Denny & Cass & John & Michelle
Mod-ified Music recently posted Billy J. Kramer's version of the Lennon/McCartney song "I Call Your Name." That got me thinking about the more well known version by The Mamas & The Papas, fom the album " If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears." The M & Ps are usually thought of as a light pop outfit; good, but not in the same league as Brian Wilson or the Byrds. Take a listen to their take on the song. John Phillips' jaunty arrangement. Lou Adler's clean production. Cass Elliot and Michelle Phillips' backing vocals. It may be sunshiny pop, but it's really good sunshiny pop.
The album was released with three separate covers. The one pictured was pulled for being "indecent." The toilet was covered in the second issue, and the photo was cropped in the final one, removing any hint of the setting.
Another great song, from their next, self-titled album, is "I Saw Her Again." The song contains a major goof in the final chorus. Phillips comes in a beat too early and has to repeat the first line. The mistake made it onto vinyl and went unnoticed. Also of interest is the fact that when it was recorded, John and Michelle were breaking up, as Michelle was having an affair with Denny Doherty. This only adds to the poigniancy of the vocals.
As a bonus, I've included the lesser known "12:30 (Young Girls Are Coming To The Canyon)." If there's a sound that says "Summer of Love" better than this, I've never heard it.
I Call Your Name
I Saw Her Again
12:30 (Young Girls Are Coming To The Canyon)
1 Comments:
"Twelve Thirty" has been one of my favorite songs since I first heard it in the late '60s. Thanks for turning people onto it!
By 
Uncle Gustav, at
4:17 AM
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