California Dreamin' - The Mamas and Papas | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@andyandalex]

One of the easiest S’s we’ve ever dished out, no second thoughts, easy peasy. Have a great weekend! 🔥

[@roncypert8255]

You wouldn’t be disappointed with Monday Monday, either. Cass Elliot had such an amazing voice! She passed away in 1974 at the age of 33 of a heart attack brought about by obesity and crash diets. RIP Mama Cass❤️❤️

[@zenclover8468]

Classic tune for a reason ! And Really excited to see you're finally doing some Tull. Please don't make the mistake of thinking they can only do prog rock, they arent a one trick pony. Lots of great stuff.

[@mazcasey1135]

hi, new to you great guys, please lmk what S stands for?

[@Tarkus7]

Agreed, it's always been a favorite. Other great candidate to submit for your approval would be "I Saw Her Again". kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqfEenWQeLGIh7c

[@lambokarabeekian6192]

You might also like I Got You Babe by Sonny & Cher; You Didn’t Have to be So Nice by Lovin Spoonful; Happy Together by the Turtles; Pleasant Valley Sunday by the Monkees.

[@rickmartin5132]

I'm 72 yrs young....we saw 'em bow in and now bowing out....but their sound remains, you young guys have a lot to look forward to, musically. Thx for the reaction. valid.

[@757optim]

It is somehow intoxicating to see young people today be hit by the music the way we were back then. So cool that this song put your S in gear. ; )

[@Martin.Wilson]

I feel the same. It's like going back 50 yrs and reliving the magic all over again. This is literally the only music review channel I listen to. These two lads are wired in and truly "get it".

[@vicprovost2561]

You ain't kidding, it is one of my biggest thrills in retirement watching the music of our generation being kept perpetually alive, God, there are even youngsters like Liliac and Plush playing great new rock and excellent covers of their own rock heroes from my time. Rock is in good hands and will not die, they will be listening to this song millennia in the future!

[@thomasbell7033]

@@Martin.Wilson Yes, I'm always impressed at A&A's historical perspective. So good for guys their age. They do their reading.

[@TheDivayenta]

Got me through lockdown! A lifesaver!

[@Martin.Wilson]

@@vicprovost2561 So true. It embodies something I've believed for al most 70 yrs....being a hippie isn't about when you were born....it's a state of mind that flows like a river and always will.

[@philipwhitty2838]

I’m seventy three now and this song has the power to return me to my teenage years.

[@usainwult2414]

I'm responding 7 months later, but god speed. Hope you're having a good time.

[@CEWIII9873]

That and weed?

[@chasegimbel1904]

@@CEWIII9873 more like lsd, dropped a tab with my gf and listened to this song and its was otherworldly

[@franks8048]

This is literally, one of the most iconic songs of rock history, I am so glad you guys got to experrience it, am 66 and still never tired hearing it.

[@jimbourland2131]

Same age never Tire😏

[@_D_E_N_N_I_S_]

I’ve heard it in passing all my life but recently I gave it a listen and I’m obsessed with it. Plus the blond is unbelievably beautiful.

[@oldeskoolnana7543]

I'm 65 same.

[@salinagrrrl69]

Actually The Mamas & Papas were folk singers & the is folk genra.

[@georgewachsmuth9201]

Before Auto-tune. This was some serious harmony from 4 people. Been listening to them since the late 60s. Great to see people still discovering them. Thanks.

[@mike-by3zy]

autotune is not used for harmony

[@LeannWebb61]

They had the best sound. And some time, y'all NEED to check out Mama Cass Elliot's solo of Dream A Little Dream of Me. The woman had some pipes!

[@richardctaylor79]

Mama Cass was a huge Joplin fan...

[@brianmayerchak1677]

Came here to say this. Unfortunately it is probably outside the realm of "Rock", but it's such a dynamite performance that I can't imagine anyone having any objections.

[@lisaannbarriner9633]

She did have an impossibly beautiful voice and a beautiful smile.

[@pinball1970]

@@lisaannbarriner9633 one of my fave female singers

[@donneumann6546]

Denny Dourtery was not to shabby either.

[@jeffschielka7845]

Mama's and the Papas had so many great songs. California Dreaming is a masterpiece.

[@Macdaddy418]

The musicians on this song are the notorious "Wrecking Crew". A group of studio musicians that probably played on 20% of the top 10 hits in the 60s. The Mamas and the Papas would lay down the vocals and the wrecking crew would literally bust out the song in an afternoon. There is a GREAT documentary on these guys you can find on YT

[@karlsinclair9918]

The backing track is actually lifted from Barry Mcguires version kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iVpJhugrKkrdE

[@SLOPPEWALL]

A lot more than 20%

[@bobbyscott5162]

Same thing The Monkees did. At first Wrecking Crew laid down the instrument and then the boys would lay down the vocals.

[@michaelligue3842]

You took the words right out of my mouth .

[@bjwnashe5589]

So true. Good call. The Wrecking Crew laid down so many great tracks.

[@a_squuared7530]

One of the greatest songs of all time, no question.

[@DWQMusic]

Denny Doherty is one of the most underrated singers ever, his bluesy tone is absolutely stunning.

[@pmccservices]

I’ll never know just how much he loves me

[@jgsrhythm100]

I am friends with Cass Elliot's daughter Owen (schoolmates). After her mother passed Cass's younger sister, Leah Kunkel (also great artist) took care of her and session drummee giant & producer Russ Kunkle(Carol King,CSN,James Taylor,,Bob Dylan and many more) is like her father. For some reason she was not in Wilson Phillips but is very close with all of them. Check Owen at R&R Hall of Fame accepting on behalf of her mother.

[@loosilu]

Wow! Does Owen sing too?

[@patriciamorgan6545]

When you mentioned the name Kunkel, I immediately wondered if there was a connection to Russ (know his work from JT, CK, CSN, etc.). I remember being so shocked and saddened when Cass Elliot passed so suddenly, and at such a young age. I'm happy after all this time to know her daughter had a safe, loving, and also a musical upbringing.🎶

[@jgsrhythm100]

@@loosilu Yes, but never really pursued it. She's the best. Watch Mama's & Papa's Rockn Roll Hall of Fame induction. Owen speaks for her Mama Cass

[@jgsrhythm100]

Here is a link with Owen speaking about Cass. kzbin.info/www/bejne/naulnX6FaaZ-Y6s

[@patriciamorgan6545]

@@jgsrhythm100 Aw, that was sweet. Thank you for posting that!

[@johnhughes3214]

Just recently read an interview with Anthony Kiedis (lead singer of Red Hot Chili Peppers) during which he said listening to the harmonies in the music of the Mama's and the Papas, and Mama Cass' voice in particular, helped him survive some very down periods in his life.

[@mori1bund]

That might explain why my favorite RHCH song "Otherside" actually gives me some "California Dreaming" vibes although it's a completely different song.

[@kbusby4824]

Was going to post the same. I read it yesterday.

[@alexjbennett1017]

"Some very down periods in his life" -- he came back from a heroin addiction. Respect.

[@TheDivayenta]

Cass had the voice and charm of the Great Mother- no wonder she soothed our hearts.

[@paulkingartwerks7981]

The Byrds, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, and The Mamas & the Papas birthed the beginnings of the Laurel Canyon music scene and how the echo of these artists' creations reverberated across the world. Great reaction. Beach Boys did a cover of this too. You need to react to the great documentary regarding this era, "Echo In The Canyon" by Jakob Dylan.

[@chariotdrvr14]

Yup. And, don't forget that John Phillips helped to organize the 1967 Monterrey Pop Festival which really helped to impel the hippy movement not to mention the careers of people like Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, ...etc., etc., etc.. They really were the band of the times.

[@jonnylumberjack6223]

Cheers for that man, deffo going to check out that doc, it's one I've not seen. Appreciate you :)

[@originalhgc]

Gotta disagree on Jakob Dylan's movie "Echo in the Canyon." I cannot recommend it. I DO recommend the CSNY documentary on Amazon called "Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young -- Fifty by Four." It covers the Laurel Canyon scene in great detail, and is a lot more interesting than what Dylan delivers.

[@brianmayerchak1677]

And the Doors

[@gmbenz2482]

With the exception of the Beach Boys who were great in their own right, the others were all folkies (folk singers/musicians) who traded in their acoustic guitars for electric after seeing the Beatles.

[@EchoBravo370]

This is why Gen X'ers and Boomers HATE autotune. The voices in this song are so amazing, but still very human and imperfect in a way. Bring back the humanity in the vocals. It's worth it!

[@Ron-Ayres]

You might be interested in the channel called WingsOfPegasus - it's a British musician who brilliantly breaks down whether an artist is using autotune or not and how to spot it - not always obvious. He covers all genres of music and eras. He also really understands voices and gives excellent critiques of how they're using their pipes. Enjoy!

[@ponymon4283]

The Association had some of the biggest hits of the 1960's in Windy, Cherish, Never My Love, and Along Comes Mary yet there are only very few reactions to these songs. Its as if the group has been totally forgotten. I highly recommend checking these songs out.

[@sharrongrant6240]

The Association did not play one instrument on their first album. The instruments were played by Hal Blaine, Joe Osborne, Tommy Tedesco...just the way it was done then. Great songs!

[@MariaM-qm1cl]

I really love their "Requiem for the Masses" too

[@Boomslang55]

@@sharrongrant6240 Yup, The Wrecking Crew rules!

[@gwydion56]

Yeah, I would love to see a reaction to any of those songs!

[@jennifercottee9002]

Loved the association

[@surlechapeau]

A&A, their "Monday Monday"; "Creeque Alley"; Dream A Little Dream Of Me (ft. Mama Cass) and Make Your Own Kind of Music(Cass Elliot solo) are next for you! Great harmonies, but Mama Cass and Denny Doherty had the best voices of the group.

[@flnthrn2]

Creeque Alley tells the story of folk/rock/pop in the 60's. Plus, it's a toe tapper.

[@roncypert8255]

Yes sir! All are great songs. Cass Elliot had such an amazingly beautiful voice! Another mega talented artist who was taken from us too young! RIP Mama Cass❤️❤️

[@emilyflotilla931]

Monday Monday for sure!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Word. Monday Monday has to be the next tune from the Mamas and the Papas.

[@dennisloveland498]

Monday Monday for sure, but add I Saw Her Again and Twelve Thirty (Young Girls are Coming to the Canyon) to the list.

[@tjoconnell2524]

This song is just a masterpiece. Glad you guys are gonna react to it.

[@JBHogan]

In 1966, when this song came out, I was stationed in Japan (having joined out of California) and it really made me melancholy to hear it with over a year left in my assignment overseas.

[@scottcurtin2598]

I dunno but that’s the best flute solo ever. Haunting and beautiful.

[@hak4890]

“I saw her again (last night)” is another incredible song. 👍

[@catbutte4770]

"Monday, Monday" is another excellent The Mamas & The Papas song! 😻

[@johnhughes3214]

Can't wait for this reaction. This song still gives me proverbial goosebumps all these decades later.

[@rochlejeune5789]

"Twelve Thirty" the MOST underappreciated song by the Mamas and Papas.

[@parkermills3328]

indeed......

[@avlisk]

I recall a contest of sorts with John Sebastian and John Phillips. One wrote a song about "time" and bet the other one he couldn't also write a song about time. (6 O'clock and 12:30 were the songs. I don't recall which one was first.)

[@denisehooke3833]

Yes indeed. My favourite! 🇦🇺

[@RM-iq7dk]

One of their most under appreciated songs.

[@hak4890]

“I saw her again (last night)” is another great song.

[@Rodgerdodger66]

"Dedicated to the One I Love" is another classic of theirs that I haven't seen mentioned much in these comments. A master class in vocal arrangement.

[@billide1463]

Absolutely correct! Gotta listen to that one.

[@orangeandblackattack]

I had a crush on Michelle Phillips for years and I love her doing that song

[@patriciagoodwin1922]

Agree!! It starts off soft then BAMMM, love it!

[@tiffersworld380]

Another S in the making

[@kv99990]

John Phillips' songwriting and arranging were perfect for that moment in the 60's. One of those windows that opened briefly during those quickly changing times.

[@damienparis5377]

beautifully stated mate....nice

[@marklewis8067]

too bad he turned out to be a complete lunatic who got lost in drugs and had an incestuous relationship with his teenage daughter

[@lloydbraun6026]

@@damienparis5377 He was also a degenerate who slept with his daughter Mackenzie Phillips and would let his friends sleep with her as well, including Mick Jagger

[@chrisdelisle3954]

If you like that one: "Monday, Monday," "Dedicated To The One I Love" and "I Saw Her Again." For a year or two, they were incredible. As someone else has mentioned, the inter-personal relationships of the band were...interesting. Both during the band's recording career and afterwards.

[@dawsonp3314]

Idk why but I love "Dedicated To The One I love" the harmonies and piano work are intoxicating, I even like the version by The Temprees as well!

[@firefly7519]

Oh yeah, Monday Monday!! Great song.

[@jml-rj5re]

@@dawsonp3314 The best.

[@sagnyc]

Monday Monday is a masterpiece.

[@loosilu]

Yeah, there's John and his daughters.

[@garywilson5103]

I Saw Her Again Last Night is another great song from them... probably their most pop sounding song.

[@thatrobguy]

Came here to suggest the same thing.

[@donnaj9769]

John’s revenge song to Denny & Michelle. 😁

[@TheCybertiger9]

good choice Gary

[@ClubOohLaLa-fq3sb]

I was surprised you guys liked this so much. Some people nowadays don't get it. It is a classic. Simply dreamlike and timeless.

[@scout3939]

From the 60s. This song was so popular!

[@cherinoelke]

Man, you guys were on the train to sauce town almost immediately. This is no doubt an S tier song, from a pioneering folk rock band. It's one of those songs you never get tired of listening to.

[@robland6804]

A quintessential 60s classic. "Twelve Thirty" is another great Mamas Papas song, used in the last Tarantino film.

[@alexvillarreal6039]

My favorite of theirs.

[@PaulWhytcross]

@@alexvillarreal6039 Mine too. Just wonderful.

[@mscommerce]

Twelve Thirty is terrific, but still a notch below this. But lyrically speaking, it is totally a sequel to this song, being written from the point of view of a person who made that jump, and moved from New York City to California. I don't think it was meant that way, but the two songs become a two part story if you listen to them one after another.

[@BenLapke]

The lead singer Denny Doherty had one of the best voices in rock music.

[@NYCOPERAFAN]

He was great but Cass was even better, he's certainly not their ONLY "lead singer".

[@BenLapke]

@@NYCOPERAFAN so true. I should have clarified the lead male singer on the song.

[@j0hnn13K]

That was a golden age in music, the 60's gave us so many great bands, artists, albums and songs, probably one of the most creative times in music history.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

CSN met at Mama Cass' house.

[@robertbroatch6919]

absolutely no doubt-was so fortunate to be in my late teens when it all went down

[@lynnlubben8750]

We had the great, very diverse music... 60s 70s

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I can't tell you how much it warms this old man's heart to see you young folks put on the stank face when that flute solo dropped. Brings a tear to my eye, I tell ya...

[@TheCybertiger9]

Mark r u still with the Raiders ?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

@@TheCybertiger9 Okay, I need a nickel from ya.

[@johnhughes3214]

This song and Undun by The Guess Who Are my two favorite 60s songs by non British Invasion bands (Beatles, The Who, Led Zeppelin, etc). You guys have got to hear Undun!

[@allisonreed7682]

My thoughts exactly! In fact, I recommended it, too!

[@johnhughes3214]

@@allisonreed7682 I know. I saw your comment.

[@chariotdrvr14]

They truly were an important band of that time. That pivotal point when the folk movement started morphing into electric genres... folk and rock musicians networking and creating alliances that would change the next number of years. Mama Cass Elliot's house was where she would host musicians like Joni Mitchell, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Steven Stills, Judy Collins and even Eric Clapton. John Phillips the leader of the Mamas&Papas helped to organize the 1967 Monterrey Pop Festival which introduced Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Otis Redding to a wider public. And honestly, you've barely scratched the surface of so many great songs that they'd recorded.

[@carolynschmidt7672]

Exactly!

[@sherigrow6480]

Yes, this!

[@alexjbennett1017]

They even influenced the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as John Hughes noted in these comments (see their album "By the Way" especially). I can hear the Mamas & Papas in REM and Stone Roses too -- the love of celestial harmony vocals.

[@thomastimlin1724]

not a band. a singing group.

[@chariotdrvr14]

@@thomastimlin1724 I think you're quibbling over terms when their make up was much more fluid than that. While three members did indeed only sing, their leader John Phillips played guitar along with the rest of their back up band (whoever it was at that moment.) Sometimes some very famous pop/folk personalities played back up for them. They were a folk band any way that you cut it. No one is going to say that, forinstance, Peter, Paul & Mary were just singers...because they weren't. They were a group with a rotating lineup. That's all.

[@susanhoward531]

The song was written by John and Michelle Phillips. They were living in NY at the time. Michelle was a California native and was longing to go home to California. John woke her up in the middle of the night to help him write it. The song turned out to be their ticket to California and fame. Check out some more of their songs. They were fantastic.

[@dillonbaruti6055]

I wish I could hear this song for the first time again. Even after hearing it thousands of times I still get that weary but beautiful feeling this song brings. IMO one of the most perfect songs ever created

[@szqsk8]

I was 8 years old in 1966 and this song makes me think of mom driving us around in our station wagon with this in the radio and my mom always sang along with it. We had just moved to Los Angeles from Massachusetts and it was a great time to be out here. I m 65 now and I love still California although now must people here are dreamin’ about leaving here instead of coming here.

[@tedprickett6946]

As an older guy, sometimes it is hard for me to believe the bands or groups you have never heard before. Glad you finally got to this one. They did lots of great music & have always been one of my favorites.

[@jeffmartin1026]

Yep, the quality of music in the 60's - this was the quality of the day and is still amazing. The song was written by Papa John when he and Michelle were living in NYC and it was what they were dreaming about.

[@blackeyedlily]

I was going to leave a similar comment about the origin of the song.

[@sukie584]

It’s what Michelle was dreaming about. She is a Cali girl & wanted to go back, so he wrote the song.

[@bethkoch11]

Their music, especially this song, brings back such strong memories for me. I saw them in concert in 1966, when they were huge. Guess who opened for them: The Rolling Stones!

[@crocadillius6418]

Really? That’s hilarious

[@clbdyc]

I was born in 1966😁

[@djm4457]

That is a such a great memory to have!

[@calebclunie4001]

Little bit of Help, for The Mamas, & The Papas, with "Mother's Little Helper"?

[@michaellazzeri2069]

December of '65, all throiugh the winter of '66. this was THE song !! Everyone was singing along. ----MJL

[@completecharleston7142]

The years 1964 to 1970 were simply amazing in musical creativity - the vast array of bands such as the M&P, The Beatles, Hendrix, The Doors, Joplin, Grand Funk Railroad, Iron Butterfly, CCR, Steppenwolf, Cream, Dave Clark 5 , The Who, The Cowsills and many, many more (along with the relatively new inception of FM radio, as well as stereo recordings with discrete panning of instruments and vocals) made it a great time to be a teenager / budding musician.

[@Martin.Wilson]

John Phillips was a perfectionist and would do dozens of takes for each track. He insisted the harmonies had to be perfect and knew it was right when "the fifth voice showed up". This track is a fine example of the fifth voice....that's what raises the goosebumps.

[@djhrecordhound4391]

Funny that Phillips allowed his own vocal mistake through on "I Saw Her Again". Probably took lots of convincing from the producer to leave it in

[@bradsmack1]

@@djhrecordhound4391 The producer? Lou Adler. But, engineer, Bones Howe (known for his production on 5th Dimension sides) had an important say, as well (from The Wrecking Crew documentary): "While mixing the record, Howe punched in the coda vocals too early, inadvertently including Denny's false start on the third chorus ('I saw her...'). "Despite attempting to correct the error, the miscued vocal could still be heard on playback. Producer Adler liked the effect, and told Howe to leave it in the final mix."

[@djhrecordhound4391]

@@bradsmack1 Thank you, I totally forgot that was where Lou Adler came from! I grew up on comedy, so knew of him via Cheech and Chong and Ode Records. Bones Howe's name is on a bunch of records in my collection too. Still I bet if he was such a perfectionist, John Phillips at least had to be talked into keeping it

[@bradsmack1]

@@djhrecordhound4391 Oh, no doubt! The whole room (whomever heard the playback) I'm guessing, had to be convinced! The fact, too, that Howe & Adler let such a usually obvious "boo-boo" go is monumental in hindsight, knowing how perfectionist the ones responsible for the final product had habits of being! Now, it's nothing short of endearing, and a necessary spotlight on a moment in rock history that has helped prove that everything in rock isn't or doesn't have to be sterile and "perfect"!

[@hongchen2554]

Classic song! "Monday Monday" is their other song that reaches the heights. Another song with a similar vibe, at least to me, is "San Francisco", by Scott Mackenzie.

[@lreadlResurrected]

It should. John Phillips wrote it. ;-)

[@alycetaylor7138]

agree, love them both!

[@dougtombaugh4438]

Yep, Phillips and McKenzie were in folk “super group” The Journeymen in the early 60’s.

[@robertbroatch6919]

Wish they would have done a version--

[@skrozar2000]

The TURTLES were another band who harmonized with the best of them! BADFINGER also.

[@michaelnorris7353]

This is for sure "S" tier. This is their best song. They had other hits like "Monday Monday" & "Dream A Little Dream Of Me" but for sure "California Dreaming" to me is their very best. An interesting note - John Phillips was one of the people directly responsible for the Monterey Pop Festival in 1968. By that time the Mamas & Papas had pretty had their run but they were around for a couple of more years after that.

[@DandyLion662a]

Others worth a listen are Got a Feeling and Creque Alley. Agree that California Dreamin' is their best. Fabulous song.

[@orangeandblackattack]

Monterey Pop Festival was June 16-18, 1967 not 1968. songs were still on charts

[@michaelnorris7353]

@@orangeandblackattack Thanks for pointing that out - that was a typo on my part. Yes their tunes by 1967 were still charting but not as high as "California Dreaming". They were in a steady downward spiral popularity wise because of peoples` tastes changing from the commercial AM radio scene to the more rocking FM scene. You can see it quite plainly at the Monterey concert with the audience reactions to them after bands like The Who & Jimi Hendrix had performed - they didn`t get half as much applause. Also Cass Elliot was wanting to go solo in the late 60`s a sure sign their group was beginning to break up & go in different directions. Bottom line - yes they still charted, they still had a fan base - but no where near where they did when "California Dreaming" & Monday Monday" came out.

[@jamesfetherston1190]

@@michaelnorris7353 FM radio certainly had more of an experimental bent in the late 1960s, but at the time of Monterey POP, there were very, very few stations broadcasting on FM, and the vast majority of radios in the USA were AM only. The most notable stations in FM were classical until later in that year and decade, AM radio really remained king until the mid 1970s.

[@michaelnorris7353]

@@jamesfetherston1190 I grew up in Canada in Toronto & in 1968 we were abandoning AM radio for FM in great numbers. The Canadian music scene was very different from the American one. We were privaledged to have heard the Beatles a year before they were heard in America as well as a lot of the other British groups because Canada was still part of the British Empire in those days. Also because our own music scene was so small American & British music was what we had. We were very open to anything new & FM radio was one of those. I can remember quite clearly talking with friends about what do you like better - AM or FM - and that was in the late 1960`s. By the mid 1970`s for us AM was something from the past.

[@bobfreedman9607]

This: Creeque Alley "Creeque Alley" is an autobiographical hit single written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and the Papas in late 1966, narrating the story of how the group was formed, and its early years. The third song on the album Deliver, it peaked at #5 on the U.S. Billboard pop singles chart the week of Memorial Day 1967. It made #9 on the UK charts, and #4 on the Australian and #1 on the Canadian charts.

[@TheZodiacz]

I've never heard anyone react to Creeque Alley. I don't know why!

[@toriboy25]

@@TheZodiacz Same! I wish someone would!

[@jeffgootee82]

You should check out "dedicated to the one I love ". Cass Elliott had an incredible voice. You would enjoy her solo work.

[@djhrecordhound4391]

If they do that song, they should also do the first hit version by The Shirelles, then the original doo-wop version by the 5 Royales, a group which deserves a deep dive of its own. Guitarist Lowman Pauling was an absolute legend! Don't get me wrong, The Mamas and Papas version is beautiful, but history warrants acknowledgement for that one.

[@Joshuadgog]

This is such a iconic song. Glad you hit it.

[@Jill-ni8fe]

Timeless classic, never gets old. That flute solo was harder than most guitar solos yes!

[@eileendobbs8009]

Hell yeah. I played flute and bending notes like that isn't easy.

[@RockyMtnRebecca]

Not really LOL I played it when I was in Jr High. lol

[@Jill-ni8fe]

I meant the feel not the technique

[@RockyMtnRebecca]

@@Jill-ni8fe True... I had an amazing teacher who played all woodwinds and he taught me what and how to do it. I sounded pretty good on it by 9th grade. But I probably listened to this tune and especially the flute interlude 1000x lol

[@DSanto-bk6oq]

Their song "Creeque Alley" has always been one of my favorites. In it, they sing a brief history of the L.A. folk-rock scene of the time, mentioning greats like Roger Mcguinn, Barry Mcguire and John Sebastian...all delivered with some rocking harmony.

[@aerynsunx]

It's a song about *their* history; starting in the NYC Greenwich Village folk scene, who was hot in that scene, how they met each other and formed a group, whose was at the top of the whole scene ("McGuinn and McGuire, couldn't get no higher") and how they eventually got to live their California dream.

[@wandaphillips9494]

I was going to say the same thing, I just happened to have that song on my mind all day today.

[@InvidiousProductions]

Joan & Mitchy were gettin’ kinda itchy

[@loosilu]

John Sebastian is the guy who made tie dye popular at Woodstock. He tie dyed Roger Daltrey's stage outfit, you can see the dyed version in the Isle of Wight video one year after Woodstock.

[@blaine3615]

Yes, yes, yes & more yes to Creeque Alley!

[@b.walter6646]

That was jazzman Bus Shank on flute. The Mamas & Papas producer met Bud in the hallway during a break in the recording session and asked him to bring his sax & flute into their session for a few minutes. Shank figured out the solo quickly, the band loved it and the rest is history.

[@flubblert]

1960s game changer... as in American rock. All time classic!!

[@go234ko96ts5]

This song is a classic from my teen years, one I never forgot or didn't appreciate. So happy you guys gave this masterpiece a "S". Many other good songs by the Mamas and Papas are, I Saw Her Again and Monday, Monday. I'm so lucky to have been around the 60's, 70's and 80's to indulge in such great written and sounding music. Nice going Andy & Alex in presenting these classics.

[@amandagarten9793]

Yes I totally agree with you 💯 !! I have their CD and I just LOVE IT! Dancing Bear and Look Through My Window are more positively Gr8 ones. ❤️🔥🔥🔥

[@michaelasay8587]

@@amandagarten9793 gosh do people still buy CD's? You don't have to anymore

[@amandagarten9793]

@@michaelasay8587 yah i actually have a heck lot of CDs(almost 100 the last time i counted). but i did just recently get a record player for xmas from my mom along with some records. Haven't used my CD player as much since then :) everybody i know says i was born in the wrong generation, lol.

[@mobanewman7139]

My Mom LOVES Mama Cass, so I grew up with her music. I sang "Dream a Little Dream" to my own kids as a lullaby...Cass' version. They are perfect to listen to when you are trying to stay awake driving...just harmonize along!!!!

[@Festvangelist]

I cannot tell you how BIG The Mamas and Papas were. They were quintessential California west coast vibe. Their music stands the test of time. Mama Cass Elliott had perfect pitch and was the heart of the harmonics from this group. Meant hits !

[@Tall-Cool-Drink]

If you've never heard this song before, you've been living under a rock....and you need to EXPAND your musical horizon.

[@robland6804]

THAT was a fun reaction -- hilarious. From electing the dude with the sewage plan to the band looking like lasagna chefs, you guys were on rare form here.

[@dougbowers4415]

I can’t believe you’ve never heard that before. It’s part of the soundtrack of life. Mama Cass later known as Cass Elliott had the most amazing voice, so distinctive and amazing. Check out “Words of Love”, “Dedicated To The One I Love”, “Glsd To Be Unhappy”, “Monday, Monday“, and “Safe In My Garden”.

[@okiejohn3925]

Every time I think of Mama Cass I think of the video of her sitting in the audience of the 1967 Monteray Pop Festival when she apparently was first introduced to Janis Joplin, singing "Ball and Chain" ( I think it was), and her mouth was just hanging open in awe of Janis.

[@glenndespres5317]

OMG…. Can’t believe this has been missed! Can’t wait! But pleeeese don’t miss Twelve Thirty (Young Girsls are Coming to the Canyon) that’d be Laurel Canyon

[@donlum9128]

I always loved this song!!! Lived in CA from 85 to 91.

[@lucianananni142]

I am so glad that young people like you appreciate 60's and 70's music. ❤

[@rjnuzzi1648]

Mostly performed by Phil Spector's famed 'wrecking crew' session musicians, along with legendary composer, & head 'Papa' John Phillips... the folk rock track typifies the beginning of 'summer of love', more importantly informing how some NY folkies made their trek to Haight Ashbury in San Francisco. .. Phillip's wrote another classic for & about that trek, sung by Scott MacKenzie 'Going To San Francisco', another beaut!!!

[@kathyrams]

Wrecking crew - YES! Phil Spector - NO! Lou Adler produced this song.

[@karlsinclair9918]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iVpJhugrKkrdE

[@rjnuzzi1648]

@@kathyrams yes... I know... but the 'crew' was formed on Spector's label, on his time... they branched out to do many other artists...

[@kathyrams]

@@rjnuzzi1648 gotta. Carol Kaye is a musical hero of mine. I found some music lessons she has on KZbin. She changed my playing from a scale approach to a chordal approach. Hard for me to explain here but she changed me.

[@rjnuzzi1648]

@@kathyrams to think of all the famous songs!! From 'Be My Baby' to all of Pet Sounds!! Even Sinatra's 'Strangers In The Night'... she & Hal Blain are historic...

[@dustinsutton6166]

Creeque Alley is a killer autobiographical song that you need to hit. It would be great to incorporate into one of your livestream Playlists.

[@Thepirireis]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@pandacosu8217]

And everybody's gettin' fat, cept Mama Cass

[@dggydddy59]

The only thing is, that song makes so many references to other early to mid 60's musicians and bands that A&A wouldn't have the slightest idea what they're talking about. Plus once you hear "fat Mama Cass" once, it's like OK OK I get it!

[@dustinsutton6166]

@@dggydddy59 they have hit The Byrds so that provides the Roger McGuin reference. They have not hit "Eve Of Destruction" by Barry McGuire (which also needs to make it on a poll at some point). But that's why I suggested a live stream because the comment section will fill in the blanks.

[@dggydddy59]

@@dustinsutton6166 OK, gotcha!

[@jennhurl]

I love the video of Janice Joplin's first live performance ever where she sang "Ball & Chain" at Monterey and they kept showing Mama Cass Elliot in the audience stunned, jaw practically dropped open watching & hearing her. EPIC VIDEO!!

[@privatename123]

Metaphor for how quickly music was changing then. The documentary of the festival pointed out how it was a change of the guard from folksy stuff to rock, from the M&Ps to Jimi and Janus.

[@loosilu]

@@privatename123 The Who were also at that show. Talk about a change in sound.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

And then Janis would turn up for every Creedence show!

[@TonyPucci11]

Just wait until you hear their hit “Monday, Monday”…absolutely beautiful! Another S tier!

[@pmccservices]

unless they dont react that way. IMO this is the Masterpiece. One per band.

[@beverlysmith8025]

How could this not touch your soul? Spectacular...I feel so blessed to have grown up with this music.

[@bobrob2004]

I highly recommend "Creeque Alley," which tells the story of how the Mamas and Papas got together. Mentions Roger McGuinn (from the Byrds), Barry McGuire, and Zal Yanovsky , and John Sebastian of the Lovin' Spoonful.

[@wildcatfey]

Great song!

[@somersetcace1]

Yeah, that verse "Stopped into a church...." Always gets me.

[@ingrid8994]

Yes! The delivery is just sooo ugh 😩

[@DannyD714]

i was 5 when this song came out,and had 2 brothers and a sister in their teens,so 60s music was everywhere in my childhood. seeing it rediscovered over 50 years later is a testament to how great that era was in music history. the sound of the mamas and the papas is timeless.

[@patrickingalls5954]

Same I was six had older siblings. This song even being just six made me think wow! My oldest sister taught me how to dance the twist and the shag and the swim. My oldest brothers and sister got to see the Beach Boys and the Animals live at a local nightclub called The Ponytail. I used to be mad and jealous they got to go and I was too young. The Boxtops were playing there the night my oldest bro met my sister in law. Unfortunately the place burnt down in 1969. Bummer!

[@DannyD714]

@@patrickingalls5954 the music of that time seemed to always be in the background because of transistor radios. my sister and brothers had them, and they were always on. so even if i wasn't aware of the subject matter of a song like "california dreaming",the music itself was penetrating my mind. if i hear it today i'm immediately 5 years old swimming in our backyard pool in the summer of '66 with the smell of the charcoal bbq cooking burgers in the air.

[@MarkFreeman-kd2hz]

The intro to this song sends chills down my spine everytime I hear it. Which means it's a classic. Totally love ❤ 😍 this song.

[@inkey2]

It saddens me that many young people who are music buffs or musicians are not aware of some of the best music ever made and......without AUTOTUNE. Glad these guys are doing a lot of rock archeology because you will hear stuff that will blow your mind.

[@aileenturrietta7553]

Those of you who are saying that it's unbelievable they have never heard this song before... Really? ... It was released in 1965. You can hear something in passing but not pay any attention to it. And so, can't wait to see your reaction. I love this song. We had cold winters in PA Dec of '65.

[@emilyflotilla931]

Just can't believe they haven't covered it yet...

[@BeeLineEast]

Yes Aileen cool you mentioned the Winter of 65. I'm from Pa. Also and when I here this song I associate this song with that winter also. A friend of mine at the time walking across a field in snow over our knees. I think back and this song comes to mind. I was 14 when this song came out. Where did the time go

[@aileenturrietta7553]

@@BeeLineEast I know we were California Dreaming then. Brrrrr.

[@BeeLineEast]

@@aileenturrietta7553 Yes I'll say. I remember being off school a whole week. The roads kept drifting shut. Remember the old snow fences. Don't see them anymore. Thanks for responding.

[@NightWindsMusic]

For perspective’s sake, a song that was this old in 1965 would’ve come out in 1909.

[@66edoug]

The harmony is incredible. Definitely an all time classic. Nice job guys.

[@kimmycook2698]

This song evokes so many emotions...it was a favorite as a kid in the 70's and it still gives me chills.

[@HamiltonRb]

I know what you mean about stirring emotions from that time. We were in high school, and 5 of us were in in my car, singing at the top of our lungs when this song came on the radio one time, and everything just felt so great in the world at that moment. Plus I had such a crush on Michelle Phillips back then. Those were the days

[@barbarastrayhorn4667]

We were so spoiled by a great amount of wonderful songs just by turning on the radio. Great time.

[@dusty52267]

I couldn't be happier you both hit "S" with no looking back. Love to see you guys falling in love with the sound that helped form the soundtrack of a generation. As always, great video fellas.

[@markjacobsen8335]

You guys should watch the "Echo In The Canyon" documentary. It's about all the music that came out of Laurel Canyon in the 60s, which included the Mamas And The Papas. It's excellent.

[@jwaldhelm]

Agreed Mark, it is excellent.

[@sjw5797]

This one is terrific, but "I Saw Her Again" is their masterpiece.

[@NathanWind99]

My favorite M&P song. I love when Denny comes in too early but they left it in the recording, it's a mistake that makes the song better.

[@LBinsocal]

Totally agree!

[@TheCybertiger9]

Yep or Monday Monday

[@spicy321]

When Paul McCartney heard that he said it has to be a mistake, nobody's that clever!

[@wayne_twentyfive]

I really love that song .. It's just a pity that IMHO the mix is too muddy vocal-wise .. The voices needed to be a bit more prominent and clear .. Could have made an already brilliant song into a legendary one ! .. Interesting back story too, with how John Phillips wrote it about his wife Michelle cheating on him with fellow group member Denny Doherty.

[@mattshaw6180]

Their sound is among the most evocative and definitive of the 1960s, and they were in the center of things stateside. They were the "hosts" of the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 since leader John Philips was among the organizers. Their "Go Where You Wanna Go" is a favorite of mine...

[@foxandscout]

And that is Momma Cass saying, “Wow” while watching/listening to Janis Joplin. Singing the song everyone has been begging you to react to. An iconic moment in time: not only Janis but the entire festival.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

@@foxandscout Such a great shot, glad they caught her reaction on film.

[@MrErrandboy]

"I SAW HER AGAIN" great song, even has a mistake in the original recording that they left in and it doesn't hurt the song in any way. great song!

[@shaun374]

What’s the mistake? Only thing I can think of is the false start coming out of the bridge about 3/4 of the way through.

[@kathystammen8774]

Always loved the line “stopped into a church, I passed along the way, got down on my knees and I begin to pray.” Just gives me goosebumps!!

[@Bearhasmusic]

Great review, I've heard this song a million times and always loved it; but, I never deconstructed it and hearing your breakdown made me listen to it in a different way which elevated my appreciation for a song that is already a classic for that ERA. It's why we love this channel!!

[@richardanderson3322]

This was the music a 13 year old boy (me) would listen to in the "60s while I was figuring out life. Listening to WLS out of Chicago constantly (no FM yet) and absorbing all the sounds and harmonies of not just the Mamas and the Papas but every song on the "Silver Dollar Survey". The Beatles were the kings. Believe it, music of the 60's shaped who I am today. Was thrilled when A&A raved over this song. These two young men get it!!!

[@michaelligue3842]

I too am a WLS Chicagoan

[@wallihaley5194]

I was in high school in Wheeling ( a Chicago suburb) and I spent hours in my room listening to WLS, as well as playing my albums on my stereo.

[@richardanderson3322]

@@wallihaley5194 I know where Wheeling is

[@brianmoon1058]

my dad used to talk about his days listening to WLS all the way down in Alabama

[@divaduck52]

I can still sing the WLS jingle. It was short and sweet and memorable.

[@sood9876]

So you've discovered one of the best bands ever, as rated by EVERYONE! Good for you, guys, sincerely

[@kimacronym2521]

While the song is generally sounding happy and upbeat, at the same time it feels depressing (thinking about grey skies, cold, and maybe a low point in life). This ambiguous mix together with melody and arrangement make sit such an intriguing song. For me this would be the iconic song of the 60s (the Beatles had so many, but this stands out to me). If I went back in a time capsule, this would be it !

[@jcroston3266]

This song is what makes a band a legend.

[@markgrant5305]

I can still remember hearing Monday Monday when it was released in Spring 1966. I was 13. Love it as much now as I did then. A lot of Mondays have passed under the bridge since then!

[@AliasMark69]

When you hear this song from these four black brothers you will understand why I request it. It is an experience you will never forget. After the album A MUST you will want to see them do it live.....“TIME HAS COME TODAY“- The Chambers Brothers - Album Long version, then Live. PLEASE and Thank You. After you will be thanking me. You’re Welcome

[@loosilu]

Seconded!

[@marieparsons9908]

I agree with you!

[@marcgordon6604]

Absolutely

[@mrmaticuluos]

Mainpower!

[@LeChaunce]

Hear hear!

[@safespacebear]

When I saw our boys post this I knew immediately this would be an S tier song. I'm a few years older but not old enough to have been there when this was in it's day but yeah...it's one of those songs that's just apart of our cultural furniture. I never really gave it an honest listen until a few years ago and I was just blown away. I realized that all the fuss and praise was very much well earned.

[@jmcc199]

John Phillips was a master of arrangement - of all music, voices, everything. What a sound he was able to get from these fine voices. The Mamas & Papas was all because of him - Both their success and their demise

[@WillsB1985]

I've heard this so many times and the intro still gave me goosebumps just now.

[@gwwayner]

Interesting how the guitar intro mimics a leaf slowly falling to the ground, then you hear 'All the leaves are brown'. The Mamas and the Papas epitomizes the wonderful Hippy days.

[@theivory1]

This is a pure classic. Whenever it comes on, my daughters and I just sing "all the leaves are brown" all the way through the song. No other words. It's fun.

[@alexjbennett1017]

Those are the very first words I sing too, whenever the song comes to mind -- which it has been doing often for 56 years.

[@markkracht9413]

Andy and Alex you nailed it! Well done guys. An ageless song.

[@user1952-e4g]

You have just been fortunate enough to hear one of the most unique and superbly sung classic folk-rock songs in music history. Also one of the most internationally recognized US-origin pop songs. Nice one. It gets my vote for 2022 number one; and top five of all time.

[@richie6921]

The harmony is at the very start of the song with the guitars, and then continue throughout the song. Its just one of the best songs ever made. An absolute masterpiece. When they made this amazing song, they must've realized that they had made something extraordinary. Absolutely legendary