The Mamas & The Papas - Gold

The Good and the Bad of "The Mamas & The Papas GOLD"

Anyone who purchases "The Mamas & The Papas GOLD" will not regret their purchase. This compact disc would make a wonderful starting point for any new fans recently discovering their music. The track listing is very similar to a two-dics anthology cd put out in the nineties.

The Good: Basically any song you could want is featured here...Consider it a Greatest Hits Plus.
The Bad: Other than the volume level, the mixes are basically the same as on any other reissue of their work. No one has done anything to clean up these recordings from the original tape masters. No new stereo mixes or amazing digital remasterings. They just sound a little louder with a little less tape hiss.

I am a huge fan of this group and always will be...It pains me to make these comments, but can't help but wonder why the record company who owns it has not made the effort to promote their catalogue of with a major overhaul of their recording's sound quality. Should you ever need an example of how much better things can be made with the use of ProTools, check out the Beatles Yellow Submarine reissue. All of the stereo mixes are more centralized and prestinely clean. No tape hiss or noise. All of the tracks come at you with digitalized perfection. It made them feel brand new and alive to a person who's heard those songs a million times before.

Why can't I say the same for my beloved Mamas and the Papas? When will their fans be treated to the same sonic mastery? November 13, 2008

Poor Remastering

Although a great 2 CD collection the sound quality suffers from a bad remaster job. This became evident after comparing this CD to an older best of CD that I bought a number of years ago called "16 of Their Greatest Hits." The Gold recordings have the life sucked out them, no warmth and a harsh sound compared to the other compilation. Too bad because this has more depth in song selection. September 23, 2008

WONDERFUL

IF YOU LIKE THE MUSIC OF THE MAMA'S AND PAPA'S YOU WILL LOVE THIS CD. July 9, 2008

fine two CD set by The Mamas & The Papas

The Mamas & The Papas certainly sounded much, much better than just any old 1960s group. They sang with their hearts and souls and their roots in folk rock produced a rock and roll sound that was smooth and easy on the ears while sending out a message. This two CD set gives us most, if not all, of the very best of The Mamas & The Papas; and true fans will want this in their collections.

The first CD has plenty of classic hits. "Monday, Monday" is a stream of consciousness type ballad that works very well; and the group harmonizes and uses the percussion really nicely. "Straight Shooter" features the band at their very best; and I really like this song. "California Dreamin'" inspired so many young people to flock to California to find peace, harmony, a better life and love. "California Dreamin'" has a sound to it that is absolutely majestic; this is a masterpiece by The Mamas & The Papas.

"The `In' Crowd" continues the hits with a good beat and awesome guitar and percussion; and "Dancing Bear" is a story about a chimney sweep that John sings so sweetly. "Dancing Bear" gets even more strength from subtle key and tempo changes. "Words Of Love" features Mama Cass singing while the group backs her up with vocals and instruments. "Dancing In The Street" is a wonderful number that The Mamas & The Papas deliver flawlessly; this number really makes you want to jump up and dance wherever you are!

The second CD continues the hits. "Dedicated To The One I Love" offers Michelle the chance to do some solo singing and the group joins in at just the right times to bolster the number. "Dedicated To The One I Love" has an awesome musical arrangement, too. "Creeque Alley," is, of course, a ballad that tells the story of how they formed a group and the people they knew or with whom they worked before they became The Mamas & The Papas. Great beat on "Creeque Alley," too!

"Twist And Shout" gets quite a slow tempo as The Mamas & The Papas put their own stamp on this tune; and listen for Cass Elliott to deliver "Dream A Little Dream Of Me" with great sensitivity. Cass could sure belt them out; but she knew to sing this one with just the right amount of subdued passion for a romantic effect.

"Twelve Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming To The Canyon)" features more great harmonizing and instrument playing; and the second CD ends with "Step Out." "Step Out" has a great sound to it; I predict that you will like this song very much.

The liner notes and the artwork are great!

The Mamas & The Papas remain a fixture in the worlds of`60s American folk rock and mainstream rock music. Their sound was unique and singularly beautiful. I highly recommend this two CD set but I also tip my hat to the CD set entitled All The Leaves Are Brown: The Golden Era Collection.

Thank you, guys! We will never forget you!
December 26, 2007

Mamas & The Papas - 'Gold' (Geffen)

Total of 32 tracks.Decent 2-CD compilation,specially for the price.Sound could be better.There are tunes here that I certainly don't remember.But,who could forget the hits?Most notable cuts include "Monday,Monday","Straight Shooter","I Call Your Name","California Dreamin'","Creeque Alley",the B-side "Look Through Any Window","The Right Somebody To Love" among others.Personally,I liked their box set 'Singles,Plus' better(see my review).Good for either the completist of any new fan. July 6, 2006

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