At the time
the Mamas & the Papas broke up in 1968, it was painfully obvious that Dunhill Records was placing all their bets on
Elliot as far as a successful solo recording career. They certainly had good reason. While
Elliot wasn't always the lead voice on the hits (
Denny Doherty usually was), she provided the sound that brought the vocal majesty together, as well as an image. The "final"
Mamas single, "Dream a Little Dream," was now billed as a "
Mama Cass" single, and Dunhill quickly brought her into the studio for an album. The result is one of her finest, and an important sociological record, too. It can easily be described as the sound of Laurel Canyon in 1968, with songs by
Graham Nash (whom
Elliot was in the process of introducing to
Stills and
Crosby),
John Sebastian, and
Robbie Robertson.
John Simon exquisitely produced this album, employing his "nuts and bolts" technique that was so effective on his work with
the Band. It was a great start for her solo career. Unfortunately after this,
Elliot fell into the record industry machinery, and quickly began turning out bubblegum hits that weren't really where she was at. This sounds like a place closer to her heart, and to listeners' hearts as well. ~ Matthew Greenwald