Customer Reviews

Mamas & Papas, Best Of

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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! :-)

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

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.

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!

This collection of hits by the M&Ps is a nice disc for the new or casual fan. Included are the stand-out hits "California Dreamin", "Monday Monday", "I Saw Her Again Last Night" and many more. You also get a couple solo efforts by the late & great Mama Cass "Make Your Own Kind Of Music" and "Dream A Little Dream". The sound quality is so-so on some tracks, but for a bargain price, this is a nice little collection.

There may be more-comprehensive collections of The Mamas & the Papas, but this set has all seven of their AM hits, and that is certainly a good start. "California Dreamin'" is absolutely beautiful, one of the greatest pop songs of all time, and I have never heard anyone speak of it other than in glowing terms. "Monday, Monday," "Dedicated to the One I Love," and "Dream a Little Dream of Me" are instantly recognizable classics, but I prefer "Twelve-Thirty," with its gorgeous chorus. "Creeque Alley" is one of the most fun songs I know, aside from being an "autobiography." For concise selection of the best songs of The Mamas & the Papas, this CD is just about perfect.

This CD is great for people who just want to experience the magic that is The Mamas and the Papas. Mama Cass' "Make Your Own Kind Of Music" is one of her best songs and even though it is "not" (in a way) a Mamas and the Papas song, you will enjoy it anyway! ......................A must have !! (*Buy "If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears" to complete it)

Despite the cheesy marketing ploy by Universal to sell this and other "best ofs" as "the Millennium Collection", this set of most of the band's hits is a must-have for casual listeners. True fans will bypass this in favour of a more in-depth, comprehensive collection. But for others who just want to hear what the Mamas And The Papas really sounded like and the material they recorded, this is a good choice to make. Indeed, one listen through is not enough. Though the biggies "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday" are still great to listen to, it's their lesser known hits that really stand out on this recording. "Creeque Alley" is one of the greatest bio-songs ever recorded. The harmonies on "Dedicated To The One I Love" and "Twelve Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming To The Canyon)" are perfect. Listeners will also discover what a great vocal talent Cass Elliot was. Denny Doherty's male lead vocals sound great as well. Though they were around for only a brief period, The Mamas And The Papas created a folk-rock sound that is just too good to be ignored. They will forever be identified with the '60s, though the sound they created there has been heard through several decades and through many performers. They are an essential part of music history.

A wonderful compilation from one of the best groups of the 1960's. The hits are all here including, "Monday, Monday", "California Dreamin", "I Saw Her Again Last Night" and many more. The harmonies are fantastic and the music is superb! A great buy for most fans and casual listeners. Also a good purchase if you're just discovering this fantastic group. This album is highly recommended!