Do The Kasaboo by Phil Cantlay & The Gaslight Union: A Little Slice of 1968 Germany You Didn’t Know You Needed
Alright, so you’re scrolling through some old-school tunes and stumble across Do The Kasaboo by Phil Cantlay & The Gaslight Union. Released in 1968 under Cornet International, this album’s got a vibe that’s equal parts quirky stage show flair and smooth pop charm. It’s not gonna blow your mind like Sgt. Pepper or anything, but it’s one of those hidden gems that makes you go, “Huh, this is kinda cool.”
The genres here are listed as Stage & Screen and Pop, with a theme-y style thrown in for good measure. And honestly? That checks out. This record feels like the soundtrack to a movie you’ve never seen—or maybe a musical that never quite made it big. Either way, it’s got character.
Let’s dive into a couple tracks because, let’s be real, no one remembers every song on an album from ‘68 unless they’re super into vinyl archaeology (shoutout to those folks tho).
First up: “Do The Kasaboo.” Yeah, yeah, it’s the title track, so obviously it’s gonna grab ya. But what sticks with me is how catchy it is without trying too hard. It’s bouncy, fun, and kinda reminds me of being at a carnival where everyone’s slightly tipsy and having a blast. There’s this weird energy to it—like if someone mashed together a Broadway number and a beach party jam. I dunno man, it just works. Plus, who doesn’t love shouting “Kasaboo!” when nobody knows what it means? Feels rebellious somehow.
Then there’s “I Wouldn’t Want To Be An Officer…” which hits different. Like, imagine sitting in a smoky jazz club somewhere in Berlin, circa 1968, sipping on something strong while this tune plays in the background. It’s slower, more reflective, and has this almost sarcastic edge to it. The lyrics feel like a dig at authority figures wrapped up in a pretty package. Kinda brilliant if you think about it. Makes you wonder if Phil was poking fun at society back then—or maybe he just really didn’t wanna wear a uniform. Either way, it’s memorable.
Now, I gotta say, listening to this album feels like stepping into another time and place. Like, you can almost picture these guys performing live in some underground venue in Germany, sweating under hot lights while the crowd goes wild. Or maybe they were just chilling in a studio, cracking jokes between takes. Who knows?
But here’s the thing—it’s not perfect. Some songs drag a bit, and sure, it’s not gonna compete with the Stones or The Beatles. But that’s okay! Sometimes music doesn’t need to change your life; sometimes it just needs to make you smile or nod along for a few minutes. And Do The Kasaboo does exactly that.
Oh, and random thought: wouldn’t it be wild if TikTok discovered this album tomorrow? Can you imagine teens doing dances to “Do The Kasaboo”? Absolute chaos. Love it.
