Search - Mamas & Papas :: Gold

Everything You Really Need

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 02/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Mamas & The Papas first greatest hits album in 1967 was aptly entitled FAREWELL TO THE FIRST GOLDEN ERA. Unfortunately there was no second act. They only had one more top 40 hit after that ("Dream a Little Dream of Me") in the summer of 1968 and by that time the group had already split up. [Three years later they attempt a reunion to complete a contractual obligation album for Dunhill, but it garnered little attention and the single "Step Out" peaked at No. 81.]



In 2001, MCA released the definitive anthology, ALL THE LEAVES ARE BROWN, featuring remastered editions of their first four studio albums on two discs. But that has been allowed to go out of print.



To fill that gap, Geffen has released what is (by default)the most complete two-disc set of this landmark vocal group. It rightfully focuses on the first four albums (only "Step Out" is included from 1971's PEOPLE LIKE US]. Of course, all the big hits are here--"California Dreamin'," "Monday Monday," "Dedicated to the One I Love"--but at only 32 songs, they left out songs that should have been included: "Spanish Harlem" and "Trip, Stumble & Fall" among them. But unless you want to spring for the 2005 box set COMPLETE ANTHOLOGY, this two-disc package contains everything you really need. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"

The Best Sounding Mamas & Papas CD By Far

60's Music Fan | Hong Kong | 04/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you just missed their "All The Leaves Are Brown" compilation, this is the one for you. It contains their first four albums but not completed, that's not the problem. The important thing is that the sound quality is even better than their "All The Leaves Are Brown" compilation, extremely warm. So if you are looking for the sound quality, just go for it and you won't be disappointed!"

No "Fools Gold" To Be Found Here -- Just The Real Deal

Michael G. Batcho | McAdoo, PA (USA) | 12/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a collection of threads of pure spun "magic gold"! . . . Thirty-two tracks spanning the recording incarnation of the orinal Mamas & Papas re-present the miracle sixties sound of "ahead of their time" harmonies and melodic-lyrical poetry in sound.



I first heard of John Phillips on an RCA LP back in 1964 by a trio named "The Journeymen" . . . it was slightly progressive folk with those great harmonies.



When i was in high-school, on the radio came these simply majestic up-beat melodies and soul stimulating harmonies . . . and lyrics: Monday Monday . . . California Dreamin' . . . and there he was again: John Phillips . . . knee deep in the flowers of the hippie sixties! -- accompanied by Michelle Phillips, Denny Doherty, and the vocal smile presence of Cass Elliot aka "Mama Cass": the qaurtet was complete . . . and it was complete musical rhapsody.



This 2005 issued collection has truly "the best" and reproduced in the best sound: "I Call Your Name" . . . "Do You Wanna Dance" . . . "You Baby" . . . Words Of Love" . . . "Dedicated To The One I Love" . . . "Dream A Little Dream Of Me" . . . "Twelve-Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming To The Canyon)" . . . and so many more. . .



If you grew up with them and remember this music, this is the collection to have! If you are too young to remember this music "on the radio", get it now! This music will remind you of just what great talent is and what kind of musical artistry that talent can produce and leave behind for future generations to discover.



Thanks to all four Mamas & Papas . . . You have all made a major contribution to our happiness and to our heritage. You can all be more than proud of what You have accomplished and what You pass on to so many who weren't yet born when You worked this magic.

"