Mamas & Papas Live - Our Only Option

This was admittedly not their finest performance (according to the group members in various interviews), but it is the only full concert set that's available to us. So if you love the music of the Mamas and the Papas, this is well worth the twelve bucks. Actually, it's not bad, and there is some live dialogue, too.

The Mamas and Papas Live at Monterey

Unfortunately this is the only "live" recording of the original line-up that currently exists. Although this is the group's worst live performance (John and Michelle have admitted this in their autobiographies) there are some stand-out performances, most especially "I Call Your Name", which showcases the true vocal talents of Mama Cass Elliot. The group also inflects some beautifully inspired harmony on "Got a Feelin'". With the exception of the festival finale, "Dancing in the Streets", all of the live recordings on this CD are songs that originate from their first album - their outstanding classic, "If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears". This CD should be a part of any true fan's collection but it left me wishing that there was another live recording of the band, perhaps from their concerts at Carnegie Hall or the Hollywood Bowl.

This is the best

I have had this album on vinyl and cd, it never gets old. This is raw rock and roll from a group thought to be soft pop. This has always been one of my favorite albums. This is not just for fans. I play it for friends and they all say it is awesome. I have always been a fan of live music,much less production, and this is one of the greatest. I promise you will not be disappointed.