worship Me Now.' Not only appearing as a special guest on the track, Jarvis Cocker (Pulp) actually wrote the track especially for Almond.

The smokey gin house 'Love Is Not on Trial' is next and sees Almond continuing his collaboration with Carl Barat (Libertines), his co-star in the 2012 opera ‘Poppea’ at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. Then both producer Tris Penna and the great Tony Visconti lend helping hands on string arrangements and mixing duties (as they also do on 'Tasmanian Tiger') on the piano-fused 'Death of a Dandy.' The latter inspired by the recent death of Soho’s tragic artist Sebastian Horsley it also features special guest Danielz from T-Rex tribute ‘T.Rextasy’.

Luckily for us all, this quite stunning musical entity compiles together the six (6) tracks released previously on two (2) strictly limited edition vinyl EPs and adds another two brand new tracks AND two exclusive and stunning remixes! The first of the new tracks is 'So What's Tonight,' where Almond picks up the pace and even allows a little Latin flavor into the mix. 'Idiot Dancing' is then followed by 'Worship Me Now (Starcluster Remix)' and then finally 'Worship Me Now (Spatial Awareness Remix).'

Reviewed by: Russell A. Trunk