The Mamas & The Papas, California Dreamin’ | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶| Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 96th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas & The Papas.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 96^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2024), we recollect and reflect on “California Dreamin’” performed by The Mamas & The Papas.

“All the leaves are brown (All the leaves are brown) / And the sky is gray (And the sky is gray) / I’ve been for a walk (I’ve been for a walk) / On a winter’s day (On a winter’s day).”  Those iconic, memorable lyrics hail from “California Dreamin’”, written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips. Lou Adler produced this beloved The Mamas & The Papas classic, released in 1965.  Ultimately, it appears on the folk-rock/pop band’s 1966 album, If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears. “California Dreamin’” was originally recorded by Barry McGuire in 1965. However, The Mamas & The Papas’ version was the first released. A big hit, it peaked at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

So, what makes “California Dreamin’” ‘the cat’s meow’ – the ‘sugar honey iced tea’? EVERYTHING, honestly. It exemplifies the 1960s pop sound.  It begins with one of the most memorable guitar riffs of all time.  The minor key is established from the get-go.  Also established early is the infectious groove.  Beyond that, “California Dreamin’” delivers tuneful melodies, awesome vocal harmonies, and impeccable use of the call-and-response style.

“Stopped into a church

I passed along the way

Well, I got down on my knees (Got down on my knees)

And I pretend to pray (I pretend to pray).”

Denny Doherty handles the lead vocals superbly. John Phillips, Michelle Phillips, and Cass Elliott (Mama Cass) soundly support with their backing vocals. One of the most unique sounds heard on “California Dreamin’” is a flute solo. It’s not just any flute that Bud Shank plays – it’s an alto flute. The lower-sounding instrument is perfect for this minor-key, folk rock/pop gem. “California Dreamin’” is often cited as one of the greatest songs ever.  That should come as no surprise. Take one listen and its magic is revealed. It’s cliché to say but the music speaks for itself.

The Mamas & The Papas // If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears // MCA // 1966

The Mamas & The Papas, California Dreamin’: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 96 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; MCA; OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]