2ndsight 008 Casablanca

Casablanca: The Lost Funk

"Originally signed to Elton John's Rocket label, it's taken 30 years for Casablanca's debut to reach the shops.

Recorded in Wales in 1974 by six session musicians, the album was shelved for being too experimental and it's only thanks to Elton's revived 'Ready For Love' hit that the recording is finally been released now.

It's hard for modern ears to appreciate how any of this was considered "too experimental". The highly topical 'Ain't No War', 'Country Funkin' and 'Invitation' are classic hippy funk, 'Get It Good' and 'Been So Long' feature burbling acidic bass lines and 'Do It Again', the only cover, still has street appeal.

All perfectly timed for the new baggy-capped funk squad."

Ben Osborne - DJ Magazine Jan 2004

"As one of the first bands signed to Elton John's Rocket label, Casablanca sound like they were having a lot of fun recording 'The Lost Funk' album. Fun that is, until it was rejected by the label as 'too experimental' and the band were subsequently dropped.

Hearing this album 30 years later, such a response seems incredible, for though it may have been a forward thinking fusion for the time, in 2003 it sounds just like a timeless slice of joyful soul/funk.

With enormous pedigree amongst the band members, the musicianship is unquestionable and the vocals excellent throughout, and although it's '70s rock that's en vogue right now in the UK, anyone with a slight interest in '70s soul/funk sounds should make room for this disc in their collection."

3 stars
Lurch - International DJ Magazine Jan 2004