[.ca] Mamas & Papas, Best Of

From Amazon.com:
The Mamas and the Papas blazed across the '60s folk-rock scene, scoring nine Top 40 hits in less than two years. So bright was their brief run that it earned them a berth in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This set shows at least some of the reason why--there's the era-defining hit "California Dreamin'," plus other triumphs such as "Monday, Monday," "Words of Love," "Dedicated to the One I Love," and the autobiographical "Creeque Alley." Perplexingly, the 20th Century Masters set substitutes "Dancing Bear" for "Glad to Be Unhappy," which was a bigger hit. Then too, the set is skimpy compared to their previously released Greatest Hits, but it does win points for including two Cass Elliot solo hits, "Make Your Own Kind of Music" and "Dream a Little Dream of Me." --Daniel Durchholz

Great:
I'm not a big fan of the Mamas and the Papas, but I do like several of their songs, making this an excellent buy. However, if you're a more dedicated fan, I don't suggest that you buy this particular compilation

Good songs, but too few of them:
One can hardly complain about the songs on this CD- all of them are wonderful. The problem is, why so few of them? Why would someone take a few songs from a great album and reproduce it with fewer of them? Skip this and go for the Greatest Hits instead.

Totally Original:
For the Mamas and the Papas to have only been together for 2 years, they certianly produced some wonderful tunes. "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday" are the two standards most ppl identify, but "Creeque Alley" and "Make your own Kind of Music" are very personal songs from the band and Mama Cass. I've never been a big fan of this band, but I felt the urge to order this cd for a "101" perspective. I can not find any similarities in their vocals, chord progressions, or harmonizations to any other band before them. One would think the Beatles influenced most acts in the late 60's, but this isn't the case with the Mamas and Papas. However, I believe they influenced a great deal of artists in the 70's. Bette Midler, for example. In the song "Dream a Little Dream of Me" Mama Cass's voice sounds exactly like Bette's. I also believe Billy Joel was subconsciously influenced by their lyrics. I also believe the album "Double Fantasy" from John and Yoko owes alot of gratitude to the Mamas and the Papas. Since these are the original recordings remastered, you don't get a lot of bass. But the soaring vocals, ornaments, and guitar riffs in the treble register more than make you "feel" the musical idea! :-)

This Collection Shimmers!:
This cd's blazing light is the spine-tingling "Dedicated to the One I Love," but Dennis Doherty's TO-DIE-FOR VOICE on "Monday, Monday" and "Dancing Bear," and Cass Elliot's crowd-pleasing leads such as on "Dream a Little Dream of Me" nearly steal the show! Dennis, Cass, John and Michelle are THE REAL Fab 4!

California Dreamin' for the Millenium Folks:
Oh, this one will take you back to those sunny summer days, sitting outside on the grass on campus, wearing a long granny dress and wire-rimmed spectacles (hey, those are back in style!) and sipping some wine while listening to the Mamas and the Papas on the transistor. Funny, though, this music is still appealing though nothing like it is being played today. The smooth harmonizing of the group, highlighted by the clear, flexible and gorgeous voice of the late Mama Cass is surprisingly cheerful even today. The laid-back tone is great for weekend play, whilst cleaning the house or writing checks to pay bills. It makes me nostalgic--I guess I still love the same music I played in the 60's. Sigh.

• California Dreamin'
• Monday, Monday
• Creeque Alley - The Mamas & the Papas
• Dedicated to the One I Love
• Twelve-Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming to the Canyon)
• Words of Love
• Look Through My Window
• I Saw Her Again
• Dancing Bear
• Make Your Own Kind of Music \oMama Cass\c - David McCallum,
• Dream a Little Dream of Me