Wednesday, May 21, 2025

VA - The Casablanca Records Story [1994] + Casablanca Records Greatest Hits [1996] (5 x CDs)

CASABLANCA

VA - The Casablanca Records Story [1994] + Casablanca Records Greatest Hits [1996] (5 x CDs)

Casablanca Records label created in 1973 by Neil Bogart, Cecil Holmes, Larry Harris and Buck Reingold in Los Angeles, CA., is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group and operated under Republic Records. Casablanca was most successful during the disco era of the mid to late 1970s. The label currently focuses on dance and electronic music under the direction of Brett Alperowitz.

VA - The Casablanca Records Story [1994]     Released in 1994, The Casablanca Records Story box set brilliantly captures the eclecticism and cultural impact of one of the most celebrated labels of the disco era. Spanning four CDs and featuring 47 tracks, this compilation reflects Casablanca Records’ defining contributions to music during the late 1970s. Showcasing the groundbreaking artistry of Donna Summer and a host of other iconic acts, the box set celebrates the label’s legacy as a trailblazer in disco and beyond.

This four-disc collection features an array of original single versions, 12" mixes, and rarities, presenting an expansive tribute to the label’s finest work. Each track has been thoughtfully selected to provide listeners with an immersive journey through the era’s most innovative and enduring sounds. The breadth of the compilation highlights Casablanca’s ability to produce diverse hits that shaped a generation and resonate with fans to this day.

Among the standout rarities are the sultry "Touch Me/Love Is the Ultimate" by Ultimate and Liquid Gold’s "My Baby’s Love," notable for its unique use of a fire hydrant as an instrument. Packed with classic and pioneering music, The Casablanca Records Story is an essential treasure for disco enthusiasts and collectors alike. It serves as a definitive celebration of the innovative spirit and lasting influence of Casablanca Records. (B)


VA - Casablanca Records Greatest Hits [1996]      This CD presents the 7" 45 rpm versions of Casablanca Records' most iconic hits, capturing the essence of the singles as they were originally heard on the radio. By contrast, the box set The Casablanca Records Story focuses on 12" single and LP versions, catering to club enthusiasts with extended mixes ideal for dance floors. What sets this CD apart is its commitment to the authentic radio edits that evoke a sense of nostalgia and charm.

Among its treasures is the exclusive 45 version of Cher's "Take Me Home," a rarity unavailable as a bonus track on any album reissue. This collection celebrates the hits exactly as they captivated listeners during their original airplay, offering fans of classic music an opportunity to relive the magic of these tracks in their most familiar form.

Whether you're drawn to the nostalgic allure of radio singles or simply appreciate the artistry of Casablanca Records, this CD serves as a unique and invaluable addition to any music lover’s collection. Its focus on authenticity and radio-friendly edits makes it a standout among the label’s releases. Fans of classic hits will appreciate this collection for its nostalgic charm, preserving the songs as they captivated listeners during their original airplay. (B)


Please not there was a quality issue with the original transfer. This was identified by visitor Triman. (Thanks)

New links are now established.

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Track lists

VA - The Casablanca Records Story [1994]

CD1

01 Donna Summer - Love to Love You Baby (12'') 16:51

02 Lipps, Inc. - Funkytown (12'') 7:49

03 Parliament - Tear The Roof Off The Sucker 5:48

04 Cher - Take Me Home (12'') 7:32

05 Donna Summer - I Feel Love (12'' Version) 8:14

06 Alec R. Costandinos - Romeo and Juliet (DJ Promo 12'' Edit Version) 4:14

07 Teri DeSario - Ain't Nothin' Gonna Keep Me From You (12'') 6:33

08 Village People - In The Navy (Single Version) 3:46

09 Liquid Gold - My Baby's Baby (Midnight Mix) (12'' Version) 6:42

10 Cameo - Find My Way (12'') 5:19

11 Love & Kisses - I Found Love (Now That I Found You) (Promo-Only Version) 5:03


CD2

01 Love & Kisses - Thank God It's Friday (12'') 7:42

02 Donna Summer - MacArthur Park Suite (DJ Promo-Only 12'' Version) 17:36

03 Brooklyn Dreams - Music, Harmony and Rhythm (DJ Promo-Only 12'' Version) 6:51

04 Village People - San Francisco (You've Got Me) 5:19

05 Village People - In Hollywood (Everybody is A Star) 5:02

06 Brenda & The Tabulations - Let's Go All The Way (Down) (Extended 'Breakdown' Version) 7:20

07 D.C. LaRue - Let Them Dance (DJ Promo-Only 12'' Version) 5:50

08 Ritchie Family - Put Your Feet to The Beat (12'' Version) 7:01

09 Paul Jabara - Pleasure Island (Single Version) 4:49

10 Dennis Parker - Like an Eagle (12'') 8:35


CD3

01 Parliament - Flashlight 5:50

02 Cameo - I Just Wanna Be (DJ Promo-Only 12'' Version) 6:23

03 Starpoint - I Just Wanna Dance With You (12'') 5:03

04 Donna Summer - Hot Stuff (12'') 6:46

05 Donna Summer - Bad Girls (12'') 4:57

06 Giorgio Moroder - The Chase 8:25

07 Skatt Bros. - Walk The Night (12'') 5:26

08 Sylvers - Don't Stop, Get Off (12'') 5:22

09 People's Choice - You Ought to Be Dancing (DJ Promo-Only 12'' Version) 6:16

10 Stephanie Mills - Medicine Song 4:55

11 Nightlife Unlimited - Dance, Freak and Boogie (DJ Promo-Only 12'' Version) 7:37

12 Village People - Macho Man (12'') 5:15

13 Parlet - Pleasure Principle (Single Version) 4:32


CD4

01 Donna Summer - On The Radio (DJ Promo-Only 12'' Version) 7:36

02 Four Tops - When She Was My Girl 3:23

03 Glorica Scott - Just as Long as We're Together (In My Life There Will Never Be Another) 2:45

04 Village People - YMcA 4:46

05 Meco - Star Wars Theme / Cantina Band (DJ Promo-Only 12'' Version) 7:37

06 Michael Sembello - Maniac (DJ Promo-Only 12'' Version) 5:57

07 Ultimate - Touch Me Baby / Love is The Ultimate (DJ Promo-Only 12'' Version) 10:38

08 Captain & Tennille - Do That to Me One More Time 4:16

09 Teri DeSario with K.C. - Yes, I'm Ready 3:18

10 Patrick Juvet - I Love America (DJ Promo-Only 12'' Version) 3:50

11 Pattie Brooks - After Dark (12'' Single) 7:53

12 Irene Cara - Flashdance... What A Feeling (DJ Promo-Only 12'' Version) 7:17

13 Donna Summer - Last Dance (DJ Promo-Only 12'' Version) 8:11


VA - Casablanca Records Greatest Hits [1996]

01 Donna Summer - Hot Stuff 5:14

02 Donna Summer - Bad Girls 4:58

03 Village People - Y.M.C.A. 3:48

04 Love and Kisses - Thank God It's Friday 3:21

05 Lipps, Inc. - Funkytown 3:59

06 Donna Summer - On the Radio 4:07

07 Meco - Star Wars Theme 3:34

08 Village People - Macho Man 3:30

09 Parliament - Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker) 3:45

10 Donna Summer - I Feel Love 3:49

11 Pattie Brooks - After Dark 3:41

12 Michael Sembello - Maniac 4:20

13 Giorgio Moroder - Chase 3:42

14 Brooklyn Dreams - Music, Harmony and Rhythm 3:37

15 Village People - In the Navy 3:46

16 Cher - Take Me Home 3:29

17 Donna Summer - Dim All the Lights 4:07

18 KC With Teri Desario - Yes, I'm Ready 3:18

19 Captain & Tennille - Do That to Me One More Time 4:15

20 Donna Summer - Last Dance 3:18

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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19 comments:

  1. How does Casablanca Records do a best of without Kiss?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cochise.
      Even though KISS was a huge act for Casablanca Records, their music leaned more toward rock and glam, not disco. That’s probably why they didn’t make it onto Casablanca Records Greatest Hits (1996), which focuses on radio-friendly disco and funk. Same with The Casablanca Records Story (1994), it’s all about the label’s disco legacy rather than showcasing everything they released.
      Would’ve been nice to see them included, though. Their presence was a big part of Casablanca’s success.
      Cheers.

      Delete
  2. Great Post Butterboy for Disco fans as me !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Tchouley.
      Enjoy the spinning lights and smokey haze...
      Cheers.

      Delete
  3. Hi Butterboy, first of all thanks for the music, for example I really liked the David Sylvian from some while ago a lot. But... I downloaded the Casablanca Records Story. As I often do I burn music on cd's (yes I still do), for having it in my car. Whatever I tried for this it did not work to burn it. Is there some kind of protection on it? I like to know. All the best, Rene.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi René.
      Thanks for reaching out. It’s great to hear that you enjoyed the David Sylvian collection. As for The Casablanca Records Story, there isn't any built-in protection preventing you from burning it to a CD. However, some factors could be causing the issue; file format compatibility, disc writing settings, or even the software being used. I wish I could support you further.
      Cheers.

      Delete
  4. Ok. Thanks for your answer. Maybe trying a different computer than. I will sort it out somehow. For now looking forward to all other music coming my way. Have a great weekend. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Is it just me or do a number of tracks from the Casablanca Story just skip? It's weird, I've never had a problem with files from you before. I've moved the CD sets over to a different system and just listened to CD4 again and sure enough, right around 2:09, 5:13 on the Stars Wars Theme there is a definite jump. Re-downloaded, same problem same place. Love To Love you baby on CD1 has the same problem as well as others.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Triman.
      Thank you for Identifying tracks that are skipping, and I appreciated the detail you provided.
      After 1200 downloads I am surprised that you are the first to bring this to my attention.
      After listening to the tracks you identified, I agree the transfer is not great. I will update the post as I can.
      I will inform you when that is completed.
      Cheers.

      Delete
    2. Hi Triman,
      I listened to the set and noticed a few more sound quality issues. I've updated the links on the main page and replaced them.
      Here is a new link to the "The Casablanca Records Story: 4 CD set. Hopefully, this one delivers a better listening experience. Let me know what you think!
      https://pixeldrain.com/u/MC1xhQwq
      Cheers.

      Delete
    3. Thank you so much for providing a new set, thats above and beyond my expectation. My real ask was to validate that something was broken on my end. I don't download much and this is such a great set, right up my alley. I stuck it on while I was working and started to notice a few odd cuts, and then when I got to CD4 - I was convinced something was wrong. This seems much better. Thank you so much.

      Delete
    4. Hi Triman,
      I strive to share high-quality music that delivers an enjoyable listening experience. Occasionally, the transfer process doesn't go as planned, but I'm always happy to revisit and redo a post if needed.
      I am pleased you now have a version you are happy with. Enjoy the music.
      That said, I'm genuinely surprised that, after 1,200 downloads, you're the first to mention a quality issue. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
      Cheers.

      Delete
    5. It's outstanding, I always listen to the things I download before I copy them over to my fileserver which can stream music around the house using a Lyrion Music Server, I'd have kept this one even if you didn't update it. Again thanks.

      Delete