Customer Reviews

Cass Elliot/ The Road Is No Place For A Lady

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With photography by the legendary George Hurrell, the album "Cass Elliot", orginally a gatefold vinyl, is available again, after being out of print. If you've ever loved her voice, this is the album for you. The stars were all in alignment for this project, from producer Lewis Merenstein to the jazz giant, Benny Golson, who arranged & conducted, the musicians included: Larry Carlton, John Guerin, Carole Kaye, Louis Shelton, Joe Osborn, Moacir Santos and Bruce Johnston (The Beach Boys). The songs include "Baby, I'm Yours" (Barbra Lewis), "I'll Be Home" and "I think It's Going To Rain Today", both written by Randy Newman (still not widely known in 1972), Bobby Darin's "I'll Be There", "Disney Girls" (The Beach Boys) and the centerpiece of the album, her absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking version of "It's All In the Game", a song that has been covered by many, but not quite the way Ms. Elliot sings it! Almost 40 years later, that song still takes my breath away. Her voice was crystal clear, and she sang those songs with a joy and strength that must have been remarkable to listen to in the recording studio. Benny Golson's arrangements fit Ms. Elliot to a "t", she caresses the music and brings out the full wonder of a woman who was in her element, doing what truly must have brought her joy. From what, originally was a piece of black vinyl, Ms. Elliot transformed it to something that seems almost alive and breathing, quite an astonishing feat, one of my most treasured albums of all.

Many grateful thanks to recording engineer, Mickey Crofford, who was on staff at RCA Records, the original label this was released on, for capturing all the magic that was going on in the recording booth so beautifully.

"The Road Is No Place For A Lady" is also a treasure, as it was the last album Ms. Elliot made, recording it in London, with musicians who were also part of Elton John's band. She does a fine cover of Hurricane Smith's "Oh, Babe, What Would You Say". Another standout is "Who In The World"

Thanks to Collector's Choice for bringing these two treasures back to the light of day. It's been almost 40 years since "Cass Elliot" first came out, although it was released as a Japanese import, it was priced out of reach for many fans, so thank you, again.

It is such a wonderful gift to finally have these two masterpieces available on CD for the first time (although the self-titled CASS ELLIOT was issued overseas before and I did get a CD from Japan a few years ago). CASS ELLIOT was the album she was proudest of and Cass chose/sang some of the most beautiful numbers in her entire career - trying desperately to leave the bubblegun image behind.

THE ROAD IS NO PLACE FOR A LADY, which has never been issued on CD before (the copy I had was an old LP), has virtually disappeared since its original release - and this, her last album, shows that she was on the cusp of reinvention. In a review a few years ago, Rolling Stone heralded it as an undiscovered master work.

First, CASS ELLIOT. From the photos to the selections, this is a wonderful work from beginning to end. She sings with clarity, power, and elegance. "Disney Girls" is my favorite (written for her by one of the Beach Boys) but there are no weak tracks here. "Jesus was a Cross Maker" really kicks. "It's all in the Game" and "I think it's going to rain Today" are stunning. The latter song was later made famous by Bette Midler in Beaches and you can definitely hear similarities in phrasing/styles between the two of them. I wonder if Bette studied these albums when first starting to record. Other highlights include "When it doesn't work out" and "I'll be There". The extra songs are nice - especially "East of the Sun" and "Try it Baby", both of which show a jazzier side to Cass. On all of the tunes, you can hear Cass' joy with the freedom she had in choosing such great material.

THE ROAD IS NO PLACE FOR A LADY was a real challenge to issue on CD since the initial release was marred by mistakes in the mixing. That must be the reason "If you're going to break another heart" and "Does Anybody Love You" were not huge hits at the time they were first issued to radio. Honestly, this new, remastered CD is so much clearer than the old versions that did make it to LP. The remastering is subtle but amazing. You can hear additional instruments, harmonies, and most importantly - Cass' voice front and center again. "Saturday Suit", "Oh Babe, What would you Say", and "Say Hello" are also stand-outs.

If you love Cass and only know her pop/bubblegum hits, do yourself a favor and buy this double-CD. It is a tragedy that she died so young and these albums show just what a true artist she already was and would have continued to be in the years to follow.

Lawrence

This terrific CD has all the tracks from two of Cass Elliott's record albums named Cass Elliott and The Road Is No Place For A Lady. Cass is in excellent form on this album; she sings with a voice that is clear as a bell and I love these songs with her singularly beautiful touch! The quality of the sound is excellent and I love that artwork, too.

"I'll Be Home" starts off the track set with Cass delivering this with all her heart and soul--I love it! Her excellent diction enhances her performance all the more; and then there's a great cover of Van McCoy`s "Baby, I'm Yours." "Baby I'm Yours" has some solid backup for Cass--not that Cass ever needed backup, but they do sound pretty good anyway. "That Song" has Cass squarely front and center--right where she belongs! She does this without ever letting go of a single superfluous note and that's grand. "When It Doesn't Work Out" is very well done with some mighty fine music to complement Cass` singing; and I always liked "I'll Be There" when Cass sang it. "I'll Be There" has a fantastic piano arrangement and this leaves nothing to be desired--this music is all THAT good. Awesome!

"Disney Girls" is quite good; and I really like Cass' rendition of "It's All In The Game." "It's All In The Game" gets the royal treatment from Cass Elliott and she never skips a beat, either! The tune also boasts a lush musical arrangement; those strings are just right for the song. "(If You re Gonna) Break Another Heart" moves me with its genuine emotion; and how's about that brass? Other gems also include "Saturday Suit" and "Does Anybody Love You." "Does Anybody Love You" really lets Cass open up and belt this out wonderfully. "Walk Beside Me" is memorable, to say the least; and I love that percussion! "Who In The World" strikes me with its beauty; that piano arrangement is absolutely wonderful. The key modulations add to the beauty of "Who In The World." Cass also does a terrific rendition of "Oh Babe, What Would You Say;" this song by "Hurricane Smith" was always a favorite love song of mine and Cass does this one up right!

"The Road Is No Place for a Lady" gets a most sensitive treatment from Cass Elliott; and then there are a few bonus tracks to make this CD all the more special. "East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)" is very beautiful; and Cass outdoes even herself on "We'll See." "Try It Baby" has a fine musical arrangement and the CD ends very well with Cass Elliott performing "Don't Make Me A Memory." Wow!

Cass Elliott may have left us all too soon; but with CDs like this one she obviously lives on through her music. This is a must-have for fans of Cass Elliott; and it's also a fine starter CD for people just discovering the magical artistry of Cass Elliott.

There just aren't enough kudos with which to laud this release. A serious re-assessment of Cass Elliot's solo releases has been long overdue and this is a great start. An artist who consistantly transcended the trappings of the era in which she recorded, Cass Elliot (please don't call her Mama anymore) proves once and for all that true talent transcends all limitations. No gimmicks here - just a sweet, angelic voice doing what she was meant to do... and we are the luckier for it!

Now, this review is going to be short but sweet. In my opinion, this is certainly my favorite 23 songs on one cd that Cass ever recorded! There are a few songs that are that are repeats, however it was necessary to include them to maintain the overall tone and mood it creates. Her opening Song "I'll be home" showcases the maturity and virtuosity of her beautiful voice in an R/B way and, simply put, is nothing short of stunning! FINALLY the arrangement of her voice to the orchestra blends perfectly and richly. The other songs speak for themselves, all worthy of repeat play. put this cd in your player, sit back, and be prepared to tear up, smile, or contemplate. Now, true fans like myself,know that there are more recordings out there,so please bring them out before old codgers like me die off!Whoever buys this and plays it WILL NOT be dissapointed!This is a must have!

There's neither a compliment to Cass's phenomenal vocal talent nor a lamentation of her untimely demise that has not been previously written by many. So, I won't try. Instead, there's reason to rejoice: at long last, we can finally experience this under-appreciated artist's last two studio albums as they were meant to be heard.

This package represents a long overdue reissue of two of Cass Elliot's most interesting, artistically bold, and ambitous albums. The first (self-titled) album, was a collection of adult contemporary pieces ranging from languid evocations of devotion ("I'll Be Home," "I'll Be There") to mature explorations of romantic love tempered by genuine admiration and respect (the absolutely lovely "Cherries Jubilee"). Her reading of "I Think It's Gonna Rain Today" came close to becoming melodramatic, but Miss Elliot wisely reigned in her vocals in time to avoid ruining the wonderful melody.

Originally a gatefold album sporting gorgeous Cass photography by famed Hollywood glamour photographer George Hurrell, the self-titled disc was an abrupt departure from the brassy "bubblegum" music that Cass had always disliked, but had been obligated by fan expectations -- and Dunhill Records -- to record. This, her first release under her new RCA Records contract, represented a shift in style, which -- had the lady lived -- would have undoubtedly sealed her career's longevity.

The second album included on this CD release is Cass's last studio effort, somewhat evocatively titled "The Road Is No Place For A Lady." Recorded in London with the help of expert musicians and producers (some borrowed from Elton John's entourage), "The Road" was a complete artistic work -- meticulously considered and executed, from the orchestrations down to the thought-provoking jacket photography, which speaks volumes about the life of the professional musician. The songs ranged in style from standard 70's pop ("If You're Gonna Break Another Heart"), to Bourbon Street jazz (a joyous, growling, positively smashing rendition of "Oh Babe, What Would You Say"), to dramatic ballads with minimalist backup and vibrant though exquisitely disciplined singing (the title cut).

For many reasons, both albums have been largely absent from the CD marketplace: "Cass Elliot" was previously available on a somewhat overpriced Japanese import CD, which was a bit oversaturated in its engineering. The songs were too "hot," playing overly loud and clipping noticeably in the louder registers.

"The Road Is No Place For A Lady" was a sonic train wreck from the beginning. Not entirely the fault of RCA or the original sound engineers (the multi-track, largely synthesized arrangements so in vogue during the 1970's presented many challenges to the recording technology of the day), the album sounded two-dimmensional and sloppily mixed -- as if the entire effort had been slapped together and rushed into release (which, according to this new CD's liner notes, it was). The cuts that suffered the most were the last few songs on each side of the vinyl disc --including the heartwrenching title song written by Cass's sister Leah Kunkle. This was because the closer to the center the phonograph needle would travel, the faster the groove would turn, increasing the sound distortion inherent in the medium. (Thankfully, compact discs rendered that problem obsolete.) Add the unfortunate fact that RCA chose to press the album on its "Dynaflex" line of ultra-flimsy vinyl discs, and what resulted was an unpardonable botch of what was probably Cass Elliot's most accomplished work to date.

Prevailing rumors stated that the source material for "The Road" was in such ill repair that it could never be fixed, and that the album would probably never be re-issued on CD. With the help of the album's original producer and the loving supervision of Cass's daughter and sister, the original master tapes were found in the RCA vaults and painstakingly restored and remixed, correcting the many long-standing mistakes that must certainly have brought the singer close to tears when she first heard what had become of her hard work.

Somewhere, Cass Elliot is smiling. Closer to home, so are we.

Cass Elliot had a truly magnificent voice. Dare I say that she ranks up there

with Karen Carpenter and Judy Garland? Yes, I dare say it because she really was

THAT good. Her selection of material however, sometimes left a lot to be desired.

But no matter what the song, her voice always triumphs.

If you want to hear a REAL singer, and NOT one of today's cookie-cutter, sugar-coated,

computer-enhanced "pop stars" , buy this album!

Yes, these two releases found Cass Elliot breaking free of the so-called "bubblegum" label that has been applied to her pre-1971 solo recordings. Those earlier relases contain many gems ("He's A Runner," "Who's To Blame," "The Good Times Are Coming"...), but CASS ELLIOT and THE ROAD IS NO PLACE FOR A LADY are definitely the best recordings of Elliot's career. It's rather stunning that the latter had never even been released on CD until now.

There are few misfires on these albums. Virtually every song was well-chosen and perfectly sung by Elliot in that beautifully clear voice of hers. "Jesus Was A Cross Maker," "Cherries Jubilee," and "Saturday Suit" are but a few stand-outs.

I thoroughly enjoyed the liner notes, particularly those penned by Elliot's Daughter, Owen.

The three bonus tracks aren't lost classics, but all are welcome inclusions.

CASS ELLIOT: A-

THE ROAD IS NO PLACE FOR A LADY: B+

sound quality: B+

packaging: B

I've always liked the idea of Cass Elliot but to be honest, her recorded output hasn't been my favorite. These two albums, especially the first, almost make up for all the bad bubble gum. These were difficult times for pop music and I'm sure she had a hell of a time deciding what to sing and with what arrangements.

One interesting thing that strikes me as how similar to Bette Midler she sounds. I wonder if Midler listened to her much before making it big.

I think this is the Cass Elliot to get.

Mama Cass was never a big favorite of mine...until now. Tints and echos of all the great blues ladies...precursor(ess) to a Norah Jones...at a time when you could still hear all the words. Not a song in here that does not deserve to be a golden oldie. Listened every night since receiving. What a awesome loss she was, but the national treasure lives on in this album.