The Mamas & the Papas - Greatest Hits [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

Mamas & Papas

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 10, 1998)
• Original Release Date: March 10, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Mca
• ASIN: B0000062XS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (98 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #610 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #29 in	Music > Rock > Folk Rock
  #59 in	Music > Pop > Oldies
  #79 in	Music > Classic Rock

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Mamas and the Papas had a sound that helped define a portion of the 1960s. Their breezy folk classics had a bit of San Francisco psychedelia woven in, and, despite the sweet harmonies, there was also a noticeably dark feel to some of their more popular work. "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday" both utilized enough minors to give them a spooky edge. Greatest Hits is an essential part of any audiophile's collection, especially if they don't have the original recordings that spawned the hits. "Dedicated to the One I Love" is almost ironic for its tenderness, considering the turmoil that rumbled through the band's interrelationships. While John and Michelle Phillips and Denny Doherty were all responsible for the success of the Mamas and the Papas, listening to this collection reveals that the late great Mama Cass was not only the heart but the soul of the band. Greatest Hits closes with her "Dream a Little Dream of Me," and serves as a touching tribute to Cass Elliot's talent. --Steve Gdula

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

116 of 118 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible blast from the past, January 31, 1999

By	Jay L. Rudko (Pembroke Pines, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Anyone who listened to top-40 radio in the 60's has to remember the first time they heard "California Dreamin'". The haunting lyrics and the tight, clear harmonies had a folkish sound that was clearly ahead of its time. When their music finally became available on CD, the textures became more apparent and the true artistic content was more clearly defined. On this disc, which was carefully remastered from the original analog tapes, the Mamas and the Papas are finally heard at their best. While there was clearly not enough room for all their great songs, all of their major hits are included, including my favorite, "I Saw Her Again"... complete with Denny's goof that became a feature of the song. The voices are clearer and lyrics more understandable, and the instrumental backup, which was somewhat unconventional in itself, is clearer as well. Being the fan that I was since the first hearing, I have to rate this 5 stars... a real winner in both music and technical quality.

78 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brings a lump to the throat, April 30, 2001

By	David E. Levine (Peekskill , NY USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I remember that when music changed from the 60s sound to disco, I heard the song "Monday Monday" being played on a radio station and I became teary eyed. Mama Cass was still alive so, it wasn't as though I was grieving for a band that could never be reassembled. Rather, I was grieving for a contemporary music style that would never be recaptured. In the sixties, there was the San Francisco sound and then, there was the more laid back sound from Southern California exemplfied by the Mamas & the Papas. Monday Monday was so evocative to me because that song epitomised this sound which was now relegated to the status of "oldies but goodies." Of course, "Monday Monday" and the equally laid back "California Dreaming" sre included on this cd, as well as the lively "Go Where You Wanna Go" (My favorite song on the cd). Another Favorite is the beautiful arrangement of the Shirelles standard "Dedicated to the One I Love" (Gosh!! weren't the Shirelles great too!!??). All in all, there are 20 well selected hits and I think you will love this collection. Now that a second band member, John Phillips, has died, it is time to revisit this group of my fond memories.

32 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars What a disappointment!, August 9, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Australia) - See all my reviews

If you are searching for the definitive M&P collection, keep looking... this is not it.

This compilation boasts that it is digitally remastered. However, the instrumentals are crisp and sadly to the fore, on most tracks the vocals have been muddied and diminished.. Cass would have not been amused.

Regrettably my cassette tape of the M&P purchased in 1969 puts this assemblage to shame.