Mama Cass – “Dream a Little Dream”

The Sleeve:

The Liner/Sleeve Notes:
None.

Personal Review:
 So, I’m kind of a big Mamas and the Papas fan, I love all of their stuff, and have been trying to get reviews done for each of the members solo albums, so far I got John & Michelle Phillips‘ done. Mama Cass is next, of course. Denny will follow. Cass was always one of my favorites, and not solely because of the fact she looks like a family friend, but for her amazing talent – that at first no one seemed to notice and care for due to her size. Nonetheless, Cass proved herself as a singer, and voila, here she is. (On a side note, she did not die from choking on a sandwich.)

 The album opens with the title track, “Dream A Little Dream of Me” which isn’t like the traditional version we all know, it starts off with some radio static, then some thunder and lightning, and then we slowly go from an a cappella version to the version everyone knows, and Cass begins to prove herself as singer within the first few seconds of this album. She was one of the greatest voices of the 60’s and 70’s. The song is one of my favorite songs too, so it makes for a great time. Then the song ends on some radio static again. Then after that comes the song “California Earthquake” and for those who listen to the Mamas and the Papas, as I do, you’ll soon realize why Cass’ voice is the most prominent, she is just so talented – and this song is so great. I’m loving this album. “The Room Nobody Lives In” comes next, and it’s a softer, slower song, with some high points in the song, and it’s a pretty great song, all because Cass is just so talented. After that comes the song “Talkin’ to Your Toothbrush” and you know, I don’t even know what to think of the title of that song, nevertheless it’s a great one, then after that comes the song “Blues for Breakfast” and it’s just absolutely amazing, so unexpected and great. I even love the sax playing, then again, I’m a sax man. After that the A-Side closes with the track “You Know Who I Am” – and yes I do Mama Cass, you are the greatest vocalist in the Mamas and the Papas, and you were a truly underrated artist who went too soon. The song and album so far are completely wonderful, and when the chorus hits, it’s just so stunningly beautiful to hear Cass’ vocalization on this track. This is just beautiful.

 The B-Side opens with the track “Rubber Band” – and well, it’s a pretty good song. It’s not the Bowie version, but it’s still a good song. Seriously, no complaints on this album so far, everything has fallen perfectly in place. After that comes the song “Long Time Loving You” and it’s another great song, musically, it’s amazing – and well, like every other song on this album, the vocals are superb. After that comes the song “Jane, the Insane Dog Lady” which opens with some insane banjo playing, and it’s a great song too! It’s kind of a bluegrass sounding song, and Cass delivers it with such grace and beauty, it’s phenomenal! Then after that comes the track “What Was I Thinking Of” and it’s another one of the slower songs, but it does have some organ backing, and Cass could do a whole a cappella album, and it would be amazing, as she just truly was so unbelievably talented. Can we just say how amazing the guitar playing is too? And of course, Cass’ high notes rock too. “Burn Your Hatred” follows next, and Cass just kicks it off, with this country sounding song, it’s such a upbeat song with such a dark title, it’s absolutely stunning. Can we all just appreciate this album for what it is? One of the greatest pieces of music history. This is what should be played on radios today, not that stuff you actually hear. The album ends with the track “Sweet Believer” and it’s another great track, and an excellent way to close the album. The musicianship on this album rocks too. Just wanted to note that. The musicians do deserve their credit also.

Interesting Facts:
None.

Track Listing:
A1 – Dream A Little Dream of Me
A2 – California Earthquake
A3 – The Room Nobody Lives In
A4 – Talkin’ to Your Toothbrush
A5 – Blues for Breakfast
A6 – You Know Who I Am

B1 – Rubber Band
B2 – Long Time Loving You
B3 – Jane, the Insane Dog Lady
B4 – What Was I Thinking Of
B5 – Burn Your Hatred
B6 – Sweet Believer

Label:
Dunhill Records

Catalog Number:
DS-50040

Studio Musicians & Other Album Credits:
Producer – John Simon
Art Direction – Gary Burden
Photography – Henry Diltz
Musicians – Harvey Brooks, James Burton, Cyrus Faryar, Jim Gordon, John Sebastian, John Simon & Steve Stills

Other Albums I Own by Mama Cass:
None.

Other Albums I Own that Mama Cass Appears On:
“California Dreamin’ / Twelve Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming to the Canyon)”
“Farewell to the First Golden Era”

Released:
1968

Related Vinyls:

Donovan – “Donovan’s Greatest Hits” David Bowie – “Space Oddity” The Dream Academy – “The Dream Academy” David Bowie – “Space Oddity / Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud”